PLACERITA CANYON HIKE #1 - 09/11/08

Botany Trail and Ecology Trail are 2 short trails at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center in Santa Clarita, CA. They are not very long trails, maybe a total of 2 miles round trip. In the winter and spring, there is a creek running alongside the trails and there are a lot of wildflowers, but today, being the end of summer, everything was dry and there were no flowers.

This hike is very nice as it is not very steep. There are a few areas where you climb a little and there are some good spots to stop and check out the surrounding scenery.
It is possible to see Grey Fox, Deer and Squirrels in this area. It’s a great hike for seniors and children as there are several benches in the shade, which make pleasant stopping points.

Highlights: Wildflowers in the spring, groves of oak trees, running creek in the wet seasons.


Near: Newhall, CA
Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approx. 100 ft
Hike Time: Approx. 45 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
Hike Type: Loop


Trailhead: Take Interstate 5 north to Highway 14. Exit Placerita Canyon Road. If you are coming from the south, turn right, if you are coming from the north, turn left on Placerita Canyon Road. Turn right into the Placerita Canyon Natural Area (marked by a wooden sign). Park. Trailhead is to the left of the buildings.