SCVHikers

Placerita Canyon Trail to Walker Ranch – Placerita Canyon State Park, Newhall
DESCRIPTION: This is one of the most welcoming hikes in Santa Clarita—shady, mostly flat, and steeped in California history. The Canyon Trail follows Placerita Creek upstream from the Nature Center through a canopy of coast live oaks, willows, sycamores, and alders that keeps the trail pleasantly cool even on warm days. We start our hike heading toward the Oak of the Golden Dream—the site where Francisco Lopez discovered gold in 1842, six years before Sutter’s Mill. We will then head across the bridge toward the Canyon Trail. If we are lucky, we may see some Acorn Woodpeckers up close along the way
We will pass a natural oil seep where petroleum still bubbles up through the ground as we head toward our turnaround destination. At about two miles, the trail arrives at Walker Ranch, a group campground built near the site of the homestead Frank Walker constructed for his family in 1920. An impressive stone fireplace and foundation can be seen among picnic tables and fire rings. It’s a satisfying turnaround point and a natural spot for a snack before heading back. The trail crosses Placerita Creek several times—most crossings are easy rock hops when the creek is low, but expect to get your feet damp after rain. This is an ideal first hike for new members or anyone easing back into trail walking.
DETAILS:

1. Hike organizer(s): Lisé M.
2. Meet: Placerita Canyon Nature Center parking lot at 8:00 am, departure at 8:15 am sharp on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
3. Distance: Approximately 3.75 miles (out-and-back).
4. Elevation gain: Approximately 400 feet.
5. Time: Approximately 1.5–2.0 hours hiking, depending on pace and time spent at Walker Ranch.
6. Conditioning: Suitable for most fitness levels. The trail is mostly flat to gently uphill with a few short rocky sections and creek crossings that may be uneven underfoot.
7. Dogs: Dogs are allowed on leash.
8. Restrooms: Restrooms available at the Nature Center. There are port-a-potties at the back side of Walker Ranch. No facilities beyond that point.
9. Adventure Pass: Not required. No permit or fee is needed.
10. Turnaround: There is a bench at the 1-mile marker, which makes a pleasant early turnaround. Be sure to let your leader or sweep know you are leaving the group. The Heritage Trail near the Nature Center offers a paved, ADA-accessible 0.5-mile loop if someone needs an even shorter option.

This is one of Ventura County’s best hikes, and one of our closest shots at a legit waterfall payoff. The Santa Paula Canyon trail follows its namesake creek deep into the Los Padres National Forest, crossing the water over a dozen times before climbing to a 25-foot cascade that drops into a swimmable pool. It’s the kind of hike where you earn every view—and then get to cool off in it.

The route starts off Highway 150 near Thomas Aquinas College and passes through a private easement—an oil rig, an avocado farm, and a red gate—before entering the national forest proper. From there, the trail follows the shady banks of Santa Paula Creek through a narrowing canyon with repeated creek crossings. Some are ankle-deep; others can reach knee or thigh height depending on recent rain. After roughly 2.5 miles along the creek, the trail climbs about 400 feet to Big Cone Camp, a shaded flat perched on the canyon wall with fire pits and shade trees. Just past camp, the trail drops into a side ravine and descends to First Falls—a 25-foot waterfall pouring into a rocky pool at the base of the Punchbowl. It’s a rewarding turnaround point and one of the most popular swimming holes in the Los Padres. Note: the trail can be tricky to follow in spots, especially after storms. Forest Service black-and-red diamond markers are painted on rocks to help but download your maps for offline use before you go.

DETAILS:

1. Hike organizer(s): Tim R.
2. Meet: Santa Paula Canyon Trailhead parking area on Highway 150 (Route 150 / North Ojai Road), just past the entrance to Thomas Aquinas College at 6:45 am, departure at 7:00 am sharp (Jun 13).
3. Distance: Approximately 7.3 miles (out-and-back).
4. Elevation gain: Approximately 954 feet.
5. Time: Approximately 3.5-4.0 hours hiking, depending on pace and time spent at the falls.
6. Conditioning: You need to be in generally good physical condition. The trail involves multiple creek crossings with uneven, rocky footing and a sustained climb to Big Cone Camp. Sections can be sun-exposed and warm, especially in the wider canyon stretches.
7. Dogs: Dogs are allowed on leash. Be aware of ticks on this trail—check your dog thoroughly afterward. Some creek crossings may be too deep for smaller dogs.
8. Restrooms: No restrooms at the trailhead or along the trail.
9. Adventure Pass: Not required. No permit or pass is needed to park at the trailhead or hike this trail in the Los Padres National Forest.
10. Turnaround: If you want a shorter outing, the creek crossings and canyon scenery in the first 2 miles make for a pleasant out-and-back without committing to the full climb to Big Cone Camp and the falls.

IMPORTANT NOTES: The first mile of the trail crosses private property (an easement through Thomas Aquinas College and adjacent ranch land). Parking is limited at the trailhead and fills fast on weekends; arrive early. The creek crossings are the real variable on this hike—water levels change with recent rainfall. Expect to get your feet wet. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting soaked (water shoes or trail runners work well). The trail can be faint in places, especially past the creek crossings—follow the black/red diamond markers on rocks and stay on the AllTrails route. 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 footwear that can get wet (trail runners or water shoes recommended for creek crossings; boots will get waterlogged). Trekking poles helpful for creek crossings and the climb to Big Cone Camp. Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing for the exposed canyon stretches. Snacks and a packed lunch. Refillable water bottle with 2+ liters of water. A dry bag or zip-lock bags for your phone and valuables during creek crossings. A towel and change of socks if you want to dry off at the falls. Bug spray—ticks are present on this trail.

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.