Met up a friend to go on a Thanksgiving hike before the big feast. This was our first time here and…read morewhile beautiful it was a pretty moderate hike. We both wanted something more challenging and calorie burning. The trail is about 2 miles and does have some steep areas but overall it's pretty chill. This is a great hike for kids to join in, but not stroller friendly.

Went on a hike here and was a pretty nice hike. It's probably rated in the moderate section and if…read moreyou're afraid of fly/bees or small paths with flowers touching you then I wouldn't recommend this hike. We came for the spring bloom and there were some pretty nice flowers though it looked nothing like what I saw on Instagram. Be careful, I also saw a rattlesnake in our path and we had to wait for it to pass so there are definitely snakes in the area. Other than all that if you decide to come it's still a beautiful spot. Parking - One thing I love about this place, parking was EASY. 3ish lots so it was plentiful.

Great hiking trail! It is uphill the whole time, so it's a little harder, but take breaks as…read moreneeded. Nice hike to see nature!

A great park at the north end of San Fernando Valley. So many areas to spread out and enjoy…read more O'Melvany is listed as the second-largest public park in Los Angeles(behind Griffith Park), but still seems a pretty good secret, for the most part. On any given day you may see dogs playing, or training in social skills, exercise classes, families picnicking and kids running around. BUT ALSO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR WILDLIFE! Coyotes and mountain lions are very common, as are rattle snakes. But also bunnies, squirrels and an array of birds, for those who take the time to stop, listen, and try to identify. There is not a playground at this large park. Instead, the draw is toward it's many, well marked, hiking trails. This use to be John O'Melvany's ranch, until he deeded the land to Los Angeles(1976), with specifics for it to be used as a park. You'll still see orchards of grapefruit as you enter, with signs requesting you not remove the fruit from the area. The fruit has not been properly tended to in decades, so it's not really yummy grapefruit, but on occasion you'll see some people plucking and tasting to quell their curiosity. Mainly, to avoid the spread of fruit flies, the city requests that the yellow spheres be left in place. BUT OH THE AROMA OF THE FLOWERS FROM THESE TREES! And so many happy bees flitting about. Quite nice. This is also a park that allows access for equestrians. A very large dirt area for trailers to park and horses to be staged and prepped before heading off into the hills on the marked Equestrian Trail. If you do take the time to hike one of the many trails, you'll be rewarded with beautiful view of SFV. If you squint, you can almost imagine what it looked like pre-WWII, before the tract homes welcomed the veterans here. Many beautiful, very old, oak trees, eucalyptus and various maple species, along with a LOT of native shrubbery are found throughout the park and the one large bathroom at the center is well maintained. Hours are dawn to dusk, with gates at both the pedestrian entry and parking lot. Plenty of free parking in the lot and along the street. If you're up for an easy, but fairly long excursion, check out Bee Canyon Park. It starts just across the street from O'Melvany and DOES have a play area for kids. Also, it's trail runs all the way to Balboa. Cheers! "CC"

When you're ending the year 2025 with a hiking adventure. Let's begin this banger review…read more Whitney Canyon Park is a 442-acre park known for its diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, featuring oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian areas with seasonal waterfalls. It is located next to the freeway in Santa Clarita. I have been eyeing this trail/park for months and I am glad I crossed this on my All trails hiking list. I came on a late Monday morning and it was bloody windy (~45 mph) with a cool temp of 64 degrees. This park has multiple trials including Elsmere Trail. WCP has a wide track trail through a canyon that was known for oil drilling and ranching some of its remnants are still visible. Its trail has little to no tree shade but the trailhead was kept clear. I have seen some hikers (family and kids) and bikers along the way; most are friendly and nice. Parking lot is huge with no shades. Trash bins are available. Overall, it's a nice easy park to go hiking. I recommend it.

A friend took me to Whitney Canyon Waterfall today, and wow what an adventure. The hike is…read moremoderate, about 3.5 miles, and parking is free. Reaching the waterfall is not for the faint of heart. You climb uphill, descend back down, reach a small waterfall, and then go through it to finally arrive at Whitney Waterfall. It's a bit sketchy, definitely thrilling, and absolutely worth it but only if you're prepared. Hiking shoes are a must. This trail is not recommended for kids or beginner hikers due to steep and slippery sections. It was 48 degrees and freezing cold today, so check the weather before you go and layer up. Also, there are no restrooms, so plan ahead. If you're looking for a raw, adventurous hike with a rewarding waterfall at the end, this one delivers.

Gorgeous hiking opportunity hidden away in Santa Clarita. ****Note****: GPS takes you to a gated…read morecommunity with no access to the open space. Better to search "Haskell Vista/Cross" to find the trailhead or check out the map here https://hikesantaclarita.com/where-to-go/wildwood-canyon/. Kudos to Santa Clarita for protecting and maintaining this lovely parcel of land. Many native plants and animals find refuge here, as well as humans seeking green space for exercise and reflection. Check the map noted above for trails and level of challenge. The trails are very well-maintained; free street parking is available at the trailhead on Haskell Vista. Take water, a snack, and a charged cell phone with a good camera; there are lots of photo opps here for sure.

This open space area may not have an interesting backstory but it still has some fun and diverse…read moregroup of trails that are definitely worth exploring. This open space is part of the city's larger ongoing effort to create a greenbelt that will one day encircle the entire city. Park your car at the end of Haskell Vista Lane to start the trail. Zig-zag your way up the north side of the mountain until you reach the top. At that point and you'll have to decide among 3 different routes. You can choose the wide middle path that will take you south along the ridgeline all the way to the Old Road, or you can take the trail off to the left that descends down the canyon to complete a the loop that takes you to a red water tank and two mini bridges, or you can take the path off to the right which leads you to a small private park. The ridgeline trail leads you to some interesting rock formations and a metal box located below a solitary oak tree. It is filled with short inspirational quotes. For-the-most-part, the trail is fairly sun exposed and not very interesting. The red water tank lower loop trail takes you through some interesting narrow paths. When you get to the bottom of the canyon be sure to break off the trail and head up the canyon off to your right. There is a dense canopy of oak trees that are absolutely breathtaking to walk through.

"The Bear" is used by the local firefighters for conditioning. From the trailhead to the water…read moretank, the record I'm told for completion is about 16 minutes for a little more than a mile. Since my first visit back in 2014 till now, the trail has really gone through the wringer from being ravaged by the elements. Burnt trees left over from previous wildfires as well as dips and ditches caused by runoff from heavy rain. The firefighters maintain the trail to an extent, but at its current state there is still work to be done. With that said, if it's a challenge you're looking for, then you've come to the right place. The sharp inclines and loose dirt make the ascension treacherous, but all the more satisfying. On the last visit, the foggy skies were leveled with one of the few false summits, literally heads in the clouds. The sunset off to the distance made for beautiful views of the city down below, and the wildflowers along the way were not only plentiful, but varied, including lupins, poppies, and buttercups. After reaching the water tank, we made a quick stop at the fire station before heading down. On the backside of "The Bear" to put it kindly, fallen trees, narrow paths, and poison oak makes this leg of the trip almost as daunting as the uphill. Where there used to be a bridge there's now a chasm that one must trek down and up before being back on the trail. In another instance, a fallen log was repurposed as a bridge for those brave enough to cross. Branches that used to grow out along mountain have been chainsawed, old shrubs swept out of the way. Despite all that, the views coming down were wonderful to take in, making it a calming stroll back down. Recommended for the bold and seasoned folks.

Great spot just did it, no one around Went up to water…read moretower ,in the beginning of hike go right !instead of left it keeps you on ridge of mountain, I absolutely love this hike

Found this lil gem of a trail on a whim while I was stuck in traffic on the 5. Saw a buck and my…read moredog had a blast. Was gorgeous on a Fall evening.

This park has nice and excellent trails! If you start walking from this parking area, you need to…read morewalk back on the same trail. The new addition of parking spaces at the end of the Taylor Trailhead has added a little confusion amongst hikers and walking entusiasts. I did not pay attention to the trail map and I thought I would just do the short loop at the begining of the parking lot. When I was in the middle of the hike, I asked two ladies if they knew where to go to get to the parking area. They said follow the Taylor trail signs, thinking that we all are doing the small loop that we saw on the map. We did not pay attention that the loop starts from Towsley Park, not the Taylor Trailhead parking area. After getting to the bigger parking area at Towsley, one of the ladies called her son and offered me a ride back to our parking area. Thank you! When we got back, I was just sitting in my car when I see a couple in dispair looking at the Old Road. I said, do you want a ride back to your parking area, I explained my experience and the lady said, now you are paying it back. There needs to be an update on the trail map, like a "you are here" dot? Just saying... I am starting to get sore! :O Nice trails, beautiful views, I want to go back, I just need to leave a car on each end of the Taylor trail!

Do you ever not realize you haven't heard a certain noise in years until you finally hear it again…read moreand it's like music in your ears? This is how I felt yesterday evening as I stepped foot into Limekiln Canyon trail! What was that noise? Frogs!!!! I did not realize that I haven't heard the sound of frogs croaking in years and suddenly it was the most beautiful noise so peaceful and serene I wanted to spend the night on a log just listening!!! I attended a meet up hike and I had no idea this trail existed! As a side note it was funny I didn't know this is the same hiking group my step dad attends so it was a fun surprise when we saw eachother and we hiked it together! I've lived around the area and explored all my life but this is the first time I heard of this trail or seen it!!! Parking is street parking off Tampa and across from the church. The entire path is dirt roads and very very well maintained brush on all sides. My step dad said he's had a run in with rattlesnakes on this trail and to be very careful on the parts of the trail that get narrow with bushes on both sides so close to where you're walking. All the trees are huge and give great shade and cover. We hiked at around 6pm and I did see people with dogs who were all on leashes which was good and the trail wasn't too congested so I do believe next time I come to this trail I can bring my dog along! When it gets dark the trees don't let in too much light from the sky so make sure you bring your flashlight. I'm really excited to have such a nice place to hike so close and, well, as I said the sound of the frogs has me hooked and you might catch me there just sitting on a log listening to the beautiful nature sounds!

This trail is a secluded escape tucked away in the hills of the Valley! If you're looking for a…read morehike that is low key & quiet, this is definitely the spot. Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view of the Valley. It's also quite interesting as you hike along; you get a bird's-eye view into various backyards with some truly beautiful pools & hot tubs. The day I went was overcast, which made for a very pleasant & chill walk. There is plenty of nature to enjoy, including lots of birds flying around. Also lots of street parking outside the entrance to the trail. One thing that caught my attention: lots of litter & beer cans everywhere:( very sad .

Similar to the neighboring East Canyon hike (see…read morehttps://www.yelp.com/biz/east-and-rice-canyons-newhall) and goes to the same Jones Junction. Weldon and East both have a similar 3-mile one-way distance but Weldon starts 400' higher which makes it easier. Like East, the hike lacks escaping into nature with annoying gunfire from the nearby firing range, distracting freeway noise, and the blight of a massive evacuation site (the same one seen from the 5 freeway). The trail is a dirt service road of mostly clay. The road follows low powerlines on wooden poles surrounded by oak trees that looked prime for another forest fire. Most of the 750' elevation gain is in the first mile.

For a detailed view of this trail, please click on my YouTube channel RobbieGarnz at the following…read morelink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pedRMX5xCNs Actually, I started at the East Canyon and Rice Canyon trail head and made the trek to Mission Point. However, when I did the East Canyon to the junction trail a couple days prior, I accidentally went onto Weldon Motorway (without knowing what it was!) and wound up backtracking to the end of East Canyon trail. For a review of that hike, check out this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sss7bqLB8Gw As for the trek to Mission Peak, be prepared to be flexible! Once you reach the fenced in area at the trail junction about .6 miles north of the East Canyon/Weldon Motorway intersection, there is a rather steep decline. Then, all of a sudden, you run into a locked gate that prevents you from continuing on the primary trail. However, if you walk to the left and slightly down hill, there is a "path" from foot traffic that allows you to go around the sealed off area. I would strongly advise a good pair of hiking boots though, because there is significantly tall grass. A hiking pole would also be a good idea because you never know what could be hiding in that grass! Once you are past that obstacle, the trail slopes downward and then up slightly, and across the ridge for the next mile. You will come to two more gates about 600-800 meters apart. The first one was open when I went, the second was not. There is a sign for Mission Peak on the fence, but the arrow points in both direction. I spent quite a bit of time tromping around the area to figure out a way around and up. Spoiler alert, do not go into the grass on the northeast side above the fence--it only leads to a shear cliff! However, if you turn left (NW) at the gate, the trail continues downhill, which is counter intuitive because you're trying to go up. However, about 250 meters down the hill, on the right, there is a small footpath that traverses the hill side upwards and keeps you away from the restricted area. Once you get on the path, keep going! You will come out on the other side of the fenced in area onto the main trail. From there you are treated to a beautiful view for the next 3/4 of a mile until you hit a fork in the trail. Turn right at the fork and keep going uphill (although I did see some hikers coming up from the other side and we wound up meeting at the top..). The final climb is a great push but well worth it. There is a 360 degree view of unbelievable scenery overlooking the valley. There is also a monument, the widowers bench, and a stack of rocks that has remained undisturbed for quite some time. Coming down is also a joy as you get to relive the awesome view until you get sucked back into the firebreak and remember that you still have to tromp through tall grass to get around the same obstacles you faced coming up. Would be 5 stars if not for that inconvenience! For a detailed review of the hike, check out this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pedRMX5xCNs You can subscribe and see other epic hiking and fitness videos at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSnBYnWYktiqxynCwGrak1Q?view_as=subscriber

Soooooo many flowers. I loved it! There are not too many shaded areas on this hike so bring lots of…read morewater :).

M. DeCampos trail is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running. This trail is…read morelocated within the O'Melveny Park. This trail has an elevation gain of 1,227 ft has a length of 4.3 miles leading to Mission Point. Throughout the trail has no shades going toward the Mission Point. But you'll get to see birds, lizards and vole. I hiked on a weekday so there were very few hikers that I came across on the trailhead. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Once you've reached Mission Point which is considered the highest point in the SF valley you'll have a majestic view of the hills, the park and mountains. Overall, despite its steep trails I enjoyed my time hiking this trail.

I loved this hike. I was really surprised how much fun it was. I generally don't expect great…read morethings, in regards to views, with the local hikes...drought. However, This one may cause me to reconsider such low expectations... Due to lack of time..I'll have to plan another day to come back and go further... However we still managed to explore 5miles...But this is the type of trail that makes you want to keep going. And from the looks if it, you could keep going for days. Keep in mind that this is the hike that is past mentryville, they have a $5 parking fee, bring cash. So the first part if the hike is a paved road (which makes jogging a really nice option) there are two places where you have the option to take a left which would lead to picnic tables... However if you keep going straight you will get a nice photo op. Of the Pico Canyon plaques where the first oil well once was. Right past this you can begin your climb up the mountain. The incline is perfect... It offed a great workout opportunity... And it's not too hard where it makes you feel like you may die if you continue. The view is surprisingly gorgeous.. Seriously, I have lived out in Santa Clarita my entire life and I never would have guessed such views existed. It is a hike that you should not attempt on your own, only because it's pretty secluded, my partner and I did not see another single hiker. I definitely look forward to coming back, the path seems endless and I would love to continue on... It also helps that the weather was in our favor today... Couldn't have asked for a better day. I thoroughly enjoyed this hike today

Does it really count as a hiking when the trail is mostly a paved road? Nevertheless, the Pico…read moreCanyon trail is still a fun and exciting trek. The trail starts at Mentryville, an interesting old and historically significant town that has been used for a number of movies. Further up the road you'll encounter a mini trail on the left. It's a great trail for kids. It has some small bridges and ends with a picnic bench on a hill. Continuing up the paved road you will encounter a neat little area on the left that has some old oil field relicts. Further up the road on the right you will encounter Well #4, the first commercial oil well in California. The paved road will eventually end and then you will start the trek up the mountain. Even though there is a fairly wide path, when you start to get high up the mountain the height can be a little intimidating. The views at the top of the mountain are probably the best in Santa Clarita.