placerita canyon nature center

We had a family outing and we were surprised at all they have to offer. Lots of FREE parking, plenty of good trails for all levels, nice picnic area, live birds on display, a very nice interpretive area, and a good gift shop. They also offer live presentations but those are really for kids 5+. We also noticed lots of people walking with their dogs.

If you're looking for an outdoor activity for yourself or your family here is an excellent location to consider. I took my two young grandsons here to get them away from electronic entertainment in exchange for some exercise, sunshine, and a little nature. Check the nature centers website for events and shows that are offered and presented by volunteers. Many thanks to these wonderful volunteers for their service and time. If you're looking for hiking trails they have miles of them just for you to enjoy. Best of all there is no charge. All there money comes from private donations or their onsite gift shop. You can even adopt a pet animal for a same fee too.

This free museum and nature trail/ picnic ground is a terrific place to spend a few hours on a nice day. Take half an hour in the museum, then get going on a pleasant, tree-shaded hike. Bring a picnic and water. And, don't forget your hat and sun block.

This was a great little place to hike and see the Oak of the Golden Dream! Have fun! The parking is plentiful and lots of trails even to a waterfall!

I saw the sign for the "Oak of Golden Dreams" off the 14. I wasn't looking for it but had time and decided to go check it out. Well, it lead me here to this park. I went for a nice hike on the Canyon Trail. Really great. There are a lot of times I felt I was all alone out there. Very peaceful. Out with nature. Excellent way to spend some time away from the city.

Whatever your worries are, walk & enjoy nature at its best, worries - they seem to just halt away. Gave us good heart rate & still love it!

I hiked from the nature center to the waterfall at the end of the waterfall trail. The trails were easy and quiet. The canyon trail has a free downloadable mp3 audio tour (available on the Placerita Canyon Nature Center website) that has information about the flora, fauna, and some historical information on the trail. It is not shaded the entire way. The waterfall tail was shaded a little hard to follow (but hike until you see a very large fallen tree) and in April, the waterfall was just a trickle so I was able to climb up to the top of it. The nature center has a small museum with taxidermied local wildlife. There is also a red tailed hawk that lives in the nature center (unable to survive in the wild), and some tortoises. There are day use areas with picnic tables.

We visited Placerita Canyon last March for some birdwatching. We got to see the usual birds like the Acorn woodpecker, Nuttall's woodpecker, white breasted nut hatch, oak titmice, lesser goldfinch, black throated gray warbler and some hawks flying overhead. ....and these birds were seen just close to the picnic area. There was a field trip of school children so we did not venture out into the trails. Always fun to visit Placerita and you'll not be disappointed if you want to see birds.

I call Placerita Canyon my "church" for it is where I go to be in the natural beauty of the world and find some peace of mind. I hike there every Saturday morning with my dog, Emma. Because of the layout of the canyon, most of the basic Walker Ranch hiking path is in shade even in the heat of summer. It's an easy four-mile round trip hike, with options for more rigorous paths and distances. It can get crowded and extremely hot in the Santa Clarita summer, so go early to avoid crowds and heat. Stop by the Nature Center to learn more about the local flora and fauna. I have encountered nothing but friendly people in the Center as well as on the trail. So wonderful to have this gem less than 10 minutes from my home.

I am new to hiking, and I go by myself most of the time. Before heading to any trail I do lots of research online to find out if a hike could be done solo. This place is it! First stop was the visitor center/gift shop where I picked up a free trail map. A nice and helpful lady manning the shop gave me idea on which trails to take and how long of a hike each trail is. Trails are very well marked, you won't get lost. I followed the Canyon Trail leading to Waterfall Trail. There were couple of picnic areas along the way, which are well shaded and has drinking fountain. It also was a good spot for birdwatching. I'm glad I brought my binocular. There were few bird species, and one that stood out for me was the Steller's Jay ... pretty bird!A snake crossed my path, and I think so long as one is quiet or on a stand still (which I was, being scared and all), the snake will just go about its own way, which it did, whew! I also saw few squirrels.I hiked up to the waterfall trail and took me about 2.5hours going to and back. I believe it could be done in less time. I was hiking slow, stopping every now and then to take pictures and to enjoy the peace and quite of the surrounding.This place is good for family and/or solo.

It's history and hiking and picnicing all in one great package.This is my favorite hiking spot in SoCal. Every time I come to LA for a visit I hope to find the time, early in the morning before the heat, to get in 5 miles or so.Last time I went there was a small pool of bubbling mud right off one of the paths. AWESOME!No matter how much time you have, even a 30 minutes, will provide you with something interesting to see or do.

This Nature Center offers easy hiking as well as more difficult. The visitor center is very informative and holds the attention of our five year old grandaughter. It is very easy to get to - just off the 14 freeway. Love the fact that this is the area where gold was first discovered in California.

My wife and I hike here frequently. Easy to get to, and we can go get our hike on after work. If you like a harder hike you can take the trail to the top.

Visited the place today although we have been living in Santa Clarita for seven years now. Loved the place and the history behind it. Our 5-year old thoroughly enjoyed the tour. He said he wanted to write all about it when we came back home. Our guide, Mrs. Judy McClure and her wonderful husband made it a great and informative day for us. She told us all about the flora, fauna, and the history. He pitched in for more information on hibernation and desert tortoises. Thanks to both of them, we had a lovely time there. Will surely recommend this place and visit again.On a different note, both Judy and her husband make a lovely pair :)Uma

I've been to the nature center a few times in the decade I've lived in the Santa Clarita area, sometimes with my husband, other times bringing friends and visiting relatives. Being able to get so close to the natural inhabitants of the area (from rattlesnakes to hawks and tarantulas) is a real treat. The self-guided walks through the area brings you close to lizards and snakes, hawks and owls while you go (I suggest protective boots and carry your little ones in the summer and on hot days). The foliage is varied and fascinating. I'm arachnophobic and when I was gazing at the tarantula in its acrylic cage, I mentioned this to the gentleman who was talking to us about the various insect and arthropod specimens they have. He shared so much about his creatures and asked if I wanted to hold one in my hand! I was terrified and excited and in a moment of fearlessness said I'd like to try. It was amazing! Would I want to keep one as a live pet, no, but I no longer fear the big spiders like I once did. It so affected me, I now collect taxidermy beetles, bugs and insect life. It was a life changing experience for me, but for the family or friends who just want to see some wild animals and learn about the area, it's a great way to spend an afternoon.