WHITNEY CANYON HIKE #1 - 04/20/08

Discovered another "natural area" in Whitney Canyon closer to our home. The trail here runs along the Whitney Canyon Creek.

My brother Keith was visiting for the weekend, so he and I got up early Sunday morning and headed out for a hike.

The trail starts out in a flatland full of wildflowers (in the springtime). Eventually you come upon a beautiful grove of oaks. You can hear the birds singing and the sound of the babbling creek. We found pools full of polywogs everytime we crossed the creek.
This trail never does get very steep. It stays mostly flat until you get close to the end of the trail. Here you start to run into a rocky area and you start to do a little climbing, but it is well worth it because at the end of the trail is a nice waterfall. It's a nice place to stop had have lunch if you packed one.

Once you start back down the trail, you see a beautiful view of the Santa Clarita Valley from the rocks and before you know it, you are back in the wooded area.

This is a short trail but still worth the hike.


Highlights: Wildflowers in the spring, groves of oak trees, year-round springs, waterfall.


Near: Newhall, CA
Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Approx. 100 ft
Hike Time: Approx. 2 hours for entire hike
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
Hike Type: Out and back


Trailhead: Take Interstate 5 north to Highway 14. Exit San Fernando Road/Newhall Avenue and head towards Park & ride. Turn left at dead-end and park in dirt lot.