San Diego: Guided Natural History Walk
ID: GYG1133641-1740692
Category:
Country: United States
Duration:
02:00 hours
Description
Take a guided natural history walk — led by an expert naturalist — in Los Peñasquitos Canyon, where ancient springs and gorgeous oak groves reveal 7,000 years of human history.
With an expert naturalist at your side, visit a centuries-old homestead, a mysterious grave site, and one of the county’s oldest standing buildings — all tucked within a peaceful river canyon.
Over a two-mile, meandering loop, you'll learn how weather and water, alongside Indigenous peoples and Spanish settlers, have shaped the region’s landscape, and discover why this spot has attracted humans for millennia.
As you walk alongside one of San Diego's only perennial rivers, listen for the songs of dozens of bird species, visit a spring that's flowed for centuries, and see how nature has preserved and transformed the memories of San Diego's past.
This easy, story-rich walk connects you to the roots of San Diego — where culture, nature, and time intertwine.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in 7,000 years of history on a guided hike near San Diego
- Visit a centuries-old homestead and one of the county’s oldest buildings
- Learn how weather, water, and settlers have shaped the region’s landscape
- Listen for the songs of dozens of bird species as you explore the riverine area
- Discover a spring that’s flowed for centuries and a mysterious grave site
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The hike is about 2 miles and is mostly flat and easy
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours
The location is in the Sorrento Valley area, about 25 minutes from downtown San Diego
Note: Google Maps has a glitch and does not take you to the right location if you just type in "Rancho Penasquitos Adobe" or "Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead."
Instead, navigate to Canyonside Park Driveway, then continue driving straight on Canyonside Park Driveway all the way to the end of the road. Keep driving through the white picket fence. You will know you are in the right spot when you see rust-colored fencing and a big dirt parking lot. I will be there waiting for you!
INCLUDED
- Guided nature and history hike
- Visit to a centuries-old homestead
- Visit to a mysterious grave site
- Visit to one of the county’s oldest standing buildings
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
