Time for Josie and I to go on another hike. I have worn my new boots at work so they were pretty much broken in. Josie had not worn hers since our last hike so I thought it was going to be Blister City for her. But blisters and sore feet were not going to be our big problem. It was going to be finding this place.

We were looking for Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. Josie had done it twice years ago and I have never done it. The problem, at the time, was that we had no idea where we were going. We actually tried to find this one a few months ago and ended up so lost we ended up hiking at a nude beach (with her kids, I wrote a post about it). Well, we were months wiser but just as lost. We drove all over. Finally, I used my trusty AllTrails app on my phone and found it. By this time, Josie’s mood was already at an all time low and she directed her quiet rage on me (she was driving and I was “navigating”). Her mood did not get any better when we found that the more scenic trail, the south trail, was closed because it was washed out by the storm the week before (Ugh!).

So we took the north trail. At first, this did not look like it was going to be a fun hike. Very few trees and not much to look at. But, as we went, we found smaller trails that led south toward the creek (which looked more like a small river, thanks to the rains). Though we had to navigate through muddy trails, the views were much better, there was plenty of vegetation and we were entertained by the song of the creek. It was actually quite beautiful.

After three miles, we ended up at the “waterfall”. I put “waterfall” in quotes because it was not really a waterfall but more of a gorgeous rock formation with water running through it. Josie and I carefully rock-hopped through the formation to get to a fine rock perch next to the creek. Well, I was not that careful. I fell. If you watch the video below, you will see it (thank you, GoPro).

Now, we could have gone back but Josie was feeling a bit frisky. The hike had improved her mood and me falling had made her laugh. She wanted to go on. The trail did not end at the waterfall. So we walked another two miles. It was very nice though a little hilly. During the hike, the Curse of the New Shoes struck and Josie ended up with a blister. Like the boy scout I am, I had a band-aid and we patched up her flat.

We walked for another two miles and turned back. It was late in the afternoon and we wanted to get back before dark. You know, we would have made it. But we got lost twice. The first time was on me. I saw a trail head marker and thought that was where we were parked. It would not have been so bad if it were not for the fact we walked a quarter of a mile off the main trail. Josie was steaming. I owned it. But, then we saw another trail head marker. This time, Josie said we needed to take that one. Guess what? No dice. Again, quarter of a mile off the main trail. Of course, all reason says that if Josie picks the wrong path, she should be mad at me and she was. She did not say a word to me until we were half way home. I really do not think she was angry, just tired.

This is a great beginner’s trail. There are no hills and the trail is moderately difficult. There is a lot of rock climbing when you get to the waterfall. Nothing a kid cannot handle but can be challenging for older folks. Great trail. Worth the wait.

Take a look at the video below if you want a more visual representation and like great music. It is a little long.