Finally was able to get out for a hike this morning. It has been so hot this summer that I have not been out much except for walks in my local neighborhood. My brother Keith is visiting, so he and I took my dog Hiker over to the East Walker Ranch Open Space which is a fairly new hiking area here in Santa Clarita.
This hike can be as short at about 1.5 miles to about 3 miles depending on which trails you hike. We chose the Loop Trail which is just under 2 miles. The map we had showed that it was a fairly moderate hike, however we found a few places to be pretty strenuous, plus the fact that we are out of shape for hiking. It has been so hot here in SoCal this summer that we have not been able to get out much.
The trail starts off from a small parking area just off Placerita Canyon Road.
If you go to the right, you start up a paved trail which starts to climb immediately. If you go to the left, you start off on a dirt trail that is fairly flat at first, but then starts to go into a steep climb.
There is a "look-out point" at the top of the ridge that offers some great views of the mountains all around.
To get to this area exit Highway 14 at Placerita Canyon Road (from the 14 NB, turn right, from the 14 SB, turn left). Pass the Placerita Nature Center and East Walker Ranch will be ahead on the south side of the road (your right). There is a sign so you cannot miss it. Parking is available near the gate.
