Los Peñasquitos Canyon Reserve

Los Peñasquitos, translating to ‘little cliffs’, is bounded by the majestic Sorrento Hills and Rancho Peñasquitos in the north and the gorgeous Mira Mesa in the south. Sprawled across an area of 11 kilometers, the canyon preserve is one of the largest urban parks in the USA. Both the County of San Diego and the City of San Diego jointly administer the area, offering tours to the locals and tourists alike.

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Reserve is home to the ancient Rancho Santa Maria de Los Peñasquitos, an adobe shelter that has been occupying the area since the 1820s. In addition to being a historical preserve, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Reserve houses over 500 types of plants and around 200 species of birds. Various reptiles, mammals, and amphibians have also found their shelters here, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the park. Among the most frequently spotted mammals in this area are bobcats, mule deer, rabbits, and coyotes.

The highlight of the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Reserve is the cascading waterfall that travels down a volcanic rock. The freshwater stream that traverses the reserve is populated by crayfish, Pacific tree frogs, and largemouth bass. From riparian steep corridors to steep slopes to grassy hillsides and flat mesa tops, the canyon reserve has several geological formations.