Elsmere Canyon Trail Loop
Details
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.
The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)
THIS HIKE RATING: Level 3, Intermediate (due to steep, rocky terrain).
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 (SCVHikers) hike rating scale of one to five, assuming a moderate pace (~2.5 mph)?
SCVH HIKE RATING SCALE:
- 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.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Elsmere Canyon Trailhead: Sierra Highway at Remsen Street, Newhall, CA 91321 (just south of Eternal Valley Cemetery). Parking is available along the road at the gate.
NAVIGATION: We highly recommend the AllTrails app be installed on your phone and/or you print a copy of the trail map so you can personally navigate the trail if you need to. Cell service may be limited in the canyon—download your AllTrails maps for offline access before you leave home. Multiple use trails branch off the main path; keep GPS active.
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. As a backup, the What3Words app names any location with three words that are easy to read aloud to a dispatcher. 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 via cash contribution at each hike.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY — PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY
When you sign up for this event, you are releasing Santa Clarita Valley Hikers (SCVHikers) and its volunteer organizers from any liability or responsibility in connection with your participation in this activity. Hiking is inherently risky. By signing up, you are taking full responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
SCVHikers and its organizers are not trained, certified, or compensated guides, and the club does not confirm the qualifications of any member to lead or participate in its events. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions and judgment.
By signing up for any SCVHikers event, you are releasing SCVHikers and its organizers from all liability for possible injury or death, as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup Terms of Service (available at 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 confirming that the hike is within your current abilities.
At the trailhead, we will ask every participant to read and sign the SCVHikers Release of Liability and Express Assumption of Risk before the hike begins. If you are unwilling to sign, you will not be able to join the group that day. Signing up on Meetup does not substitute for the trailhead sign-in.
The outing begins and ends at the trailhead. SCVHikers does not organize, advertise, or coordinate carpools. Transportation to and from the trailhead is your own responsibility, and all risks of that travel are yours alone.
This event may be cancelled or modified due to weather, trail conditions, or other safety considerations.