East & Rice Canyons to Mission Point

This week's hike begins on the East Canyon trail which will take us through three species of oak, California bay laurel, California black walnut, and bigleaf maple. As we rise in elevation we will find an unusual forest of bigcone Douglas Fir.

Before we get to that forest we'll take a side trip into Rice Canyon. The Rice Canyon Loop Trail crosses a creek several times and wanders through a grassy open slope to a viewpoint. Watch for the natural oil seeps streamside near the end of the trail.

Back on the East Canyon trail, and after lots of elevation gain, we'll merge with the Sunshine Motorway and continue to Mission Point in Granada Hills. We can snack/lunch here and then head back to cars the way we came.

Directions to trailhead:

From the Golden State (I-5) freeway in Santa Clarita, exit Calgrove Blvd. Turn west as Calgrove becomes the Old Road and head south .9 mile to parking on the west side of the road. Parking is $3.00 in the park, free on the street.

(Note: Going down the Old Road you will pass Ed Davis Park, a post office and a big white church. Trailhead parking is between the church and the point where The Old Road passes under freeway. Look for the big green Park signs on the right.)