Los Pinetos Trail in Placerita Canyon

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Standing in for our ace hike writer today is Don T, of the Valencia Hiking group. (that's a nice way of saying I lifted this verbatim from Don's description)(well, not verbatim...).

Length: 10.2 miles.

Trail: Loop; rocky, single track.

Note: If the heat is extreme, we'll shorten this route to a fairly easy, mostly shaded, shorter out and back (to a waterfall) of 5 miles.

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The Los Pinetos Trail is located in the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, home to California's first gold discovery, in 1842. Depending on air quality there will great views of the Santa Clarita Valley and the Northern San Fernando Valley. The first two miles take us from the Placerita Nature Center parking lot to the Los Pinetos Trailhead via the Canyon trail with only a 250 foot elevation gain. Mile 3 of the trek is the HARDEST, with an elevation gain of 700 feet. The 4th mile takes us just about to the top, but only has an elevation gain of a bit more than 400 feet. Mile 4 is beautiful because it's somewhat forest-like, with most of the trail covered by huge trees. We'll roller coaster along the top before descending again. The descent is steep in places, so walking poles are advised.

(okay, the following is pure Larry again)

This is a gorgeous, challenging hike, with varied terrain. If you've never been out to Placerita Canyon, do yourself a favor and get on this hike.

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Since there is nowhere to eat within 4000 miles of Placerita Canyon, we'll picnic at the park's tables back at the trailhead (so no need to pack it up with you- you can leave food in your car). This is not a potluck, it's a bring your own- moochers have been warned!

Directions:

Exit the 14 Fwy at Placerita Canyon Rd South to the park entrance on the right. (Don's directions- blame him if you get lost) This is a little north for most of us, so give yourself plenty of time to get there.