About Placerita Canyon Natural Area
Please Note: As of March 1st, 2024, Placerita Canyon Nature Center is open 8:00 am to 7:30 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays)
Placerita is an 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 is the Walker Cabin, built by Frank Walker in 1920 for his family.
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, chaparral, and riparian plant communties 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 presentations, nature hikes, and self-guided educational trails.
Placerita Canyon Natural Area is located at 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA, 91321. Click here for a map and directions.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center has accessible parking, restrooms, trails and exhibit areas.
This website is provided by the Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates, a California Non-Profit Corporation, which is solely responsible for its content, operation and maintenance.
