Camino Club: Los Penasquitos Canyon

Mira Mesa

Reserve your spot

Join us for a refreshing walk through one of San Diego’s most scenic and beginner-friendly canyon trails — Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve in Mira Mesa! This peaceful route winds through wide-open valley views, shaded sections of native oak and sycamore trees, and classic Southern California chaparral, making it the perfect escape into nature without leaving the city. With mostly flat terrain and a well-traveled dirt path, Los Peñasquitos is ideal for walkers of all levels looking for an easy outdoor reset. Expect a relaxed morning of fresh air, great conversation, and that signature Footbreaks community energy as we explore one of San Diego’s most loved hidden gems

Description

Overview

  • Half Day

    Budget: ~2.5-3 Hours

  • Mira Mesa

    Trailhead Parking Lot: Meet at intersection of Canyonside Park Driveway & Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail - next to the Canyonside Park Field 8

  • Hike

    Loop

  • Moderate

    ~6.5 miles

    ~177 ft elevation gain

  • Path

    Dirt & Rock trail

Pack List

  • Day Pack

  • Footwear

    Hiking shoes or boots recommended

  • Clothing

    Layered active wear

  • Hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Snacks

  • Water

  • Walking Poles

    Optional

Directions

Start Point

Our walk will begin from the trailhead next to the Canyonside Park Field 8 parking lot.

 

Finish Point

Our walk will finish back at theCanyonside Park Field 8 parking lot.

 

Map

FAQs

  • Great question!

    It’s not so much a “tour fee” - more like a way to reserve your spot and help keep Footbreaks going storng.

    Here’s a quick breakdown:

    1) Accountability: When I offered free meetups, we often had last minute no shows. A small fee helps make sure everyone who signs up actually comes out to join the adventure.

    2) Supporting a small business: Footbreaks is still a growing local project - and every sign up helps me keep creating experiences, videos and new routes to explore around San Diego.

    3) Sustainability: The little contribution goes right back into planning and improving future meetups so that we can keep exploring together.

  • We will meet at the trailhead right next to the parking lot for Filed #8 at the Canyonside Community Park.

    • Free parking lot at trailhead. Park at Canyonside Community Park. Field #8.

  • Today's walk will cover ~6.5 miles.

  • We walk rain or shine—well, mostly! Light rain or mist won't stop us from hitting the trail, so bring a rain jacket just in case. That said, the safety and comfort of our group always come first. If severe weather is in the forecast—such as thunderstorms, heavy downpours, or unsafe walking conditions—we may cancel or reschedule the walk. In the event of a weather-related cancellation, we’ll notify you as early as possible.

  • Todays walk will be a mostly flat dirt and rock trail.

  • We recommend well-worn, hiking shoes or boots to help with the slippery surface of the trail

  • Absolutely! It’s not a race—everyone has their own pace, and we encourage you to stop and rest whenever you need to.

  • Our walks are open to adults aged 18 and over.

  • Yes! This trail is dog-friendly, and we’d love to have your pup join the walk. Just make sure they stay leashed, well-behaved, and comfortable around other people and dogs so everyone can enjoy the adventure together.

  • Each walk comes with its own set of challenges. We encourage you to reach out to us at info@footbreaks.com , call or text 619-663-8628 to discuss your specific needs.