Golden Valley Open Space

Saturday, April 20

Golden Valley Open Space

More than 900 acres of chaparral/oak woodland have been preserved along one of the most prominent ridgelines in the Santa Clarita Valley. After making the steep ascent to the ridgeline, trail users will be rewarded with the rolling terrain and http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/9/1/a/event_134230522.jpegsweeping panoramas from the Placerita Trail. Several lookout points located along the trail provide exceptional viewing and rest opportunities. Horse Peak, at 2,391 feet above sea level, lies just south of the trail and is the highest point in Santa Clarita. We can also take a longer, more challenging route along the Nadeau Trail that drops you down into the future residential community of Golden Valley Ranch. We will do all of these trails, and beginners will have the opportunity to leave as we pass the entry trail a second time.

Meet at 8:00 for an 8:15 departure

View the link below for a map of the trail(s).

http://hikesantaclarita.com/where-to-go/golden-valley-ranch/

Directions to trailhead: From the I-5, take the SR-14 to Placerita Canyon Road. Exit. Turn right. Go about 4 miles into the canyon (about 2 miles past Placerita http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/c/4/2/event_105619522.jpegNatural Area). Continue just past the Walker Ranch Trail Head, which you will see on your right. On your LEFT, look for an open gate and a sign that says, “Golden Valley Ranch Open Space”. You can park beyond the gate in the parking lot or immediately outside the gate on the dirt beside the road.

Look for the American flag to locate your hike leader.

Leader: Lise Meyershttp://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/7/f/8/event_149350232.jpeg

Rated: Easy ++