Docent Training Program 

For information regarding our docent training program starting Jan 12, 2010, please email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  

About Placerita Canyon 

Placerita is a unique east-west running canyon featuring cool, shaded oak groves, a willow and sycamore-lined seasonal stream and numerous other interesting plant and animal communities. The historic "Oak of the Golden Dream" is the site of California's original gold discovery in 1842. Another landmark in Placerita is our Walker Cabin , built by Frank Walker in 1920 for his family. The Nature Center museum contains exhibits on the natural history of southern California, and there is a small collection of live animals.

A network of self-guiding nature, history and hiking trails radiates out into the park from the Center, with longer hikes leading to a seasonal waterfall and to the top of the Santa Clarita Divide.  Picnicking is available near the Nature Center. The park encompasses oak woodland and chaparral on the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains southeast of the City of Santa Clarita. The park not only serves to conserve a slice of the wild environment but also endeavors to educate the public on the value of undisturbed flora and fauna through wild animal shows, nature hikes and educational trails.

Please feel free to contact the Nature Center at (661) 259-7721, between 9 am and 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (the office is closed on Mondays.) Or contact us by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Placerita Canyon Natural Area is located at 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA, 91321. Click here for a map and directions.