Los Penasquitos - Mountain Bike Trail

The Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is one of the most popular bike trails in the San Diego area. There is an option for all skill levels with a variety of different loops at all different difficulties. Find a route you love and discover all sorts of new sights and scenery. 

There are plenty of wide tracks perfect for beginner cyclists. Read our review of this route for more details !

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description 

To get to the bike trail, you will want to head to the Ranch House parking lot. From there, you will find the entrance to the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. There are several paths that you can take with various loops and outside of the main trail there is a singletrack along the creek. 

Each section of the trail will be labeled with signs and it is a must to follow what the signs say. Some postage will say where bikes can and can’t go, as there are other trails designated for equestrian use. 

Additional Trail Features

Follow all the signs while on this trail as they will inform you of what areas are closed off due to poor weather or other usage and these signs tell you where you are going. 

Trails can get very busy throughout the day so be mindful of other bike riders along with hikers. 

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views

Off of the main trail, experience the beauty of the creek by riding the singletrack trail. Large trees will be overhead and clear skies will shine down on the best days. Some areas are much rockier than others but once you are high up, you can see the surrounding forests spanning for miles. 

Recommendations/precautions

It is recommended to bring extra water, especially on warmer days. The trail is 16.1 km long, which will take you a few hours to complete. 

The singletrack along the creek is a more difficult path as there are more rocks and difficult turns. The “tunneled” areas, which have large canopies from the trees, are also more challenging and should be reserved for more experienced riders. 

Always be aware of your surroundings and look out for fellow cyclists. During the week and holiday seasons, the trails near the staging areas can be very busy. Be mindful of your speed and give distance to the other cyclists or hikers along the paths.

Conclusion

There are many trails for beginners, but be aware that some places can be more difficult to ski than others. You can find the trail that's perfect for your skill level with one of the many loops found on the trail. That is why, despite the fact that the track is designed for beginners, more experienced cyclists will not be bored riding here.