Penasquitos means “little cliffs” in Spanish. It is named after the first Mexican land grant in the county, Rancho Santa Maria de Los Penasquitos. This area encompasses approximately 6,500 acres including Black Mountain Regional Park. Interstate 56 traverses east-west through the central portion of the community.
Outdoor Lifestyle in Penasquitos
The community has a diverse topography that is characterized by numerous canyons, hillsides, and ridges. It abuts Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, a protected open space that offers hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
Black Mountain Park
Black Mountain Open Space Park is owned and managed by the City of San Diego and is made up of a series of chaparral and sage covered hills, ridges, and canyons. The park is currently 2,352 acres, with future expansion a possibility. The centerpiece of the park is the 1,554-foot summit of Black Mountain, which provides 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Numerous trails offer hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians the opportunity to discover the wonder of this open space area.