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Details

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.

The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)

THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 3, Intermediate (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the Santa Clarita Valley Hikers (SCVH) Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a moderate pace (~2.5 mph)?

SCVH HIKE RANKING SCALE:

  1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
  2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
  3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1,000-2,000 feet elevation gain.
  4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3,000 feet elevation gain.
  5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3,000 feet or more elevation gain.

TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Newhall Pass Open Space – The Old Road entrance, Newhall, CA 91321

Driving Directions (link)

NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your cell phones and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to. Cell service is generally available on the ridge but may be spotty in Wildwood Canyon. Download the custom AllTrails route for offline access before you leave home.

GPS Trail Map – Custom Route (link)

If You Need Help on the Trail
In AllTrails, swipe up on the Navigate drawer and tap “GPS details” to see your coordinates. Screenshot them, then call 911 and read off the numbers. Your GPS works even without cell service — you just need signal to make the call.
We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please contribute by donating via cash contribution (at each hike).

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY – IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Santa Clarita Valley Hikers (SCVH) from any liability or responsibility with your participation in this group activity. While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking can be inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. SCVH Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders, and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in our events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any SCVH Meetup events, you are releasing SCVH Meetup Group and hike organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries or death as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. If you sign up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.

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