SCVHikers

This loop connects two of Santa Clarita’s lesser-known open spaces into one of the more rewarding moderate hikes in the valley. Starting from the Newhall Pass Open Space trailhead off The Old Road, the route climbs through the Newhall Open Space connector trail—a relatively new singletrack built to link the Newhall Pass entrance to Peach Motorway after the fire road was gated due to a lawsuit. The climbing is sustained, with tight switchbacks and some loose, rocky footing as you gain the ridge between the two open spaces.

Once on the ridge, views open up across the Santa Clarita Valley in every direction. From here, you descend via Peach Motorway into Wildwood Canyon Open Space—a 95-acre pocket of oak woodland and steep ravines that feels surprisingly remote for being in the heart of Newhall. The canyon is dotted with Coast Live Oaks that provide welcome shade, and the trail variety keeps things interesting: fire road, singletrack, shaded canyon, and exposed ridge all in one loop. The return leg brings you back through the Newhall Pass Open Space and down to The Old Road.

This is a legit intermediate hike—the 1,342 feet of elevation gain is spread across the full 6.8 miles, but the connector trail between the two open spaces is steep enough that you’ll feel it. The payoff is that you get two distinct open spaces, multiple ecosystems, and panoramic views without driving to the Angeles National Forest. Shared trail with mountain bikers—stay alert, especially on Peach Motorway.

DETAILS:

• Hike organizer(s): Tim R.
• Meet: Newhall Pass Open Space trailhead parking area off The Old Road, Newhall at 6:45 am, departure at 7:00 am sharp (Jul 4)
• Distance: Approximately 6.8 miles (loop).
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,342 feet.
• Time: Approximately 3.0–3.5 hours hiking, depending on pace and time spent at viewpoints.
• Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition.
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on leash.
• Restrooms: No restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail.
• Adventure Pass: Not required. Free parking at the trailhead off The Old Road (dedicated lot with ample space—no residential street parking concerns).
• Turnaround: The ridge viewpoint above the Newhall Open Space connector (about 1.5 miles in) makes a natural turnaround for a shorter out-and-back. You can also shorten the loop by skipping the Wildwood Canyon descent and returning the way you came.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 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 with good traction and ankle support (the connector trail is steep and loose—no place for sneakers). Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing for the exposed ridge sections. Refillable water bottle with at least 2 liters of water. Trekking poles recommended for the steep switchbacks. Snacks or a packed lunch. Bug spray. Long sleeves or pants if trail brush is overgrown.

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.

Back by popular demand! This one’s not your typical trailhead-and-go hike—it starts with a boat ride. THC hikers will cross the Santa Barbara Channel to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island for a day of hiking through Channel Islands National Park. The crossing itself is part of the experience—keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds along the way, with possible whale sightings. The Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon, and Potato Harbor loop is the signature day hike on the island’s east end: a 7.8-mile circuit that threads through open grasslands, climbs to coastal ridgelines, and delivers jaw-dropping ocean views at nearly every turn.

The route begins at the Scorpion Ranch area and heads south up Smugglers Road, a steady climb through rolling. After topping out, the trail cuts over to Scorpion Canyon and winds through the Upper Campground beneath ancient eucalyptus trees—a good spot to rest and scan for the endemic Santa Cruz Island Fox and the Island Scrub-Jay, the only bird species in the continental U.S. found on just a single island. From there, you’ll climb again to the Bluff Trail and make your way to Potato Harbor, the undisputed highlight: a dramatic, potato-shaped cove carved into sea cliffs with turquoise water below. The return along the North Bluff Trail back to Scorpion completes the loop with panoramic views of Anacapa Island, the mainland coast, and the open Pacific. At 1,282 feet of elevation gain spread across moderate terrain, it’s a full day’s effort rewarded by scenery you simply can’t get anywhere on the mainland.

DETAILS:
• Hike organizer(s): Tim R.
• Meet: Ventura Harbor, Island Packers (IPCO) office. Check in no later than 8:15 am (45 minutes before the 9:00 am departure). The boat arrives at Scorpion Anchorage around 10:15 am (Aug. 15).
• Distance: Approximately 7.8 miles.
• Elevation gain: Approximately 1,282 feet.
• Time: Approximately 4 hours hiking, plus travel time on the boat.
• Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition. The trail is fully exposed with no shade and involves a sustained initial climb.
• Dogs: Dogs are NOT permitted on Channel Islands National Park trails.
• Restrooms: Vault-style restrooms available at Scorpion Anchorage near the campground. No restrooms along the trail.
• Adventure Pass: Not required. There is no entrance fee for Channel Islands National Park. You must purchase your own Island Packers boat ticket (see below).
• Turnaround: If you want an easier hike option (~5.3 mi./~700 ft. gain), you can skip the Smugglers Road portion and hike the Potato Harbor trail as an out-and-back from Scorpion.

BOAT RESERVATION (REQUIRED):
You must book your own passage on the Island Packers ferry. Round-trip adult tickets start at $72 (pricing may vary; check the Island Packers website for current rates). Book your trip BEFORE you sign up with THC. These reservations fill quickly—especially for weekend departures in peak season—so don’t wait.

Island Packers’ reservation process is all online:
1. Go to islandpackers.com and click “Book By Date.”
2. Choose the 9:00 am outbound trip to Scorpion Cove, Santa Cruz Island, add it to your cart, then choose the 4:30 pm return trip from Scorpion to Ventura.
3. Pay for both legs to complete your reservation.
4. IPCO will send a confirmation email with essential information about visiting Santa Cruz Island. Read it carefully.

CANCELLATION & WEATHER POLICY: You must cancel or reduce your passenger count at least 5 days before your departure time to receive a refund from Island Packers. No refunds are given for no-shows. Cancellations must be made by calling Island Packers at (805) 642-1393. In case of unfavorable weather or sea conditions, Island Packers may cancel or modify departures at 5:30 AM on the day of the trip. On the morning of departure, after 5:30 AM, call (805) 642-1393, select option 4, and listen to the recorded message for the status of your trip. IPCO will not call you if weather prevents the boat from going—you must check yourself. If IPCO cancels due to weather, you’ll be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.

IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll maintain a moderate pace (~2.5 mph), so please plan to stay with the group for a safe, enjoyable outing. The trail is fully sun-exposed with loose gravel on some descents and overgrown sections of tall grass. Long pants are recommended. As always, people may slip and fall, encounter wildlife, or face unexpected conditions on this hike. All hikers must return to the Scorpion pier no later than 4:15 pm—at least 15 minutes before the 4:30 pm boat departure. Arrive at the pier earlier if you want a specific seat on the boat. Expected return to Ventura is approximately 5:45 pm. This event may be cancelled due to weather or rough sea conditions.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers recommended (the boat ride is chilly even in summer). Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing—there is NO shade on this trail. Snacks and a packed lunch (there are no food sales on the island). Refillable water bottle with 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Fresh water is available for refills at Scorpion Anchorage only. Dramamine or Bonine if you’re prone to motion sickness—the Channel crossing can be rough. Binoculars and/or camera recommended for wildlife viewing.