A challenging climb up
several steep hills, then down through a lush, shady grove. A difficult hike
found off of Highway 14 near Santa Clarita, but well worth the effort.
Location: Placerita
Canyon County Park Region: Santa Clarita Distance: 7-mile loop Difficulty: Difficult with steep and slippery climbs When to go: October to June Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (661) 259-7721 Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft. Are dogs allowed: Yes, on leash only. Restrooms: Near the trailhead and in the Placerita Canyon Nature
Center Parking: Free
Trail Information
Full Review: Here's a thought to remember during the first half of
this hike: If you think there can't possibly be a steeper, nastier hill than
the one you're currently climbing, just wait to see what's coming up next.
Here's a better thought: If you make it to the end of those horrible hills,
your reward is a fairytale hollow that runs downhill, under cover of oaks,
to a cooling stream. It's definitely worth the struggle.
At the west end of the picnic area, you'll find the Hillside Trail behind
the restrooms. This is your starting point. In a short while you'll see a
water tank up ahead. Just before reaching it, turn right and climb the steps
that lead toward Manzanita Mountain. When you get to the top, keep to the
left. At the next fork, turn left to climb a steep and slippery slope that
looks less like a trail than the aftermath of a narrow mudslide. Get used to
it; there will be many more over the next 1.8 miles.
At the very top, you'll hit the Whitney Canyon fire road. Follow it east
toward Wilson Canyon Saddle until you reach a trailhead on the left that
leads down a narrow path into a thick grove of live oaks. This is the Los
Pinetos Trail. Take it down to Los Pinetos Spring, where you'll stay left to
follow the trail through the chaparral that lines Los Pinetos Canyon. Look
for tall pines down below. Soon you'll reach the Walker Ranch campground,
which is where you would camp if you chose to do this hike as an overnight
trip (remember to get a permit first). The final leg of the loop takes you
along the creek through Placerita Canyon and back to the parking lot.
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