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A great loop, with a great variety of trails. A true sampling of Penasquitos.


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Map Key

10.8

Miles

17.5

KM

45%

Singletrack

440' 134 m

High

163' 50 m

Low

825' 251 m

Up

816' 249 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

This has been hidden from our maps to prevent overlap with existing trails, or because our research has found there is no legal access.

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

This is a great way to see a variety of Penasquitos terrain. You quickly leave the neighborhoods behind and find yourself in lovely San Diego canyons. There is a bit of everything on this loop; rocky singletrack, groomed trails, and flowy, narrow tree-covered trails.

Description

This is one of my favorite rides. The best place to park on a weekend would be the High School or on-street parking is available on various side streets.

Riders will want to head West and first meet up with the McGonnigle Trail. This leads to a very steep fire road climb. After the initial climb, the trail continues West for some fun through rocky singletrack.

A climb into and through a neighborhood then brings you to a great downhill trail called Cobbles. This is a very fun and flowy downhill that is also popular with other trail users. Keep an eye out for hikers and yield to foot traffic and those traveling uphill.

At the bottom of this trail, you'll get a tour of the Penasquitos Preserve. Riders will need to ascend another fire road to the Del Mar Mesa Preserve trail. This will lead to a great section of trail known as the Tunnels. Taking Tunnel #1 will lead you to the west where you'll then descend Tunnel #4.

At the end of this fun singletrack, head East to connect back to Camino Del Sur.

Shared By:

Doug Rierdan with improvements by Susie Murphy

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 20 votes

#2

in San Diego

#1768

Overall
  3.8 from 20 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
30%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
5%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in San Diego

#223

in California

#1,768

Overall
13 Views Last Month
10,835 Since Oct 23, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

5%
0%
90%
0%
5%
0%

Photos

Full Trail video
Oct 24, 2020 near Carmel…, CA
Santa Monica Ridge Lake.
May 28, 2014 near Fairban…, CA
Tunnel 5
Jul 25, 2014 near Fairban…, CA
Tunnel 1.
Sep 29, 2016 near Fairban…, CA
A mountain biker descends the Cobbles Trail.
Jun 26, 2017 near Carmel…, CA
Trail heading away from Santa Monica Ridge Lake.
May 28, 2014 near Fairban…, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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