This was my very first hike after I retired. Even though I retired in 2006, I did not realize for 2 years that there were all of these wonderful hiking trails and nature areas in the Santa Clarita Valley where I live. I had been going for walks on all of the bike trails in the city limits here, then one day while I was surfing the Web, I came across a site that told all about these nature areas and I was thrilled!
My first hike in Towsley Canyon was a "short" one. I went there by myself to check the area out. The wildflowers were blooming and everything was very green.
Since I had never been there before, I had no idea where the trails were or where they lead. I came upon a sign that read "Towsley View Loop 5.1 Miles". I decided I'd head up this trail a little ways and see where it took me.
The first part of the trail was in an open field, but eventually I came to a grove of oak trees where a small creek ran. The sound of the babbling water and the birds was very relaxing.
After going in about 1/2 mile or so, I decided to head back and take a side trail that I had seen along the way as it lead to a hillside of California Poppies and Blue Lupins. I wanted to take some photos.
This side trail took me through tall green grasses and up the side of a mountain.
The trail kept getting thinner and I felt as though I would fall off the side of it, so I finally turned and headed back for the main trail where I decided to start back to the parking lot and drive home.
My actual hike on this day was only about 1 mile to 1.5 miles as I went late in the afternoon and had not really planned for a long hike.
Highlights: Spectacular Geological formations, Rugged Mountain Views, Tar Pits, Plant Variety
Near: Newhall, CA
Distance: 5.1 miles round trip (if you do the entire loop)
Elevation Gain: 1671 ft (if you do the entire loop)
Hike Time: Approx. 3.5 hours for entire loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
Hike Type: Loop
Trailhead: Take the Calgrove exit from the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5). Turn west back under the freeway and take the Old Road south to Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon. Drive 0.6 miles west on the graded entrance road to reach the picnic area and nature center. Park your car in the dirt lot to the right and then proceed up the graded road towards the floodplain of Towsley Canyon
After going in about 1/2 mile or so, I decided to head back and take a side trail that I had seen along the way as it lead to a hillside of California Poppies and Blue Lupins. I wanted to take some photos.
This side trail took me through tall green grasses and up the side of a mountain.
The trail kept getting thinner and I felt as though I would fall off the side of it, so I finally turned and headed back for the main trail where I decided to start back to the parking lot and drive home.
Highlights: Spectacular Geological formations, Rugged Mountain Views, Tar Pits, Plant Variety
Near: Newhall, CA
Distance: 5.1 miles round trip (if you do the entire loop)
Elevation Gain: 1671 ft (if you do the entire loop)
Hike Time: Approx. 3.5 hours for entire loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
Hike Type: Loop
Trailhead: Take the Calgrove exit from the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5). Turn west back under the freeway and take the Old Road south to Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon. Drive 0.6 miles west on the graded entrance road to reach the picnic area and nature center. Park your car in the dirt lot to the right and then proceed up the graded road towards the floodplain of Towsley Canyon
Love that hike, Kay... I love this new blog you have started... It is amazing how many great trails there are all over this country of ours... We just have to look for them. Our waterfall books take us on some fabulous trails. Thanks for sharing..
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
How's your hubby doing?
I enjoyed the walk very much.
ReplyDeletePatsy