Los Penasquitos Canyon Adventure Race

Step into Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve — a 4,000-acre wild escape tucked inside San Diego, where creek crossings, waterfalls, and rugged canyon trails set the stage for your next adventure.

This event offers three unique ways to explore:

• Adventure Race (foot + bike): Test your endurance and navigation across multiple disciplines for the full challenge.
• Orienteering Score-O (on foot): Use your map and compass to find as many checkpoints as you can before time runs out.
• MTB Orienteering Score-O (on bike): Ride fast, think sharp, and navigate twisting canyon trails on two wheels.
  

Whether you’re a first-timer eager to try orienteering or a seasoned racer chasing every control, this course delivers both fun and challenge. With over 7 miles of canyon terrain, diverse wildlife, and historic landmarks, every checkpoint is another discovery.

Grab your map, trust your instincts, and choose your adventure — will you run, ride, or do it all?

Event Team:

• Event Director: Mark Prior
• Course Setter: Ashley Young
• Visit the Volunteer page to learn how to help with the event.
  • See "Volunteer" at the top right of the page. 🔝
  • Volunteers get up to a $20 credit for a race to cover their registration fee.
  • Volunteer roles explained in detail

Format: Adventure Race, Score, and MTB 

Map:  scale  1:15000  |  5m contours

Courses: Adventure Race, Score, and MTB (mountain bike)

​Starts: 9am and 11am

Time Limit: 4 hours for the Adventure Race, 2 hours for Score-O, 2 hours for MTB Score-O

All competitors must return to HQ and download by 1pm so we know you are safe. If you don't check in before leaving, volunteers will search the course to ensure you are accounted for and not lost. Please check in before you leave.

Scoring: Electronic punching will be offered. All participants must bring, rent, or purchase one. Controls will be AIR+ enabled. 

E-Punches: Rental electronic punches will be available for $5; use "000000" when registering.

Clinics:  An introductory clinic will be offered at 8:45 am and 10:45am. An experienced orienteer will teach you the basics.

Registration: All participants must pre-register. All standard SDO registration policies apply.

Fees:

• $20 for adults, $10 for juniors (under 21). Kids under 12 are free.
• $5 early bird discount through midnight, Saturday, November 21st.
• AR is priced as two events.

Closes: Registration will close at 10 am on Friday, Dec 4th, or when we reach our limit

Entry Limit: To comply with San Diego parks usage policy, this event is limited to 50 participants in the morning and 50 in the afternoon, so sign-up fast before all the slots are filled. See the "Find a Participant" tab to see the registration list.

HQ Location:  32.94092378309307, -117.18205789755295  - Elizabeth Rabbit Park

Public Transportation: none nearby.

Parking: Parking at HQ is very limited, so please use the overflow parking available north of HQ on Del Vino Ct and Rancho Toyon Pl. Read signs carefully. 

San Diego Orienteering: Home page  |  Events