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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Los Angeles, California
Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area Loop
5.02.85 mi / 328 ft gainThe Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area is just outside of downtown LA, a perfect location for hiking, trail running, and biking. The trail loops up to the top of a hill, where hikers get sweeping views of LA. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. This is also a great location for trail running...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
4.20.58 mi / 36 ft gainVista Hermosa Natural Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Located in the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s very easy to drive by this hidden gem if you’re not looking for it. This park is the perfect mix of ur...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
City View and Walnut Forest Trails Loop
4.02.59 mi / 568 ft gainThe City View and Walnut Forest Trails in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park are just outside of downtown Los Angeles, and are perfect for all abilities. The trails are most commonly used by dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and families. The top of the hike features a unique pond. Dogs are a...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Historic Park
5.01.17 mi / 46 ft gainLos Angeles Historic Park is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Dodgertown, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ord & Yale Street Park
4.0Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...Read more -
Malibu, California
Escondido Falls Trail
4.33.74 mi / 699 ft gainThis 3.8 mile out-and-back hike takes place on a very easy to use trail. The first 0.75 miles on Winding Way are paved, leading you up to Escondido Canyon Trail. As you head up Winding Way, it’s safest to stay on the side of the road on the dirt. You’ll take this paved road up roughly 200 feet be...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Kayak the Marina Del Rey Harbor
5.0The Marina Del Rey harbor covers 1.5 square miles making it the world’s largest small-craft harbor. Located southwest of Los Angeles, it is the homeport to nearly 6,500 local boats, ranging from small fishing boats, large private yachts, and even a multitude of unique houseboats. The harbor is ea...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Venice Canals
4.32.77 mi / 30 ft gainThe canals are a fun and quiet place to relax away from the hectic Venice boardwalk. Take a stroll through the canals or even get in a run! The reflections in the water are the main attraction and are great for photography. Spring, after some rain, is the best time to go as the water levels are g...Read more -
Westlake Village, California
Climb at Echo Cliffs
1.3 miThe hike to the crag is about 1.3 miles one way and takes roughly 45 minutes. The approach starts at the Backbone / Mishe Mokwa trail head off Yerba Buena Rd. After walking a couple minutes you'll see a sign pointing left for the backbone trail or straight for Mishe Mokwa. Continue straight and ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Balanced Rock via Sandstone Trailhead
5.04.36 mi / 1125 ft gain...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...Read more -
Malibu, California
Sandstone Peak
4.83.03 mi / 971 ft gainIf you live in Los Angeles, Sandstone Peak is a must! The hike to the summit can be done on a 2 mile hike up and back on Sandstone Peak Trail, or a 6.5 mile hike up and back on Backbone Trail. The shorter trail is more popular, yet both are equally rewarding. You won't believe the views from the...Read more -
Newbury Park, California
Boney Peak
4.012.04 mi / 3025 ft gainThe hike begins at the parking lot for Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park, CA just outside LA. Pull into the parking lot and walk on the dirt road until you see the trail for Boney Peak. It is easy to find because the peak can be seen from the beginning of the trail. The trail is generally an in...Read more -
12869 Yerba Buena Road, California
Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak
5.07.06 mi / 1755 ft gainTake Yerba Buena road to the trailhead. It is less zigzagged and shorter distance from PCH. Parking is easy provided that you start early in the morning. If the lot is full, you can always park on the side of the road. Bathroom is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot, just 0.8 miles ...Read more -
Ventura County, California
Sycamore Canyon Falls
5.03.3 mi / 545 ft gain...When arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, take the drive and park at Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Parking is free and also offers restrooms and some history about the park. Follow the trailhead South until you come to the Satwiwa Culture Center on your left and a dome-like...Read more -
Pasadena, California
Eaton Canyon Falls via Eaton Canyon Trailhead
4.23.54 mi / 528 ft gainThe hidden forty-foot-tall Eaton Canyon Falls fills an amphitheater at the top of Eaton Canyon Trail, tumbling into a wide pool that you can rest alongside or wade in. Normally the water is waist deep, but during this recent trip, we found the water only to stop at our ankles as it tends to fluct...Read more -
Altadena, California
Eaton Canyon to Idlehour Trail Camp
4.510.99 mi / 3291 ft gainIdlehour is nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, so it feels like you're in the heart of some untapped wilderness instead of six miles away from a bustling metropolis. The trail camp is accessible by foot through a variety of locations, but the most popular route is through Eaton Canyon, ...Read more
