01
Classic canyon loop
Towsley Canyon Loop Trail
Towsley Canyon / Calgrove Exit • Shaded Canyon And Ridge Loop • Go-To Local Workout
A popular loop with creek crossings, steady climbs, and wide-open views just a few minutes south of Stevenson Ranch.
Start from Ed Davis Park and ease into the day along the shaded creek before the trail climbs to a ridgeline with big views over the Santa Clarita Valley. The loop can feel hot and exposed on the upper half, so early mornings and cooler days are best. Expect a well-loved trail with plenty of locals, but enough distance and variety to keep it interesting every time.
02
Best historic ramble
Mentryville: Pico Canyon Trail
Pico Canyon West Of I-5 • Historic Canyon Walk • Top Pick For Relaxed Exploring
A gentle canyon hike that blends old oil-town ruins with classic oak scenery and easy terrain.
From the trailhead at the old Mentryville townsite, you’ll pass weathered buildings before following a dirt road that narrows into a quieter singletrack up the canyon. The grade stays moderate, making this a good choice for mixed-ability groups who still want to feel like they’ve gotten off the grid. Go on a weekday or early morning for a more peaceful look at this slice of local history.
03
Neighborhood favorite
Taylor Trail
Stevenson Ranch Hillsides • Close-To-Home Ridge And Canyon Path • Best Quick-Hit Escape
A convenient trail right above the neighborhood, with short climbs, quiet washes, and sunset-friendly vantage points.
Taylor Trail is the kind of route you keep coming back to because it’s so close and easy to fit into a busy day. Short climbs reward you with surprisingly wide views over the rooftops and I‑5, while side paths dip into quieter washes where you’ll hear more birds than traffic. It’s ideal for a conditioning loop, dog walk, or a spur-of-the-moment sunset stroll without leaving town.
04
Shadiest family walk
Placerita Canyon to Waterfall Trail
Placerita Canyon East Of Newhall • Creekside Nature And Waterfall Hike • Best For Families And Casual Hikers
An accessible canyon hike with a nature center, shaded creekbed, and a modest seasonal waterfall at the turnaround.
Begin at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, where trailhead signs and exhibits make it easy to orient first-timers. The route follows the canyon floor under sycamores and oaks, with enough rocks and roots to feel like a real hike without overwhelming newer hikers or kids. When the waterfall is flowing after rain, it’s a satisfying payoff; in drier months, the canyon’s shade and birdlife are the main attraction.
05
Big-view summit
Mission Point Trail
Porter Ranch, North San Fernando Valley • Steep Fire Road And Singletrack Climb • Best For Strong Hikers And Sunrise Missions
A sustained climb to a windswept summit with sweeping views over the valley and, on clear days, out toward the distant ranges.
From the neighborhood edge in Porter Ranch, the route wastes little time gaining elevation, making it a favorite training hike for locals who like a steady grind. The payoff at the top is a wide panorama that makes pre-dawn starts and leg burn worthwhile, especially when the marine layer sits below you. Go early for cooler temperatures and easier parking, and pack extra water—there is virtually no shade the whole way up.