There are a lot of trails out here. Some are just for atvs and bikes. And you have to be careful,…read morebecause many of the trails have black diamond offshoots that can mess you up if you're. it careful, or at least prepared. lovely place.

Although COVID cancelled our hikes overlooking Lake Tahoe, we tried Bouquet Canyon reservoir as a…read moresubstitute. Granted, not an equal replacement but was still enjoyable with multiple vistas of the man-made lake and a few patches of wildflowers. We started at Forest Road 6N08 and Bouquet Canyon Road along the eastern edge of the reservoir and just kept going up until we reached the top of Martindale Ridge. The ridge is also accessible from opposite side via Sierra Highway near Agua Dulce. Not an area of the Angeles National Forest where environment concerns are at the forefront, the roads are legal for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use like dirt bikes, ATVs, and 4-wheelers. We were the only hikers on the dirt roads which we safely shared with six motorcyclists and a dozen 4x4s. As with most off-roading areas, multiple tracks were cut through the mountains. The trails were either named Martindale Ridge Road or Rowher OHV Trail. Consequently, it's easy to confuse the two and depending on the route taken, distances can greatly vary. For example, we hiked 5.0 miles going up and 3.8 miles returning down. The entire hike was 8.9 miles with a 1700' elevation difference.

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.

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.

Long before the 14 freeway existed, the only way to travel north past the Santa Susana and San…read moreGabriel Mountains to central and northern California was through a narrow 70 foot tall pass called Beale's Cut (also known as both the San Fernando Pass and the Newhall Pass). Completed in 1859, this pass was used up to 1910 until it was abandoned after the Newhall Tunnel was built located ¼ mile to the west of the site. Through the years the site has been used for a number of western movies. William S Hart supposedly jumped his horse across the gap. The land around Beale's Cut was used by a refinery until the 1980's. The land currently remains vacant. You can still see various concrete foundations and pipes from the oil refinery. In the spring of 1998 a massive landslide filled in nearly half of the cut. This site was designated as California Registered Historic Landmark No. 1006 on May 11, 1992. A marker base and plaque for this historical landmark was unfortunately never erected. The entrance to the site is located 1 mile south of Eternal Valley Cemetery. You'll see a metal fence on the east side of the road. From there you walk up the hill for another 1,000 ft.

If you like odd bits of history this is a fun one. Only takes a minute to get find, and you don't…read morehave to hike. From Sierra Highway and the first instersection with Highway 14 go north and stop just short of the Welcome to Santa Clarita sign. There will be the remains of a stone monument on your right. Walk back down the road and look back. You will see the cut.

Not a bad hike, definitely must be done between December-early March for the peak experience…read more If you go closer to summer it's not as good of a sight obviously. Only reason I give it 4 is there was so much litter the last 3 times I went, it was disgusting people just leave their trash around.

Elsmere Canyon offers a wide variety try of trails covering 3 miles of lush green and stunning…read moreviews. Moreover, these trails have various skill hiking levels for hikers. Most of my hike were relatively flat with a few elevation gains. I hiked past the waterfall creek and into the waterfalls. There were gorgeous oak trees along the trail which can look and sound magical especially if you close your eyes and listen to the surrounding. It took me a lil over an hour round trip to the trailhead and into the parking lot. Furthermore, fellow hikers were friendly. Unfortunately, the weather was a bit chilly and very windy due to Santa Ana winds. I didn't expected it. Overall, it's an nice canyon trail. I recommend it.

This is little-known short trail that leads to a great big rocky outcrop with steep drop-offs and…read moresweeping views of Castaic Wilderness in the Angeles National Forest. The trail is 1 mile (there-and-back). The trailhead is located up the road and north of Castaic Lake, off of Lake Hughes Rd. Park in the dirt off the the side of the road. You'll see a narrow trail that follows the edge of the mountain. There are sections that are slightly overgrown. I walked slowly watching carefully for snakes. You'll see all kinds of wildflowers if you go in the spring. The recent rains has turned the vegetation green. There was long grass flowing in the wind. Once you reach the large rock outcrop you'll get to examine a number of small openings in the rock, peak into small caves and climb through a large slit in the middle of the rock formation. There's a real dangerous cliff-section where you need to use some caution and not let kids play unsupervised. Overall it's a fun trail with lots to see and explore. It's a nice teaser that will make you want to explore other trails in the area.

"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

** Dog friendly My Betty would have had fun here…read more Please bring water, a bowl and poop bags for your pup Please pick up after yourselves First off no cell service for me anyway, I have Spectrum. Large empty parking lot available at 10am on a Thursday. Note: posted no off road parking. I didn't have any cash on me and parking meter was not working, so unfortunately I had to turn right around and leave. Payment is $5 in an envelope that you put into the "iron ranger". I wouldn't make a special trip out there but if I am ever nearby again I'd probably check this out. Note: my cell was "off line" until 2.4 miles away on Pico Canyon Rd from Mentryville parking lot.

Mentryville was a pretty cool experience. We got to visit it through Parapod's haunted tour. Has…read moresome history and people claim it is haunted. The pictures I posted pretty much describe it. It was fun to travel back in time for a bit and imagine how life was back in the day.