San Pasqual Clevenger Canyon
Hiking
TRAIL MAP copy and paste URL
http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/pdf/sanpasqualtrailmap.pdf
Each trailhead has a paved parking area. There are no rest room facilities and overnight camping is not allowed in the parking areas or in the canyon. Carrying plenty of drinking water is recommended since it is often hot in the canyon. The south trail head is the shorter of the two trails at 1.5 miles. From the parking lot, the west trail climbs gently up open slopes to a trail fork. The west branch of this trail fork gradually ascends through the flower strewn hillside to an overlook of San Pasqual Valley. The east trail extends 2.3 miles from the parking lot. It descends to a ravine that is shaded by oak and sycamore trees. From there, the trail climbs through chamise and black sage, joining a trail that reaches a summit of 1,755 feet. The main trail veers north and along the ridge through deerweed to a 1,635 foot summit that also provides a beautiful view of the San Pasqual Valley. The north trail head is approximately 20 miles round trip, and while it is more challenging than the south trail head, it also offers more variety and solitude. The trail is in need of maintenance and several miles in, the trail is so overgrown that it is no longer a trail and there are no directional markers. (We are currently trying to find where the original trail is and map it.) We recommend hikers to stop when the trail is no longer defined. Maps are available upon request by calling the park ranger office.
Directions
To get to San Pasqual and Clevenger Canyon from downtown San Diego, take the Interstate 15 to Via Rancho Parkway and travel east. Turn right on San Pasqual Valley Road and follow signs to the Wild Animal Park. The southern trail head is located 5.3 miles from the Wild Animal Park and the northern tail head is 5.8 miles ahead. Parking lots are open from sunrise to sunset.
For more information on San Pasqual and Clevenger Canyon, call the office of the park ranger at (858) 538-8082.