The GeekHiker

This write-up is going to be a first for me: a trail that, as hiked, I can’t actually recommend.

This loop above and through Placerita Canyon takes in some pretty fantastic scenery, most of which can be seen if this trail were done as a simple out-and-back (which I’ll describe at the end).  As I hiked it last spring, though, the first part involved a brutal uphill section which I doubt I will ever hike again.

Starting from the Nature Center (see the Placerita Canyon Trail description), cross Placerita Creek and turn right onto the Canyon Trail.  Passing by the large picnic area, the trail ascends and becomes the Manzanita Mountain Trail, switchbacking up the south canyon wall, passing by a large water tank.

Crossing Placerita Creek

Passing the water tank

After about .5 miles, the trail will arrive at Manzanita Mountain, reached by turning right and ascending a small hill.  The point provides a scenic view of the canyon below and the Santa Clarita community beyond.  After enjoying the view from the point, descend the hill and brace yourself.

Looking down on Placerita Canyon and the water tank

Placerita Canyon from Manzanita Mountain

Crossing into the Angeles National Forest, you’ll be heading up a wide fire road (marked “firebreak” on the map from the Visitor Center), which you’ll be following for the next 1.8 miles.  It’s not a steady climb, though, but involves clambering up a steep pitch, then rambling along the ridgeline before going up another steep pitch.  I’d estimate the pitches to be between 20 and 30 degrees; at some points, I was walking backwards to prevent my tendons from becoming stretched and my plantar fasciitis returning.  Take it slow, stay well hydrated, and start early in the day: there’s absolutely no shade.

One of the ascents along the firebreak

Finally, 2.6 miles of brutal climbing from your start, the road intersects (and flattens out, thankfully) with Whitney Canyon Road.  Turn left and walk along the easy grade about a quarter mile to Wilson Canyon Saddle, a favorite resting stop for mountain bikers, where you’ll find a pit toilet and picnic benches.  Be sure to make a quick detour up the hillside to the right for a sweeping view over Sylmar and the western San Fernando Valley on a clear day.

Looking down to the Sylmar area

Flower along the side of the fire road

Returning to the road, look for the Los Pinetos trailhead on the left side, which will take you back into Placerita Canyon Park.  You’ll plunge you into some of the most beautiful oak woodland I’ve ever seen in Southern California.  A perfect mixture of sun and shade, the next mile or so downhill through forest canopy is relatively little traveled, and you’ll enjoy the sound of the wind in the trees and birds a world away from the city.

Along the Los Pinetos Trail

The trail continues downhill, passing Los Pinetos Spring (turn left here; don’t take the narrow use trail on the other side of the stream), then opening up to sunshine again as Los Pinetos Canyon approaches its junction with Placerita Canyon.

Large manzanita along the descent to Placerita Canyon

Finally, 5.3 miles from your start the trail arrives at the wide flat bottom of Placerita Canyon.  Turn left here, and follow the Canyon Trail back to your car at the trailhead.

NOTE: Were I to do this trail again, I would do it as an out-and-back.  Starting at the main trailhead and going up the Canyon Trail, or simply starting at the Walker Ranch trailhead, I would go up the Los Pinetos Trail to Wilson Canyon Saddle.  From the saddle you can turn right and follow the road to the intersection with the firebreak and the views north, without having to tackle the steep pitches of the firebreak coming uphill, then simply backtrack to return.

Returning through the narrows of Placerita Canyon