SCVHikers

This is one of the best summer escapes within driving distance of Santa Clarita. Starting at 8,340 feet, the Condor Summit Trail climbs through fragrant Jeffrey pine and white fir forest to the summit of Mt. Pinos (8,847’)—the highest point in Ventura County and a sacred peak in Chumash cosmology, known as Iwihinmu, the center of the world. The air up here runs about 20 degrees cooler than the Santa Clarita Valley floor, and the alpine feel is a genuine shock if you’re used to the chaparral-covered hills closer to home.

Beyond Mt. Pinos, the route follows the Vincent Tumamait Trail along a high ridgeline through the Chumash Wilderness, descending switchbacks to a saddle before climbing again to Sawmill Mountain (8,806’)—the highest point in Kern County, marked by a massive summit cairn and sweeping views of the Transverse Ranges. A final push brings you to remote Grouse Mountain (8,582’), where the crowds thin out and the quiet is worth the extra effort. You’ll pass the Mt. Pinos Condor Observation Site along the way—keep your eyes on the sky for California condors, North America’s largest land bird with a wingspan over nine feet.

The nice thing about this route is that, because it’s an out-and-back with several natural stopping points, you can safely turn around whenever you like and head back. The trail to Mt. Pinos alone is a satisfying 4-mile round trip; adding Sawmill makes it about 7 miles; and the full three-peak route is roughly 10.2 miles. The return hits differently—you’re re-climbing peaks you already descended, and the altitude makes the uphills feel bigger than the numbers suggest.

DETAILS:

• Hike organizer(s): Tim R.
• Meet: Mt. Pinos Nordic Base (Chula Vista Trailhead) parking lot at 7:45 am, departure at 8:00 am sharp (Jul 18).
• Distance: Approximately 10.2 miles (out-and-back).
• Elevation gain: Approximately 2,060 feet.
• Time: Approximately 5.0–5.5 hours hiking, including a snack break at Grouse Mountain.
• Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition. The trail involves sustained climbing with multiple ascents and descents between peaks. The entire hike is above 8,000 feet—if you’re coming from sea level, the altitude will make the uphills feel harder than the numbers suggest.
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on leash. No water sources along the trail—bring extra water for your dog.
• Restrooms: Portable toilets may be available at the Nordic Base parking lot (seasonal/not guaranteed). No facilities along the trail.
• Adventure Pass: An Adventure Pass or other valid National Forest pass (e.g., America the Beautiful) is required to park at the Nordic Base lot. Daily passes cost $5 and may be available for purchase at the Nordic Base (cash only) on staffed weekends. Purchase one in advance at local outdoor retailers or online to be safe.
• Turnaround: Mt. Pinos summit (about 2 miles in) is a natural turnaround for a 4-mile round trip. The Condor Observation Site just past the summit is another good stopping point. Sawmill Mountain (about 3.5 miles in) makes a satisfying turnaround at roughly 7 miles round trip.

IMPORTANT NOTES: The trail is well-marked to Mt. Pinos but becomes less defined beyond that—navigation to Sawmill and especially Grouse Mountain requires attention. A false summit near Grouse Mountain can be confusing; the true summit is slightly further north. Download your AllTrails maps for offline use before you leave home, as cell service is unreliable in the wilderness. The entire trail is above 8,000 feet—drink plenty of water and pace yourself, especially on the return climbs. Bears have been reported in the area. No water sources along the trail. The drive to the trailhead is about 1.5 hours from Santa Clarita via I-5 and Cuddy Valley Road—a scenic but winding mountain road. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter wildlife, or face unexpected conditions on this hike. Finally, this event may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction. Trekking poles recommended for the sustained climbs and descents. Clothing layers—temperatures at 8,000+ feet can be significantly cooler than the valley, and ridgeline sections can be windy. Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing for exposed sections. Refillable water bottle with at least 2.5–3 liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Packed snacks or lunch for the summit. Sunglasses.

DESCRIPTION: Elsmere Canyon is one of Santa Clarita’s best-kept secrets—a 1,200-acre greenbelt tucked into the Newhall Pass that most locals drive past without knowing it’s there. Once slated to become the world’s largest landfill, the canyon is now protected open space adjacent to the Angeles National Forest and the wildlife corridors of Whitney and Placerita Canyons. The contrast between that near-miss history and what it actually is—shaded creek bottoms, rocky formations, wildflowers, and sweeping ridge views—makes it worth telling your group about.

The lower section of the loop follows a shaded creek corridor with multiple crossings, interesting rock formations, and seasonal wildflowers before the trail climbs toward the ridge. The upper section opens up with broad views across the Santa Clarita Divide before looping back down. The terrain shifts considerably between the two halves—shaded and riparian on the canyon floor, open and exposed on the climb—so expect both in the same outing.

The Los Pinetos underpass of SR-14 serves as a wildlife crossing and is the gateway into the canyon. Keep an eye out for gray fox, bobcat, coyote, mule deer, and American badger—all documented in the area.

DETAILS:

• Hike organizer(s): Deena L.
• Meet: Elsmere Canyon Trailhead at 7:00. am, departure at 7:15 sharp (Jul 25).
• Distance: Approximately 3.1 miles (loop).
• Elevation gain: Approximately 741 feet.
• Time: Approximately 2.0 hours, depending on pace.
• Conditioning: Good general fitness is sufficient. The loop includes a sustained climb to the ridge with some steep, rocky sections. The lower canyon is shaded; the upper section is more exposed.
• Dogs: Not allowed.
• Restrooms: No restrooms at the trailhead or on trail.
• Adventure Pass: Not required. No permit or fee needed—this is City of Santa Clarita public open space.
• Turnaround: The shaded lower canyon and creek crossings make a pleasant out-and-back for a shorter outing without committing to the ridge climb.

IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike clockwise—the counterclockwise descent off the rocky upper section is steep and can be slippery. The terrain is rocky and rugged throughout; sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. Snakes are regularly reported on this trail, including rattlesnakes—stay alert and give them space. Creek crossings on the lower section vary with seasonal conditions. No facilities on trail; parking at the trailhead is limited—arrive early. Multiple use trails branch off the main route; keep GPS active. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter wildlife, or face unexpected conditions on this hike. Finally, this event may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip (required—rocky, uneven terrain throughout). Trekking poles helpful on the steep, rocky descent. Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing for the exposed upper ridge. Snacks. Refillable water bottle with at least 2.0 liters (no reliable water on trail). Bug spray—ticks are present on this trail.

DESCRIPTION: Whitney Canyon is a sleeper—the trailhead next to a park-and-ride lot doesn’t look like much, but within minutes you’re in a genuine canyon with year-round springs, seasonal creek crossings, and a small waterfall at the end. The first mile follows a wide, open creek bed through coastal sage scrub before narrowing into a shaded oak woodland section that feels surprisingly remote. The waterfall at the end is modest but makes a satisfying destination. This is also one of the best spots in Santa Clarita for wildlife—coyotes are regularly spotted near the trailhead at dawn and dusk.
DETAILS:

• Hike organizer(s): Lise M.
• Meet: Whitney Canyon Park parking lot off Newhall Avenue at 7:15 am, departure at 7:30 am sharp.
• Distance: Approximately 3.0 miles (out-and-back to the falls).
• Elevation gain: Approximately 450 feet.
• Time: Approximately 1.5-2.0 hours hiking, depending on pace and time at the falls.
• Conditioning: You need to be in generally fair physical condition. The trail transitions from wide fire road to narrow singletrack. Some rocky, uneven footing and creek crossings near the falls.
• Dogs: Dogs are not allowed.
• Restrooms: No restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail.
• Adventure Pass: Not required. Free parking at the trailhead (shared with the Newhall Park & Ride).
• Turnaround: The shaded oak woodland section (about 1 mile in) makes a pleasant turnaround point if you don’t want to continue to the falls.