Hikes & Events.
Join us for a guided hike or volunteer for our restoration projects. No RSVP required for guided hikes. For volunteer planting events, if you are interested in bringing a group, please call 858-863-7393.
Volunteer: Restoration Project in Black Mountain Open Space Park
No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.
No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.
Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Camino Ruiz Rim to Creek Hike with Beth Mather
Join naturalist Beth Mather for a hike leaving from Camino Ruiz Park. Most of the steep hike, on a nice switchback trail, is in the shade of tall Chaparral vegetation and descends from the rim of the valley down to the valley floor and stream side. See uncommon native plants such as the Summer holly shrub and others.
Trailhead is in Camino Ruiz Community Park, 11489 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, 92126.
Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Fennel Forest and Harrier Hill Hike with Del Brooks
Join naturalist Del Brooks for a moderately paced guided hike in the beautiful West End of the Peñasquitos Canyon. This 2.5-mile hike will give an inside look at two of the active habitat restoration projects going on in the canyon. See here for more details on the projects.
Meet in the West End parking-staging lot at 4300 Sorrento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92126.
Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon.
Volunteer: Restoration Project in Black Mountain Open Space Park
No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.
No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.
Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Birding with all your senses with Jeanie Anderson
Meet 7:45 AM, hike 8-10 AM. Join Ornithologist Anderson for an easy stroll on a path in the canyon with many birds both visible and calling. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars and coverups. Handouts and checklists will be provided.
Meet at the Preserve sign at the west end of Canyonside Park Driveway, 12122 Black Mtn. Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos, 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Volunteer: Restoration Project in Black Mountain Open Space Park
No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.
No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.
Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Camino Ruiz Rim to Creek Hike with Beth Mather
Join naturalist Beth Mather for a hike leaving from Camino Ruiz Park. Most of the steep hike, on a nice switchback trail, is in the shade of tall Chaparral vegetation and descends from the rim of the valley down to the valley floor and stream side. See uncommon native plants such as the Summer holly shrub and others.
Trailhead is in Camino Ruiz Community Park, 11489 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, 92126.
Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Fennel Forest and Harrier Hill Hike with Del Brooks
Join naturalist Del Brooks for a moderately paced guided hike in the beautiful West End of the Peñasquitos Canyon. This 2.5-mile hike will give an inside look at two of the active habitat restoration projects going on in the canyon. See here for more details on the projects.
Meet in the West End parking-staging lot at 4300 Sorrento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92126.
Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon.
Volunteer: Restoration Project in Black Mountain Open Space Park
No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.
No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.
Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
San Diego Bird Alliance 75 years celebration
We’ll be at the San Diego Bird Alliance ( Audubon Society) 75 years celebration with our booth. Come find us to learn about our bird hikes, conservation projects and volunteer opportunities.
https://www.sandiegobirdalliance.org/who-we-are/celebrating-75-years.html
ARCH IN THE PARK
Come visit our booth at this beloved all-day, family friendly event. Learn abut our mission, our ongoing projects and upcoming guided hikes. The San Diego County Archaeological Society hosts this annual event in celebration of California archaeology month.
Native Plant Sale
A Variety of California Native Plants Seeds and Bulbs
Booths Featuring Our Partnering GroupsBooks, Art, Sustainable Goods and More Experts Available to Assist You
CNPS Members Receive Discount
Doug Hill Nature Hike with Del Brooks
Join naturalist Brooks for a moderately paced hike around and up Doug Hill in the Santa Luz grasslands ( 2 miles, about 150 ft elevation gain).
Doug Hill has a great variety of native shrubs and flowers. Come learn about local habitat restoration projects and the incredible flora of our local area.
Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Parkway off 14700 Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Volunteer: Restoration Project in Black Mountain Open Space Park
No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.
No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.
Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Mira Mesa Street Fair
Come visit our booth at the Mira Mesa Street Fair Section F on the west side of Camino Ruiz. Learn about our mission, ongoing projects and guided hikes. The 24rd annual Mira Mesa Street Fair will be held on October 5th. Enjoy live music and other entertainment on two stages, a Fun Zone with pony rides for children as well as inflatables and other attractions for kids and teens, and a food court with an international flair from 10am to 5pm, on Camino Ruiz from Mira Mesa Blvd. to New Salem Street.
Volunteers are needed to pair up with Friends veterans to staff the booth. Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com.
Volunteer: Restoration Project in Black Mountain Open Space Park
No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.
No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.
Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Birding with all your senses with Jeanie Anderson
Meet 7:45 AM, hike 8-10 AM. Join Ornithologist Anderson for an easy stroll on a path in the canyon with many birds both visible and calling. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars and coverups. Handouts and checklists will be provided.
Meet at the Preserve sign at the west end of Canyonside Park Driveway, 12122 Black Mtn. Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos, 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Ranger Melanie’s Peñasquitos Canyon Restoration Projects
This is a recurring event happening every third Sunday of the month, 9–noon.
Join Ranger Melanie Fontana in restoring wildlife habitat sites. Get on the list for the meeting place at: mfontana@sandiego.gov.
Geology Lecture
Join geologist Don Albright for an evening lecture on the geology of San Diego. He will discuss geological events that have created the landscape that we are familiar with in Los Penasquitos Canyon.
Meet at the Ranch House at 6PM.
Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Board Meeting
The Board meets every other month, on the second Tuesday, at 7PM. We welcome new participants and volunteers, please get in touch if you want to join us.
Volunteer: Restoration Project in Black Mountain Open Space Park
No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.
No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.
Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Geology Hike
Join geologist Don Albright for an easy walk around Los Penasquitos Ranch House and the surrounding property. We will examine the geology of the sedimentary formations that make up the coastal marine terraces and the volcanic formations that make up the highlands east of the ranch house. We will also discuss earthquakes and the faults that have affected the Penasquitos Canyon area. Meet at the Ranch House Courtyard.
Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Volunteer: Restoration Project in Black Mountain Open Space Park
No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.
No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.
Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
OWL PROWL
Adventure awaits in the darkened preserve! Join naturalist and Friends' board member Brian Swanson as we search for the diminutive western screech owl. We never know what we will find. Sometimes we see owls, and also spiders, toads, snakes and bats. Bring comfortable shoes for dusty, uneven trails, a flashlight and a light coat. Insect repellent keeps the occasional mosquito away.
Meet at the kiosk at far west end of Canyonside Park Drive, on the west side of the baseball fields at Canyonside Park, 12350 Black Mtn. Road. No restrooms. Arrive early to avoid parking stress.
Sponsored by The Friends of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Fennel Forest and Harrier Hill Hike with Del Brooks
Join naturalist Del Brooks for a moderately paced guided hike in the beautiful West End of the Peñasquitos Canyon. This 2.5-mile hike will give an inside look at two of the active habitat restoration projects going on in the canyon.
Note that due to the early start time we will meet in the business park close to 4206 Sorrento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92126 https://maps.app.goo.gl/GhaG4hXxBwSqN3Yk6
Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon.
Volunteer: Restoration Project in Black Mountain Open Space Park
No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.
No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.
Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
OWL PROWL
Adventure awaits in the darkened preserve! Join naturalist and Friends' board member Brian Swanson as we search for the diminutive western screech owl. We never know what we will find. Sometimes we see owls, and also spiders, toads, snakes and bats. Bring comfortable shoes for dusty, uneven trails, a flashlight and a light coat. Insect repellent keeps the occasional mosquito away.
Meet at the kiosk at far west end of Canyonside Park Drive, on the west side of the baseball fields at Canyonside Park, 12350 Black Mtn. Road. No restrooms. Arrive early to avoid parking stress.
Sponsored by The Friends of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Volunteer: Restoration Project in Black Mountain Open Space Park
No RSVPs needed unless bringing a group. Groups must RSVP to 858-863-7393.
No experience needed to plant, weed, and water native plantings to restore habitat for endangered birds and butterflies. Service hour credits available. Bring gloves if you have them & plenty of water. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, northeast corner. Walk through the gate and look for a big white Ford 150 4x4 truck. That’s us.
Contact Mike Kelly at kelly.mike8388@gmail.com with questions or to receive detailed directions and a map. Meet at Black Mtn. Ranch Community Park, Black Mtn. Pkway, Carmel Valley Rd., Rancho Peñasquitos 92129. Sponsored by the Friends of los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Waterfall Rehabilitation Project
The Waterfall Rehabilitation Project is starting July 27th and will occurr every fourth Saturday of the month from 9am-11am:
Meet Ranger Megan Delaney at the end of Park Village Rd. to hike into the Waterfall, about 1.3mi. The focus will be continued care for our grassland restoration site including watering installed plants through establishment, removing invasive species and eventually expanding the site. For now, two hours is sufficient to tend and water the site, but we may lengthen the project as individual monthly goals for it change seasonally. Map of Meeting location and work site: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1O49IE5spmnwkQjPb9efOHE26HiPxkj8&usp=sharing
Ranger Melanie’s Peñasquitos Canyon Restoration Projects
This is a recurring event happening every third Sunday of the month, 9–noon.
Join Ranger Melanie Fontana in restoring wildlife habitat sites. Get on the list for the meeting place at: mfontana@sandiego.gov.