San Diego, California
	5.61 miles 467 feet 2 hours 49 minutes
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Ah Peñasquitos, a canyon I've been through so many times in my life, even decades ago. It's a really great place to hike, especially considering how close it is to residential areas. When you're down in the canyon it's easy to forget all the surrounding housing. You do see some homes on the ridges, but they just peek out. It's really wonderful this big area has been preserved for nature.

This hike is best when there's water flowing, so you have the creek and falls to enjoy, which can be quite full. I would say that starting from the West side isn't my preferred route — there's more trees and shade coming from the East entrance on Black Mountain Road, not to mention the ranch house and goats — but from either side you reach the waterfall in the center of the canyon after about 3 miles.

This was my first practice hike for an upcoming backpacking trip. I've never been backpacking before so I wanted to be sure my legs (and knees) wouldn't snap in two with the heavy pack. So far so good!

Loaded up and ready! There's even some cans of soup in there, just for the weight.

There's a nice feeling of wide open space, despite being just below all the homes.

Wagon Wheel crossing, on the West end of the canyon.

All smiles!

Still some flowers around. I love all the mustard... and hey, is that Illumina guy!?

The thistles weren't quite blooming yet.

The kids had a blast. Lily said she wanted to camp overnight so she could keep playing in the morning, haha.

The falls are always a great spot to rest and enjoy lunch.
A little finagling required to get the kids (and the pack) across.

The kids liked climbing on the rocks too, even little Oliver.
You gotta watch that guy, he was up the stairs on his own.

Happy kids and some out of control mustard.

Maybe this is a California Towhee?

Back on the trail heading home.

Awesome gigantic dandelion-like poof.

Oh, he mad.

The Frankie troupe goes marching home.

Almost back now...

The kids were pretty done, but they did great considering the distance.