Santa Clarita, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Santa Clarita, California, offer a diverse range of scenic outdoor adventures. The Placerita Canyon Nature Center, a must-visit, has trails that wind through oak woodland and chaparral, leading to a striking waterfall and the unique "Oak of the Golden Dream." For a more challenging hike, the 5-mile Towsley Canyon Loop offers panoramic views of the Santa Clarita Valley and fascinating rock formations. For those interested in bird-watching and fishing, Castaic Lake is a top choice. The Santa Clara River and the Pacific Crest Trail also provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Santa Clarita indeed offers some of the best outdoor activities and attractions for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Santa Clarita
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Arcadia, California
Sturtevant Falls
4.61.61 mi / 423 ft gainAs you head down to Roberts Camp, a historic set of historic cabins, you’ll head out on a steep, paved road for approximately 0.6 miles. Once you reach the camp, head over the bridge and keep an eye out for the sign for the Gabrielino Trail, which will take you to the falls. Along the trail, you...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat
5.012.74 mi / 4852 ft gainMt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Hermit Falls Trail
4.42.49 mi / 1014 ft gainNote: Hermit Falls is Temporarily Closed From Roberts Camp, many hikers will head to Sturtevant Falls, which is an amazing 60-foot waterfall. But, if you choose to head in the opposite direction on First Water Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh water swimming hole at this 35-foot tumbling wa...Read more -
Malibu, California
Leo Carillo State Beach
4.5Leo Carrillo State Park has 1.5 miles of two sandy beach areas, tide pools, and numerous coves and sea caves. This year-round paradise offers privacy and ocean access for anglers, divers, surfers, wildlife watchers, beachcombers, and campers. If you're headed here for day-use, there are also tide...Read more -
Malibu, California
Scenic Trail
4.01.53 mi / 322 ft gainThe trailhead is located in the day use area of Point Mugu State Park. Park in the day use area parking lot. There is a parking fee of $12/day or $3/hr. From the parking lot, walk through the campground until you reach the old service road. After passing through the gate, turn left at the si...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Cooper Canyon Trail Camp
5.37 mi / 1214 ft gainThere's a small parking lot just below Cloudburst Summit on the way to Mount Waterman. Start your adventure there. I'd be hard-pressed to say it's more than 15 yards from the sign for the summit (7018' AMSL). There's a fire road, if you're newer to altitude and don't know how to read a map (or e...Read more -
Malibu, California
Camp at Point Mugu's Sycamore Canyon Campground
The beach at Point Mugu State Park is just far away enough from the bustling town of Malibu and its popular beaches to feel like you are still secluded with nature. A great way to be close to the beach at Point Mugu State Park and access it easily whenever you want would be to camp at the Sycamor...Read more -
9000 Pacific Coast Highway, California
Cookout at Sycamore Cove Beach
If you ever wanted to see dolphins and seals playing and feeding in the surf while getting ready to barbecue, this is the spot for it. Whether you want some summer rays or some of our wicked wacky winter weather, Sycamore Cove will deliver. Usually isolated enough to keep large crowds away, this ...Read more -
Monrovia, California
Monrovia Falls
3.71.46 mi / 459 ft gainMonrovia Falls is closed indefinitely due to the Bobcat Fire and mudslides. Read more on the CityofMonrovia.org website. The Monrovia Falls are at the end of the main trail located in Monrovia Canyon Park. The park is easy to locate and has ample parking. Keep in mind you do have to pay a fee of...Read more -
Malibu, California
La Jolla Canyon Falls
1.75 mi / 449 ft gain...I think out of all the State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, Point Mugu State Park is without a doubt the best one. Maybe it has something to do with its proximity to the beach, or the endless trails and epic views, but the energy and diversity here is just so much more wild. With the par...Read more -
Malibu, California
Camp at Thornhill Broome State Beach
5.0Take PCH through Malibu towards Oxnard and the campground will be on your left. There is no day use here and you can drive right to your campsite.During the summer, make reservations or arrive really early to nab a site. Spaces can fill up quickly.There is access to a hiking trail across PCH.Read more -
Malibu, California
Camp at Point Mugu State Park's Thornhill Broome Campground
5.0Beach camping in California seems elusive these days, but we were able to pitch our tent just feet from the surf! We stayed for two nights and felt like we had our own private stretch of beach. First, you'll want to make reservations at www.reserveamerica.com. It was fairly easy to reserve a spot...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Mt. Waterman
5.05.87 mi / 1499 ft gainMt. Waterman is accessed along Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest. Heading east from La Canada look for mileage marker 58.0 (34 miles from La Canada) just past the closed ski resort. Park at one of the large paved turnouts on your left. Display an Adventure Pass ($5 at Ranger Station or Big...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Watts Towers
3.0Watts Towers are a quick 15-20 minute ride from Downtown Los Angeles on the Metro. Since I love weird, interesting things, plus the towers are in my backyard, I had to take a trip to check them out! When getting off the train, I half expected to see the towers spiraling off in the distance. After...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Snowshoe Buckhorn Ridge Trail
2.5 mi / 700 ft gainLocated 1 mile east of the Mt Waterman Ski Resort, Buckhorn Ski Hill is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll through a snow-covered forest, complete with views of towering Mt Waterman. To get here take I-210 toward La Canada, exit on to California Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) heading no...Read more -
Manhattan Beach, California
Take a Sunset Surf at Manhattan Beach
4.4Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot in the South Bay of Los Angeles for surfers of all levels. With its exposed beach break with consistent surf and more than 300 days of sun per year, you can pretty much always count on good weather in Manhattan Beach so you can surf no matter the season. Ide...Read more
