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.

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.

Quigley Canyon Trails is a hidden gem. It's one of those locations that you would never just happen…read moreto discover. It's tucked far away, among private residences, near old town Newhall. It's also near 2 well known locations, Melody Ranch and Masters College. I recommend downloading the city of Santa Clarita trail map so you can keep track of your location on the trails as you hike. This trail is really good for kids and it's great if you're interested in a good workout. The kids will appreciate the horses at the start of the trail and the easy path of Coyote and Fox's loop. For a workout try the steep incline section of the coyote loop then make your way to the lookout point. I doubt that you'll find a trail with a steeper incline in Santa Clarita. The trail is sun exposed with some shady areas. There are some nice benches and a cool bridge made from power lines on the west section of coyote loop.

3 Stars? This area is used almost exclusively by local residents of Placerita Canyon. It's a…read moregreat place to run, MTB, hike or horseback ride...difficult to get to. When I lived in the canyon I worked out there every day. Love this place! Careful of the large coyote packs... they won't attack, but they will surround you. It can be pretty intimidating. Lots of deer to see roaming around the hills.

Beautiful spot for hiking and relaxing. Trails seemed to be very well-maintained and clean at the…read moretime of my visit; however, winter storms may have impacted trail conditions. Parking can be a bit tricky depending on the time of your visit; the powers that be have determined that much of the streets are to have "no parking", so be careful to read the signs. Not super crowded on the trails but look out for mountain bikers. Free admission.

Golden Valley Ranch Open Space is 900 acres of woodland within the San Gabriel Mountains that has…read morebeen preserved for all of us to enjoy. You can access the various trails at 2 different locations, either along Placerita Canyon Road or Golden Valley Road and Via Princessa. To start along Placerita Canyon Road look for the metal gate at the start of the trail. You will start on Mitchell Trail (Placerita Motorway on some maps). This trail will ascend steeply until you reach the ridge and meet up with Placerita Trail where you can either hang a left and proceed along the ridgeline until you reach lookout point or hang a right and connect with Nadeau Trail. To reach the alternate starting point, my preferred route, you start by parking your car along the street at Golden Valley Road and Via Princessa. This is the base of the future residential community of Golden Valley Ranch. Go past the black fence and descend down a paved walkway. Turn right and you will eventually see the metal gate that is the start of the Nadeau Trail. I like this starting point because it's the start of a 5 mile loop that circles around one of the most prominent ridgelines in the Santa Clarita Valley. The trail ends at lookout point. At that point you will have to find your way down the mountain with the help of the unofficial path and cement drainage ditches. You will eventually reach Oak Crest Drive and Golden Valley Road where you take a right and complete the loop. The trails located within Golden Valley Ranch are named after Remi Nadeau (III), Frank Evans Walker, and John W. Mitchell. Remi Nadeau (III) was the grandson of Remi Nadeau, a well-known figure during his time. He made his fortune hauling bullions from mines and then later established one of the largest vineyards in the world and built the Nadeau Hotel, a Los Angeles landmark. Remi Nadeau III built a deer park in Canyon Country, near present-day Sierra Highway/Soledad Canyon. John W. Mitchell was a pioneer resident of Soledad Canyon. Nadeau and Mitchell had home ranches that adjoined each other and together they purchased the old Cuneo range in upper Placerita Canyon. Until Mr. Nadeau's death they were partners in the cattle raising business, and the yearly round-ups on the Nadeau-Mitchell ranch became one of the big events of the valley. Frank Evans Walker lived in and built several homes in Placerita Canyon in the early 1900's. He was one of the first and last Placerita Canyon gold prospectors. Interestingly the area gets its name from the word Placer, Spanish for mine, it forms the root of Placerita, meaning little mine. The only remaining building intact is the Walker's Cabin located in Placerita Canyon Nature Center. The ranch has been used to film a number of famous movies. In 1949, Frank Walker sold the property to the State of California. In recent years, the state transferred the ownership of the park to the County of Los Angeles.

Haskell Canyon is a nice hiking spot in the city of Santa Clarita. It is in Saugus and away from…read morethe downtown of Newhall. The trail has a few different paths to take with one being easy and the other providing more of a strenuous hike. You will be able to get great views of the Santa Clarita Valley once you reach the top. No shade on this trail so prepare wisely.

This place is pretty straight forward. This is a hiking trail and mountain biking trail. There are…read morelike 3 different ways to 4 to 5 different ways to get into and out of the trail. Just an FYI, if you go in through the main entrance and decide to take the path around to another exit be warned that there are some pretty steep hills to go down near the end. And I did see a mattress and a used condom lying a round by one of the exits of the trail but hey.. sometimes the moment just can't wait right?? The answer is yes... it can wait... don't have sex on a dirty, disgusting mattress next to a hiking trail. That's weird and gross. This was cleaned up within weeks btw.. Also.. watch out mountain bikers!! They come down the hill at a very high rate of speed and might not be able to avoid you in time if you are walking/running around a corner. If you are a walker while texting just be sure to stay alert! There is also a good sized staircase a few hundred yards inside the entrance which is nice to use for workouts as well. Also watch out for snakes, they are common here. This place is quiet on weekdays but a bit busier on weekends. It's peaceful and I love coming here to Meditate a few times a week. I like it. It's a hike trail, how could it get anything but a 5 star??

Easy drive out to the Rocks on an OHV Rec area if you have 4X4, but still totally doable (on a…read morenon-rainy day) in a car if you take it slow. The hike itself to the rocks isn't much of a hike, but it's pretty isolated and fun to explore. Even w the motorcycles whining in the distance, it's still pretty quite. I didn't do much more than explore the Rocks, so that's all I'll comment on, but it's a large area and I'm sure you'll find your fun!

Texas Canyon is a large unincorporated area located within the Sierra Pelona mountains between…read moreSanta Clarita and Agua Dulce. Within the canyon there is a section that has a number of large and steep rugged rocks and cliffs that are ideal for rock climbing. Many of the rocks and some of the 100+ climbing routes have even been named. The most prominent rock is a 150-foot rock pillar named Hyperion Slab, also known as, "The Chicken." Personally I think "Darth Vader's Helmet" would have been a more fitting name. The area is rich in wildflowers so as a result there are a large number of bees. Their omnipresent buzzing can be heard in the background as you are explore the area. There is a large and very interesting appearing hive that is located in a crevice of the east face of Hyperion Slab. The area is also used by off highway vehicle (OHV) users. Rowher Flats OHV Area is located north of the canyon. At the Rowher Flats parking lot there are picnic benches, BBQ pits and a bathroom. There area has endless hiking and biking trails. There are a few small Indian caves located near the crag and further north there is an abandoned mine called "Silver King Mine." The entrance is barricaded with steel beams. The location of the mine can be seen on Google maps. To get to the site from Santa Clarita, take Sierra Hwy north about 5 miles and then turn left on Rush Canyon Road (5N13). You will see a sign for Rowher Flats OHV area. The paved road transitions to a dirt road. Continue for about 1.8 miles until you reach a gated fire road that's off to the left. Park and follow the fire road a short while. The path to the rocks will become obvious as you get closer.

A beautiful trail that serves and suits the community of Santa Clarita well. There is always…read moreplenty of free parking. Central Park Trail is located inside Central Park. This is such a wonderful aspect of the park. It serves as a hiking trail, cross country trail and bike trail. The hike is short in distance and great for beginner hikers. I am looking forward to coming back and seeing this trail during the spring when the grass is green. What I enjoy about this trail are of the views of the Santa Clarita Valley and that you can hang out and picnic at the park afterwards. Also, you will find bathrooms nearby.

So many trails to go. Not many people. But since theres a dog park around the area. Expect the will…read morebe poop outside the park

Plum Canyon Fire Road offers a great hike and a wonderful place to see many local native plants. I…read morecame in search of an endangered species (which I found, luckily) and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Plum Canyon may have been named in reference to the many Holly-leaved Cherry plants in the bottom of the canyon (Prunus ilicifolia) whose fruit was ripe and edible on my hike. Parking is free (I parked on the east end of the road). Bring water, sunscreen and a camera/phone. The hike itself was moderately strenuous, with some uphill climbs, but nothing too steep. Look out for mountain bikers speeding downhill and enjoy.

There are a couple of different ways to enter this trail. Coming from Plum Canyon Rd enter into the…read morenew housing development by taking a right on La Madrid Dr. Park your car at the end of the road and walk the rest of the way. You will just have to figure out the best way to navigate through the barriers. The other option is crossing the street where Whites Canyon meets Plum Canyon near the new Fire Station. The most interesting thing about Plum Canyon Fire Road is the numerous stacked stone piles that seem to be everywhere. I recently learned that they are called cairns. They can be used as memorials or a landmarks. In this case I think people just made them to have some fun. If your goal is to reach Cruzan Mesa, AKA Mystery Mesa, then be sure to make a left when you come to a junction. If you start to head downhill on Plum Canyon Fire Rd then you've gone too far. Make your way up the nearest hill and walk along the ridgeline until you see it. The entire property is enclosed by a fence.