Whitney Canyon Falls Trail - Whitney Canyon Park - Santa Clarita

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.

IMPORTANT NOTES: The first section is open and can be windy. Two trails leave from the parking lot—take the flat one that follows the dry creekbed (Whitney Canyon), not the one that climbs the hill (that’s Elsmere Canyon). The trail becomes less defined near the falls; some scrambling over rocks is required. The waterfall flows best after rain and may be dry in summer. Rattlesnakes have been spotted. 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 with good traction (trail runners or hiking shoes—expect to cross water near the falls). Hat, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing for the open first section. Refillable water bottle with at least 1.5 liters of water. Trekking poles optional but helpful for creek crossings. Bug spray.
The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)
THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 2, Beginner/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 SCVH Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a moderate pace (~2.5 mph)?
SCVH HIKE RANKING 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, 1,000-2,000 feet elevation gain.
• Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3,000 feet elevation gain.
• Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3,000 feet or more elevation gain.

TRAILHEAD LOCATION:
Whitney Canyon Park: 20303 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita, 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 available in most of the canyon. The trail is straightforward but becomes less defined near the falls. Download your AllTrails map for offline access before you go.
GPS Trail Map (link)
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 The 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. The SCVHikers (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 The SCVH Meetup Group and Hike Leaders 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.