Oct 25 – Hike Tunnels of Del Mar Mesa Preserve
Hike the “Tunnels” of Del Mar Mesa Preserve, Rancho Penasquitos
9:30 AM, Saturday, October 25, 2025
Meet at Trailhead: 13128 Via Canyon Dr.
GPS: 32.95774, -117.16437
This is a unique hiking experience you don’t want to miss. Not really enclosed tunnels, but a hidden network of trails that are cut through the thick and tall Scrub Oak forest growing in the bottom and hillsides of the ravines that lead up to the top mesa preserve area. We will go through 3 long tunnel sections and the top mesa flat area.
The hike is about 3 to 3.5 miles total, mostly on a loop in 2 hours of time. Many parts are loose and rocky and other parts are smooth with 2 small streams to pass over.
No porta-potties are available. Dogs on leash can come with caution due to narrow trails that bikes use too. Wear well-soled footwear and dress for weather.
Directions:
- From all non-coastal areas north or south use hwy 15 to hwy 56 westbound. Exit hwy 56 at Comino Del Sur and go left, south, under 56. At one short block stop light turn right, west, onto Torrey Santa Fe Rd. Follow this all the way near the end and then left turn onto Via Canyon Dr. Follow this along as it curves by the open area to where a 2nd gurardrail is near the trailhead. Park along the guardrail side of Via Canyon dr. opposite of the houses.
- From coastal areas, take Hwy 5 to Hwy 56 eastbound. Exit at Comino Del Sur and go right, south, one short block to stop light turn right at Torrey Santa Fe Rd. Follow this all the way near the end and then left turn onto Via Canyon Dr. Follow this along as it curves by the open area to where a 2nd gurardrail is near the trailhead. Park along the guardrail side of Via Canyon dr. opposite of the houses.
info contact: Text/call: Vinnie R. 858-231-