This park offers a plethora of hiking trails, picnic tables in an oak grove, and a large parking…read morelot. There is a $5 parking fee requested; but it seems like most folks, including me, park on the street for free and hike up to the trailhead. This will add about a mile to your workout (round-trip), but that's good, right? I completed the loop trail this time (trail map here https://trails.lacounty.gov/Trail/1833/wilson-canyon-loop-trail ) and really enjoyed it. There is a pretty significant altitude gain, so be prepared. The trail had definitely been affected by recent rains, with a lot of ruts in the road, but nothing impassable. You'll start out in chaparral, then go up through an oak/sycamore grove near an intermittent stream, and than descend on the north side back to the trailhead. There's also a year-round stream to the north of the hiking area; not sure if it's technically part of the park but it's worth seeking out. Hiking boots with good tread, hiking poles, and water are recommended. Hat, sunscreen and shades on sunny days. And don't forget snacks and a charged phone. Highly recommended.

Your mindset is what separates you from the rest. Let's begin this new trail adventure…read more WILSON CANYON PARK is a 2.8-mile loop trail at Sylmar, California. This trail is quite popular for horseback riding, hiking, and birding. It has an elevation gain of 705 ft.; trails were well maintained, however, there were sections of the Saddle Ranch trailhead that you go through a very narrow trench-just past the water dam structure- which doesn't look like a trail but it is part of the trailhead. You start with a very sandy trail and progresses to a rocky and then smoothed out as you ever to higher elevation. This trail has rich in flora and fauna, wild animals and insects. I saw a juvenile snake (not sure if it's a Sierra Garter snake) as I descend back. YIKES! I decided to hit the Pig Ranch trail as well. Both trails deemed Easy for experienced hikers. Fellow hikers were cordial and respectful. I even saw a male hiker, wearing plaid shirt and jeans, brought his 4 lil boys on the trail. Great family bonding. Anyways, this was a nice hike with great scenery even on a slightly foggy day. Parking has a $5 honor system as you drive inside the park. Overall, WCT is a good quick hike and I recommend it.

Great place to hang out, have a party, or just walk around. Bathrooms are usually clean and stocked…read moreand you can usually find a nice place to sit and relax

Each visit to this park clears my mind. There is a calmness that always creates a relaxing…read moreexperience. Hiking, walking, meeting veterans and hearing their stories or taking in fresh air and enjoying the scenery, it's a great vibe. Looking forward to planning a picnic here, lots of shaded areas on the ground level. There is sun on the hiking trail areas, several paths to take. Not many play areas or apparatus for children but a great park overall.

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.

This park is large and spacious with plenty of free parking. There were kids playing at the…read morebaseball fields, soccer fields, and at the playgrounds. El Cariso Park hosts a regular farmer's market on Sundays. Stopped by for some coffee and pastries at E&V Kaffee! Such a delicious spot for raw honey lattes, chai teas, croissants and so much more. We had a great time perusing through the plants shops, fruit and veggie stands, and other local businesses.

El Cariso Park is one of the most beautiful and well kept parks in the Valley! Been coming here for…read moremost of my life. I cannot get enough of the fresh air, the cleanliness, the multiple recreational areas it has as basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields and of course synthetic soccer field. Perfect park for a bbq (Carne Asada) with the family. Walk your dog or go for a nice stroll with a love one. So luscious and green and big park great use of space here in the valley.

Earthquake Falls located in the Angeles National Forest. It's a drive-to falls and is located near…read moreSanta Clarita, up Sand Canyon Rd, near the Bear Divide off Little Tujunga Canyon Rd. Water tumbles down an earthquake fault line. It's located 7 miles from the epicenter of the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake. The fault line is visible on the cliff face. The waterfall is 70ft tall and has two tiers. It's dry for most of the year so you're going to want to visit it after a good rain.

This waterfall is absolutely gorgeous. And it is only a few minutes from Santa Clarita and the…read morehighway. 14. It is flowing very beautifully right now and is accessible to anyone even someone in a wheelchair. It is so beautiful. Is this really a proof of the loveliness of the creator.

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.

Love this place! Recently came here again in 2026. Went on Grotto trail by accident a year or two…read moreago. Omg! It was so intense but so worth is at the top I saw some coyotes on the others side- like a pack but the stayed on their side. Some people bring their hiking sticks and whistles and some just brave the wild :/. While we made it out alive, won't lie. Seeing like 5-6 coyotes at once kinda scared me but they were pretty far off. They have a nice little park (not a kid park with swings) you can walk around for a calmer and easier walk. They have other trails there that I haven't been on. So I'd just say wear good shoes if you're gonna tackle the big trails and maybe there hiking sticks (I need to get one) and anything for safety. It has many signs that there are rattle snakes. I haven't seen one but I believe them lol. I prefer to go early because in my mind, they wouldn't be out and about yet ‍ since it's not too hot.

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"

Little Tujunga Canyon is a wonderful place to hike or just relax. Part of the Angeles National…read moreForest, make sure that you have an Adventure Pass before parking. Also make sure you check the weather forecast as this area is prone to flash flooding.

One of the filthiest parks i have seen EVER. trash everyone. People just do not care here. I can…read moretell people just dump their car trash out the window and on the trails. Shotgun shells everywhere bullet holes on any metal you see just about. Jesus What the hell is going on here. I walked and rode my bike for 13 miles and this trash and bullet holes was consistent everywhere. I was not happy.

This nature center is located directly in the center of all the main activities for the park. There…read moreis free parking and many of the trails start right from the nature center. I thought this was a nice place to get an introduction to the wildlife, ecology and geography of the park. Admission to the nature center and the entire park is entirely free. The time I visited there was a docent on duty and a number of school children who were on day trips from the local schools.

What a great place to spend time with family and friends hiking, exploring and learning about…read morenature. I came here with my husband and son not knowing what to expect and was surprised to find this hidden gem. We had a wonderful time hiking by the creek which was active this time of the year. There are a few benches along the way to sit and take all the beauty around you in. We had to cross a few water streams while hiking which made our hike so special and beautiful. We had such a wonderful time. After the hike we had lunch at the picnic tables by the parking lot. So much to see and do here. A must visit for all nature lovers. Kid friendly. .... Love this place

Colby Canyon Trail is mostly a gateway trail for hikers looking to reach Strawberry or Josephine…read morePeak. It's a really enjoyable little canyon trail located just north of super crowded Switzer Falls trailhead off the Angeles Crest Highway. There are multiple creek crossings, rock scrambling and multiple waterfalls of all sizes. Just follow the creek up the canyon to see them all. Be prepared to get your shoes wet if you visit during the rainy season. Colby Canyon trail is 2.0 miles long from the Angeles Crest Highway to Josephine Saddle.

Great parking ..close to the valley had a lot of fun with the team from uplifted..will be going…read moreback for another hike..