These Santa Clarita hiking trails are the escape you need
Looking for things to do outdoors in Santa Clarita? Check out all our nearby scenic paseos and trails. Whether you’re in the mood for a family-friendly nature stroll or you want to break a sweat, this curated list of our favorite local hikes will get you going.
Paseos & Paved Trails
Valencia Summit Park Trails
When you want some peace and quiet, this 2.5-mile paved pathway takes you through gently rolling meadows and blooming wildflower fields. It’s one of the top dog-friendly hikes Santa Clarita has to offer.
Iron Horse Trailhead (Paseo System)
Start at the old railroad trestle bridge, then continue on this 4-mile stretch through community parks and neighborhoods, and over the Santa Clara River. It’s an ideal trail for leisurely strolls, bikes and horseback riding.
South Fork Trail (Paseo Trail System)
Another fantastic spot for hiking and biking, and birding too. It’s one of our all-time favorite paseos in Santa Clarita. Follow the dry waterway before heading south to Placerita Junior High School. 8.3 miles out-and-back total.
The San Francisquito Creek Trail
A 7.8-mile paved loop starting near Magic Mountain that follows the San Francisquito Creek. This is a great area for road biking, jogging, birding and picnics with benches and tables along the way.
Intermediate-level Hikes
Central Park Trail
A gently sloping 3.1-mile cross-country trail with scenic views in the center of Santa Clarita, and a new addition connecting Central Park to Newhall Ranch Road. Try the new 172-step exercise stairs for a bonus workout. These paths are rated easy to moderate.
Haskell Canyon Open Space
Head 10 miles up into the high country on Copper Hill Drive, and spend the day taking in the rugged beauty of this canyon. It’s also a great place to see the wildflowers in springtime. With some elevation gain, these trails are rated moderately challenging.
Quigley Canyon Open Space
Explore up to 4 miles of unpaved trails through grasslands, oak groves and hillsides with loops rated easy to challenging. A perfect, quick, kid-friendly getaway only a 10-minute drive from downtown Newhall.
East Walker Ranch Open Space
A pristine area surrounded by mountains with 4 miles of interconnected trails and remnants of the old, historic ranch still visible today. Some say Walker Ranch is the most beautiful piece of untouched land in Los Angeles County.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center Trails
Home to a seasonal stream and waterfall, scenic picnic areas and the historic site of California’s first gold discovery in 1842. There’s just so much to explore here. Your kids will love these Santa Clarita nature trails as much as you do.
Steep inclines & elevation
Elsmere Canyon Trail Loop
This peaceful canyon feels so remote, with plenty of shade, gorgeous views and multiple creek crossings. It’s all too easy to forget you’re near the city here. For a more gradual ascent, hike this 3-mile loop clockwise.
Towsley Canyon Loop (Ed Davis Park)
One of the best hikes in Santa Clarita with shaded oak groves, stunning rock formations, panoramic valley views, and nearly 1,500 feet of elevation gain. This 6.2-mile loop is popular with weekend hikers.
Pico Canyon Trail
If you’re looking for a workout, this one’s not to be missed. The 1,286-foot incline over 6.8 miles through the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Park has this trail rated moderately challenging. The panoramic views make it a great place for hikers, bikers and equestrians.
Santa Clara Divide Road (to Los Pinetos)
This 9.6-mile out-and-back trail near Newhall offers a big payoff with sweeping views of Whitney Canyon from the rideline above. It’s also part of a larger wildlife corridor, where you can see deer, hawks, reptiles and more. There’s very little shade on this trail, so wear a hat and bring water.
Once you’ve spent time on these amazing Santa Clarita Valley trails, stop by and let us know which ones you love. Access to big nature right in your backyard … it’s one of the best perks of moving to Valencia!
