Edge of the ‘Burbs: The Cliffhanger

Spanish settlers called the rugged walls of this canyon Los Penasquitos (Little Cliffs). Today, the little cliffs hide lovely oak- and sycamore-shaded parkland from rapidly encroaching San Diego suburbs.

In 1823, the first Mexican governor of California, Luis Antonio Arguello, awarded a 4,000-acre land grant, Rancho Santa Maria de los Penasquitos to Capt. Francisco Maria Ruiz for his loyal service as commander of the San Diego Presidio. In 1974, the city and county of San Diego acquired the canyon for a park.

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail, an old ranch road, travels the six-mile length of the canyon. The trail is designated multiuse, meaning mountain-bike riders, horseback riders and hikers use the same path, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in conflict.

The canyon can be explored from trail heads located at both its west and east ends. While a 12-mile, end-to-end round-trip canyon walk is possible, most hikers prefer to travel about halfway into the canyon to a waterfall. Trekking in from the west end, the shadeless trail stays far from the creeks, so it is not as pleasant as the east side.

While you’re in Los Penasquitos Canyon, at the east trail head, consider driving another 2 1/2 miles up Black Mountain Road to San Diego’s Black Mountain Open Space Park.

A 2 1/2-mile trail loops around the mountain and a steep, one-mile climb to the summit rewards you with ocean vistas from Dana Point to Tijuana. On clear days you may even spot Catalina Island and Mt. Baldy.

Directions to trail head: From Interstate 15 in San Diego, a few miles south of the community of Rancho Bernardo, exit on Mercy Road and drive east 1 1/4 mile to Black Mountain Road and the entrance to Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. The path into the canyon begins at the edge of the large parking area.

The hike: For the first mile, the wide dirt road stays close to the little cliffs above the canyon floor. The native willows and antiquarian oaks are joined by a grove of eucalyptus.

Near mile 2 (posts along the road mark your progress) the path meanders through a grassland, dotted in spring with California poppies and other wildflowers. A bit beyond mile 3, take one of the side paths down to the canyon bottom and to the waterfall.

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Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail Where: Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. Distance: East trail head to waterfall is 6 miles round trip. Terrain: Meadows, tree- shaped canyon. Highlights: Spring wildflowers, waterfall. Degree of Difficulty: Easy- moderate. Precautions: Abundant poison oak near creek; stay on trail. For More Information: San Diego County Parks and Recreation Department, 5201 Ruffin Road, Suite P, San Diego, Calif. 92123; tel. (619) 694-3049.