Santa Clarita, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Santa Clarita, California, offer a diverse range of scenic outdoor adventures. The Placerita Canyon Nature Center, a must-visit, has trails that wind through oak woodland and chaparral, leading to a striking waterfall and the unique "Oak of the Golden Dream." For a more challenging hike, the 5-mile Towsley Canyon Loop offers panoramic views of the Santa Clarita Valley and fascinating rock formations. For those interested in bird-watching and fishing, Castaic Lake is a top choice. The Santa Clara River and the Pacific Crest Trail also provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Santa Clarita indeed offers some of the best outdoor activities and attractions for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Santa Clarita
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Altadena, California
Thalehaha Falls
1.71 mi / 679 ft gainThe trails starts in a foothill neighborhood of Altadena CA at the corner of Pleasantridge Dr. and Rubio Vista Rd. This is one of the better entries into the Angeles National Forest because it is one of the lesser known. Find a place to park on the street and head out on the trail into Rubio Cany...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Echo Park Lake
3.00.98 mi / 0 ft gainEcho Park Lake in Los Angeles has a loop that is about 1 mile around. It’s a pretty busy park, that has ducks and geese everywhere. Beautiful lotus blossoms and iris flowers in the lake. Generally flat and one tiny incline that can easily be avoided. You can also rent swan paddleboats that light ...Read more -
Pasadena, California
Lower Arroyo Seco Loop
4.02.88 mi / 230 ft gainNestled next to the CA-134, this trail presents a relaxing atmosphere while only a 30 minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles and a 5 minute drive from Old Town Pasadena. From bird-watching to archery, this trail provides a peaceful atmosphere with no lapse in beauty. The trail which is around 1....Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Secret Swing in Elysian Park
4.20.16 mi / 360 ft gainFor the most direct directions to the swing, plug in "Swing on top of Elysian Park" into google maps, which will take you directly to the trailhead. If you want to do it the more old fashion way, the swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive in Elysian...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Idlehour Trail
4.014.89 mi / 4665 ft gainIdlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well. To access the Idlehour Campground ...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
San Gabriel Peak
4.02.79 mi / 1040 ft gainAt 6,000 feet, San Gabriel Peak gives you one of the best views of the Los Angeles basin on the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. As you pass through Muller Tunnel, the trail will be littered with rocks and boulders. A little over 100 feet in, the road will fork in thre...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area Loop
2.85 mi / 328 ft gainThe Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area is just outside of downtown LA, a perfect location for hiking, trail running, and biking. The trail loops up to the top of a hill, where hikers get sweeping views of LA. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. This is also a great location for trail running...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
4.20.58 mi / 36 ft gainVista Hermosa Natural Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Located in the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s very easy to drive by this hidden gem if you’re not looking for it. This park is the perfect mix of ur...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
City View and Walnut Forest Trails Loop
4.02.59 mi / 568 ft gainThe City View and Walnut Forest Trails in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park are just outside of downtown Los Angeles, and are perfect for all abilities. The trails are most commonly used by dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and families. The top of the hike features a unique pond. Dogs are a...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Historic Park
5.01.17 mi / 46 ft gainLos Angeles Historic Park is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Dodgertown, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ord & Yale Street Park
4.0Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...Read more -
Malibu, California
Escondido Falls Trail
4.33.74 mi / 699 ft gainThis 3.8 mile out-and-back hike takes place on a very easy to use trail. The first 0.75 miles on Winding Way are paved, leading you up to Escondido Canyon Trail. As you head up Winding Way, it’s safest to stay on the side of the road on the dirt. You’ll take this paved road up roughly 200 feet be...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Kayak the Marina Del Rey Harbor
5.0The Marina Del Rey harbor covers 1.5 square miles making it the world’s largest small-craft harbor. Located southwest of Los Angeles, it is the homeport to nearly 6,500 local boats, ranging from small fishing boats, large private yachts, and even a multitude of unique houseboats. The harbor is ea...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Venice Canals
4.32.77 mi / 30 ft gainThe canals are a fun and quiet place to relax away from the hectic Venice boardwalk. Take a stroll through the canals or even get in a run! The reflections in the water are the main attraction and are great for photography. Spring, after some rain, is the best time to go as the water levels are g...Read more -
Westlake Village, California
Climb at Echo Cliffs
1.3 miThe hike to the crag is about 1.3 miles one way and takes roughly 45 minutes. The approach starts at the Backbone / Mishe Mokwa trail head off Yerba Buena Rd. After walking a couple minutes you'll see a sign pointing left for the backbone trail or straight for Mishe Mokwa. Continue straight and ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Sandstone Peak
4.83.03 mi / 971 ft gainIf you live in Los Angeles, Sandstone Peak is a must! The hike to the summit can be done on a 2 mile hike up and back on Sandstone Peak Trail, or a 6.5 mile hike up and back on Backbone Trail. The shorter trail is more popular, yet both are equally rewarding. You won't believe the views from the...Read more
