Fairly easy local Newhall hike for the rest of us!

Gates Wildlife Preserve/Newhall Open Space – Newhall CA

We’ve had lots of requests for easier hikes, and local hikes, and this one is both. Not only that, but its what I call a “local gem” since its close, nobody knows about it, and it’s a nice hike suitable for beginners, intermediates, or those who don’t want to kill themselves on a hike. There ARE some fairly steep (but short) sections on one of the hill climbs, but its easy enough for beginners to be comfortable. This hike will be paced at a comfortable pace for beginners and intermediate hikers. Advanced hikers please do NOT come if you want to hike fast!

We did part of this as an afternoon hike about a month ago, and several people requested this as a morning hike - so here it is! I have added some length to it (now over 4 miles). This has some elevation gain (791 feet) - so it is not a level 1 hike, but most of it is clearly a level 2 hike. Its located at the end of Pine Street, just off Newhall Avenue, so it’s easy to get to.
We’ll start at 8:30 am at the trailhead, so be there at least a few minutes early! This hike will takes about 2 to 2½ hours to complete – so we should be back no later than no later than 11 am at the latest. We won’t be taking a snack break on this one since its short.

Hike organizer(s): Gary S

Recommended for: Level 2 Hikers (Beginners and Intermediates): 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
We use this scale, so you can rate your own abilities and pick the right hike for you.
Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.

Trail Map (AllTrails.com)
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-20ecbb5
You can download, view, print or export this map to your own GPS on your phone from this link.

The route itself is made up of various connected trail segments that form a 4 mile loop. We’ll start through a shaded wooded flatland area, then start a gentle climb through a wooded hillside with lots of oaks and shade. We’ll drop down to an access road for a short segment, then head up a winding climbing trail (with some short steeper sections) and ascend the hill to the ridge with commanding views of the Santa Clarita Valley to the north. We’ll travel along the ridgeline, then we’ll take a little known shaded trail that heads back down the hill back to the Romo Trail (access road), where we’ll head back to the trailhead and our cars.

Dogs are welcome - on a leash, but since it’s summertime, please stay alert for potential rattlesnakes along the trail. Hiking Poles are recommended for some short, fair steep sections.

Unfortunately, we do not allow registered hikers on an event to bring a guest. Anyone that wishes to hike with the group must join the group (its free), and read the full hike description and verify that the hike is within your capabilities.

The Newhall Pass Open Space covers 540 acres and was purchased by the City of Santa Clarita in 2016. It serves as an important wildlife corridor between Interstate 5 and the 14 Freeway.
The Gates Family Wildlife Preserve is located at the southern end of Pine Street in Newhall and is located 23980 Pine St, Newhall, CA 91321. Turn off of Newhall Avenue, going southbound on Pine Street until the road literally ends at the entrance to the Gates Family Wildlife Preserve. Park outside the gates. Parking is free.

How to get to the trailhead:
Click on this what3words URL get a map to the trailhead: ///jetting.outrages.watercress
https://w3w.co/jetting.outrages.watercress
Choose NAVIGATE once there, and it will offer you the option of either Google Map or Apple Map directions from your location to this location. You do NOT need the what3words app on your phone (although we recommend it highly)

NAVIGATION: For ALL hikes, we highly recommend you use a GPS software app on your cell phone. Cell service may be spotty in the canyon—download your AllTrails maps for offline access before you leave home.

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).

The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY - IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing SCVHikers 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. SCVHikers 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 SCVHikers Meetup events, you are releasing SCVHikers 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.