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Elsmere Canyon

4.5 (11 reviews)

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Isobel L.

Elsmere Canyon, located in Santa Clarita, offers a great hike complete with waterfall. The trails are well-maintained and parking is ample. There are some steep spots but nothing extreme, perfect for a weekend workout. Some stunning views from of the canyon make for great pics and there are wildflowers in spring. Enjoy.

Drew F.

When I was a kid there was a movement to put a dump in the canyon. My mom organized protests against it, got state and local government involved. I remember making thousands of buttons and t-shirts. Then one day the City Counsel and the developers were scheduled to take a tour of the canyon ahead of the hearing. The developers position was basically this is weed and dirt, and the city would be better served with revenue from the landfill. The night before it rained and the next day was just perfect. The streams and waterfalls were flowing and there was even a deer that walked by--that basically changed the tone of the conversation. Plans were canceled. This place will always be special to me. I'm glad people still get to enjoy it. The picture is still my mom's license plate.

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1 year ago

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3 days ago

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5 months ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Great hicking spot amazing views and friendly open space me and my friends checked out a new trail it was amazing it had a waterfall

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8 years ago

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12 years ago

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5 years ago

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8 years ago

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12 years ago

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10 years ago

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Review Highlights - Elsmere Canyon

It's amazing to think that this beautiful canyon was once going to become the world's largest landfill.

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Whitney Canyon Park

Whitney Canyon Park

4.5(66 reviews)
0.1 mi

A friend took me to Whitney Canyon Waterfall today, and wow what an adventure. The hike is…read moremoderate, about 3.5 miles, and parking is free. Reaching the waterfall is not for the faint of heart. You climb uphill, descend back down, reach a small waterfall, and then go through it to finally arrive at Whitney Waterfall. It's a bit sketchy, definitely thrilling, and absolutely worth it but only if you're prepared. Hiking shoes are a must. This trail is not recommended for kids or beginner hikers due to steep and slippery sections. It was 48 degrees and freezing cold today, so check the weather before you go and layer up. Also, there are no restrooms, so plan ahead. If you're looking for a raw, adventurous hike with a rewarding waterfall at the end, this one delivers.

When you're ending the year 2025 with a hiking adventure. Let's begin this banger review…read more Whitney Canyon Park is a 442-acre park known for its diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, featuring oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian areas with seasonal waterfalls. It is located next to the freeway in Santa Clarita. I have been eyeing this trail/park for months and I am glad I crossed this on my All trails hiking list. I came on a late Monday morning and it was bloody windy (~45 mph) with a cool temp of 64 degrees. This park has multiple trials including Elsmere Trail. WCP has a wide track trail through a canyon that was known for oil drilling and ranching some of its remnants are still visible. Its trail has little to no tree shade but the trailhead was kept clear. I have seen some hikers (family and kids) and bikers along the way; most are friendly and nice. Parking lot is huge with no shades. Trash bins are available. Overall, it's a nice easy park to go hiking. I recommend it.

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Whitney Canyon Park - Heart rock

Heart rock

Whitney Canyon Park
Whitney Canyon Park - Wide view down some of the falls.

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Wide view down some of the falls.

Fish Canyon Narrows

Fish Canyon Narrows

4.3(9 reviews)
19.1 mi

The hike to Fish Canyon Narrows, named the #1 Intense Hike by Los Angeles Magazine, blew my mind…read more Accompanying two twenty-something botanists on a native plant field survey, I knew nothing about this trail prior to our trip. I wasn't prepared for the stunning beauty and challenging hiking conditions in early June 2023. An incredible adventure but not for the faint of heart! Parking: Follow Templin Highway to the east to a locked gate. You will be in the Angeles National Forest; an Adventure Pass is required to park in this location. The Trail: It's probably best to go with someone who's been here before (I was lucky in this regard.) Otherwise, make sure you map out directions ahead of time because there are virtually no trail signs to guide you. It's not too steep; the challenge is more finding the trail and the unique condition it's in at the moment. Due to the recent winter and spring storms, much of the trail is in shambles, with fallen trees and landslides and debris in your path. Then, there are the river crossings (or creek crossings, in less rainy years.) This can be treacherous; the water was at least shin-high in some places, not to mention the slippery algae, the rapid current, and obstacles under the water. We ended our hike after dark; a flashlight and/or headlamp highly recommended. Safety: There is no cell phone service in this location. A personal safety beacon is highly recommended, plus letting folks know where you are going and when you are expected to return. Take a first aid kit, enough water, food, and everything needed for a wilderness expedition. Wildlife: Bear have been reported here. Snakes are around; one of my hiking companions spotted a non-venemous snake in the dark and actually picked it up. I would *not* recommend touching any wildlife unless you are a trained biologist! Be alert. Scenery: The narrows are spectacular. There are springs, ferns, flowers, and the high canyon walls above you once you arrive at the canyon. This is one of the most beautiful destination hikes in Southern California and I feel lucky to have been able to visit. Free admission (but again, parking requires an Adventure Pass.) Highly recommended but be prepared!

OUR PATH: Go LEFT twice at the first and second forks-in-the-road…read more This trail allowed us to walk as far and as long as we wanted. Ryan, Duke (great hike for a dog) and I trekked four hours through the canyon and up the mountains. This is a desolate trail, which is what we enjoy. We only passed a group of three other hikers. Along the was we crossed creeks, brushed through a forrest-like area and climbed (I really mean "walked") up a mountain with a moderate incline. It was a nice cool day in January, and the trail offered several shady areas. The next time we go, we'll go RIGHT at the first fork to explore the trail near the lake.

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Fish Canyon Narrows
Fish Canyon Narrows
Fish Canyon Narrows

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Bear Divide Trail - Natural succulents

Bear Divide Trail

4.4(7 reviews)
3.1 mi

"The Bear" is used by the local firefighters for conditioning. From the trailhead to the water…read moretank, the record I'm told for completion is about 16 minutes for a little more than a mile. Since my first visit back in 2014 till now, the trail has really gone through the wringer from being ravaged by the elements. Burnt trees left over from previous wildfires as well as dips and ditches caused by runoff from heavy rain. The firefighters maintain the trail to an extent, but at its current state there is still work to be done. With that said, if it's a challenge you're looking for, then you've come to the right place. The sharp inclines and loose dirt make the ascension treacherous, but all the more satisfying. On the last visit, the foggy skies were leveled with one of the few false summits, literally heads in the clouds. The sunset off to the distance made for beautiful views of the city down below, and the wildflowers along the way were not only plentiful, but varied, including lupins, poppies, and buttercups. After reaching the water tank, we made a quick stop at the fire station before heading down. On the backside of "The Bear" to put it kindly, fallen trees, narrow paths, and poison oak makes this leg of the trip almost as daunting as the uphill. Where there used to be a bridge there's now a chasm that one must trek down and up before being back on the trail. In another instance, a fallen log was repurposed as a bridge for those brave enough to cross. Branches that used to grow out along mountain have been chainsawed, old shrubs swept out of the way. Despite all that, the views coming down were wonderful to take in, making it a calming stroll back down. Recommended for the bold and seasoned folks.

Great spot just did it, no one around Went up to water…read moretower ,in the beginning of hike go right !instead of left it keeps you on ridge of mountain, I absolutely love this hike

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Bear Divide Trail - Viewtiful

Viewtiful

Bear Divide Trail - Respite

Respite

Bear Divide Trail - It's doable

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It's doable

Elsmere Canyon - hiking - Updated May 2026

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