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Peñasquitos Low Lands
More Information
Overview
Colloquially known as PQ, the preserve has something for every rider and every ability level. For families, trail loop variations, offshoots, and off-bike exploration options, make this trail network San Diego’s most versatile.
Spanning ∼7 mi, the park runs west/east from Sorrento Valley to I-15. With over 14 different habitat zones, highlights include a year-round stream, waterfall, giant California Oaks, stream crossings, sycamore groves, goat and pig petting zoo, and abundant wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see deer, coyotes, and bobcats. And birds. A lot of birds. Dense sycamore and oak groves line the creekside trail and are a welcome respite from the heat in the middle of summer. And perhaps, most importantly, our loop offers riders with g-outs, whoop-de-do’s, rollers, and options for very short and punchy climbs. The tight and twisty nature of the trail will get the family laughing and talking about the adventure long after the tour is over.
Finally, the tour ends with lunch at the trailhead. We’re not talking about a warm and floppy peanut butter and jelly sandwich here. Our post-ride meal, with fresh ingredients and options for all dietary preferences and requirements, ends the tour with the right kind of comfort. Grape toss face smash might be the best part!
Itinerary
We’ll go ahead and say it, this may the best 3 hours spent together playing in San Diego. Below is what your 3-hour tour looks like:
Pre-Ride
- After meeting your guide at the trail-head, you’ll be led through a quick bike check, safety brief, and trail etiquette review. Then, we ride!
Ride
- With all of the stops, small trail challenges, and friendly competitions along the way, our loop will take about 2 hours to complete.
Post-Ride
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- We eat! Our team will prepare a delicious spread while you relax to the sounds of creation, light laughter, and good company.
Feel free to play from a number of board or ball games while we prepare a delicious lunch.
- Our time ends with a quiet and comfortable hour ride home.
Includes
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the session price. This means from the time you get to the meeting point until the end of our time together, all permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, snacks, food, drinks, community items (tables, chairs, and the like), and board/ball games, are included. Additionally, each session includes a mobile first aid and mechanic station.
Excludes
We have put together an excellent trail experience, but we can’t do it all. The following items are not provided during our time together:
- Bicycle riding lessons
- Mountain bike rentals
- Mountain bike maintenance
- Security for personal items
Gear Requirements
There are some required and recommended items to bring. Take a look at the list below and please come prepared.
Required:
- Mountain bike
- 20″ minimum wheel size
- Bike must have gears that shift
- Brakes must work
- Must be in good working order
- Helmet
- Snug fitting sitting no more than two finger lengths above the brow.
- Straps adjusted so the ear sits in-between the rear/forward strap triangle
- Close-toed shoes
- Athletic apparel
- If wearing pants, should taper at the calf to avoid interference with the chainring
Recommended:
- Gloves – Full fingered
- Sunglasses
- Knee/elbow pads
- Sunscreen
- Hydration pack
FAQs
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How long is each session?
1.5 hours
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What shops are recommended to get my bike ready?
Our favorite shop:
Show your booking receipt and get a discount on all safety related accessories. Helmets, pads, footwear, gloves, sunglasses, and more.
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What will the weather be like?
Yes.
Spring and early Summer temperatures throughout San Diego’s mountains range from cool mornings to sunny and hot afternoons. 90º+ afternoon are not uncommon. Please use this forecast link, or whichever source you prefer, to plan around. Your best bet? Come prepared for all weather conditions. . .within reason. If the forecast is 83º for your event, you probably don’t need a snow jacket. Just saying. . .
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How are injuries and emergencies handled?
Our team is trained in basic First Aid and CPR and carries a mobile first aid station for all sessions. In the event an injury is beyond the training of our team, emergency services will be activated
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What fitness level is required?
If you can walk a flight of stairs without death at your door, you’ll be ok. Keep in mind that the final ride is around 8 mi. While not too tough, it’s recommended practicing the skills applied during the clinic on your own rides to best prepare.
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It’s time to upgrade my ride. Does The Pedal Bike sell bikes?
Yes we do!
We are an exclusive dealer for Haro bikes. They are a San Diego based company and have some amazing mountain bikes that will sweeten your experience on the trail.
Talk to our team during your clinic. Our interest is finding you the best ride for your need and interest; no shady sales here.
Summary
Get outside and on the trail in San Diego’s centrally located, 4,000 acre preserve. With over plant 500 plant species, 175 types of birds, and many animal types, PQ is the mountain biking playground epicenter sure to engage the senses. Creek crossings, whoop-de-doos, tech, minor climbs, and pigs, we can’t forget the pigs, are the standout features of this 7 mi loop. End your tour with a well deserved lunch prepared by our team.
Highlights
Price
70
Length
3 hours
Location
Peñasquitos Creek Park
Distance
7 mi
Ascent
335 ft
Descent
223 ft
Skill Level
Beginner
Fitness Level
Easy
Meal
Post-ride
