Penasquitos Canyon Waterfall

Service Description

Unravel the Story of Water’s Journey Tucked within Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, this scenic trail leads to one of San Diego’s rare year-round waterfalls. The Los Peñasquitos Waterfall, cascading over ancient volcanic rock, offers a dynamic outdoor classroom to explore the movement of water, sediment flow, and how landscapes evolve over time. As we hike through oak woodlands, riparian habitats, and open grasslands, we’ll witness the powerful force of water erosion and see how rivers shape valleys, transport sediment, and create new ecosystems. What We’ll Learn: 💦 The Science Behind Waterfalls – Learn how gravity, rock formations, and erosion work together to form waterfalls. 🏞️ Sediment in Motion – Watch how rocks, sand, and soil are carried by water, gradually altering landscapes. 🌱 Water’s Role in Habitats – Discover how freshwater sources sustain wildlife and plant communities. Hands-On Learning Activities: 🔎 Sediment Sorting – Observe different sizes of gravel, sand, and silt along the creek and discuss their movement. 🌊 Water Flow Experiment – Using natural materials, we’ll recreate how streams carve through rock and soil. 🦎 Wildlife Watch – Look for frogs, fish, and birds that depend on the canyon’s water system. By the end of this hike, Eco Rangers will have a deeper understanding of water’s impact on landscapes, the geology behind waterfalls, and how flowing water creates and sustains habitats. Join us for a thrilling outdoor adventure, where water tells a story of change, movement, and life!