SCVHikers

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.

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.

DESCRIPTION: This is a scouting hike on a trail that’s new to me, so spots are limited. RSVPs will be waitlisted, and I’ll confirm attendees after a quick look at recent hiking history.

This is a big-day summit hike into the high country of the San Gabriels, and one of the most rewarding peaks we can reach within a couple hours of Santa Clarita. The route climbs steadily from Crystal Lake to the 9,138-foot summit of Throop Peak, where on a clear day the view stretches from the Mojave to the Pacific—Mt. Baldy, Mt. Baden-Powell, and Catalina Island all in one sweep. You earn it: the trail gains roughly 3,400 feet over exposed ridgeline, most of it in the first half.

From the Windy Gap Trailhead at the upper end of the Crystal Lake Recreation Area, the trail climbs about 2.1 miles through pine forest to Windy Gap, crossing two roads along the way (both clearly signed—stay on the Windy Gap Trail). At Windy Gap you join the Pacific Crest Trail heading toward Vincent Gap. From here the PCT climbs gently along a beautiful ridge with big views of the high peaks, past the Hawkins Ridge Trail junction and an unmarked spur to Mt. Hawkins, to an easy-to-miss use trail that leads up to Throop Peak. (If you reach the PCT sign for the Dawson Saddle Trail, you’ve gone too far—turn back.) After summiting, return the same way. This is high, dry, and exposed terrain with very little reliable shade and no dependable water—come prepared to be self-sufficient for the day.

DETAILS:

1. Hike organizer(s): Tim R.
2. Meet: Windy Gap Trailhead parking, upper lot of the Crystal Lake Recreation Area, Azusa, CA 91702, at 6:45, departure at 7:00 sharp (Aug 29).
3. Distance: Approximately 11.8 miles (out-and-back).
4. Elevation gain: Approximately 3,398 feet.
5. Summit elevation: Approximately 9,138 feet (Throop Peak).
6. Time: Approximately 7–8 hours hiking, depending on pace and time on the summit.
7. Conditioning: You need to be in strong physical condition. This is a sustained, high-altitude climb with continuous elevation gain, long exposed stretches, and thin air above 8,000 feet. Prior experience at altitude and on hikes of this length is strongly recommended.
8. Dogs: Not Allowed.
9. Restrooms: Available at the trailhead parking area. None along the trail.
10. Adventure Pass: Required. A National Forest Adventure Pass (or equivalent Interagency/federal pass) must be displayed in your vehicle to park at Crystal Lake.

IMPORTANT NOTES: There is little shade and no reliable water on the route—carry everything you’ll drink. The turn-offs for the peaks are easy to miss; stay on your downloaded map. Altitude affects people differently, even the fit—pace yourself and turn around if you feel unwell. 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 trail shoes or boots with good tread for rocky, uneven footing. Trekking poles recommended for the sustained climb and descent. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing—this trail is mostly exposed. A warm layer and windbreaker for the summit, where it’s cooler and windier than below. Snacks and a packed lunch. Refillable water bottles or reservoir with at least 3 liters; there is no reliable water on the trail.