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    Slide Mountain Lookout

    4.7 (10 reviews)

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    About 1.5 miles from parking area on old freeway until trail head
    Lucky S.

    First off, the location on Yelp is wrong so if you use navigation from here, you will be going the wrong direction. Going north on the 5, exit Templin and turn left. You will then come to the old freeway (Golden State Highway Rd.) and go right. This will dead end at a locked gate/barrier and parking spaces in a few miles. An adventure pass is required so be sure to have one. :) You will walk along a paved (old freeway) road for about a mile and a half before seeing a locked gate/barrier (pictured) on your left, after crossing a bridge. This is the beginning of the dirt trail (no sign of humans and fairly overgrown vegetation so I don't think it's in high use) up to the lookout. Just after the rains, this walk on the old freeway was surprisingly pleasant. The sights and sounds of the water in the creek kept it far from boring. About halfway to the trail, if you look off to the left, you will see the lookout in the distance (far in the distance). Because of the time change, we got a much later start than we should have on this hike and it was an extremely hot day. THERE IS VERY LITTLE SHADE (LIKE ALMOST NONE)...both on the walk to the trail head and on the hike itself so take the sun into account and WEAR A HAT if you are thinking about this location. Once on the trail, we made it up the very steady ascent about a mile before deciding it was just too hot for the dog (yup, we could have made it no problem...it was all the dog's fault). Because of the incline, this hike is a good workout so BRING A LOT OF WATER. It wasn't just the heat though, the hike trail was biting bug ridden and super annoying so be sure to WEAR BUG SPRAY. I'm committed to making it to the top at some point, so I will be back, but it will be on a much cooler day!

    view at the top
    Amy B.

    If your planning on conquering this 10.8 mile hike there are a few things you that you should know to make the most out of your adventure. First thing first: from LA if your taking the 5 North, get off on Templin Hwy and make a left. Once you get to the T make a right and drive approximately 4miles until you reach a gate that won't let you go any further. Park here and make sure to display your adventure pass. Second thing: bring a bike. The first 1.7miles is on a smooth paved road, riding your bike helps get you to the trail head faster. Then you leave your bike at the trailhead (the paved road is private so you don't have to worry about anybody stealing your bike) and when you return from the lookout you will be grateful to hop on your bike and just coast down hill the remaining 1.7miles back to your car. **the trailhead is exactly 1.7miles from the private gate (no worries you are allowed back there, just not your car ) and is marked by another white gate on the left hand side. Also bring lots of water, snacks and bear spray. It's a long hike, all up hill and the water will keep you hydrated, the snacks will keep you from becoming hangry and the bear spray will give you the illusion of safety... There were a few moments that we heard rustling in the bushes and in the vast wilderness it can be a tad intimidating. Next thing: just keep going! The hike is approximately 5.4 miles up to the lookout and you can't see the tower until 5.2miles... Let me tell you, when the entire hike is uphill like this 5.2 miles seems a lot longer. So just keep walking and when you feel like you can't go anymore or you feel like you made a mistake ( which is impossible because there is only one trail) just keep going and you will eventually reach that "awha moment!" Make sure to sign in at the registry and say hello to the volunteer who works the fire lookout. The day we went Jim was working there and he was nice enough to give us a tour and explain some of the history around the area. It's really interesting, and this is the perfect spot to eat your snack. All in all this was another great hike!

    Dean P.

    Bring water and bug spray this is where those black mamba nats live. Seriously, these nats bite and it swells and itches for days. It's great to see the rushing water on the way to the trail after all our rain. Great place for a hike and getting out and exploring.

    Park and walk up the paved road for 1.3 miles.
    Paolo H.

    This is a fun 10-mile (there and back) hike that takes you to the top of Slide Mountain where there's an historic fire lookout tower that was built in 1969. The tower is a two-story metal structure with the cab on top. Once you reach the top of Slide Mountain you'll also get to appreciate a gorgeous 360 degree view of Pyramid Lake, Pyramid Dam and sections of the Angeles National Forest. To get to the trailhead take the I-5 North, past Castaic, to Templin Highway. Exit the freeway, turn left, and continue under the freeway overpass and then take a right on Golden State Highway Rd. Head north for about 4 miles and then road will dead end at Frenchman's Flat. There you will see a parking lot and a locked gate. Park in one of the designated spots (you will need an Adventure Pass). Walk past the locked gate, up the paved road, for 1.7 miles until you reach a gated dirt road off to the left. From there you will need to walk another 3.65 miles to reach the Lookout. The paved road that you initially walk along follows Piru Creek. Piru Creek offers catch-and-release wild trout fishing. I've read a few fishing blogs that mention that the trout population is extremely low since the creek doesn't get restocked. The paved road dead ends at Pyramid Dam. Off to the right on your way to the dirt road you will see an intriguing sealed entrance at the base of the mountain. It's part of the Angeles Tunnel, a 7.2 mile-long and 30-foot diameter, water tunnel. The tunnel supplies water to the adjacent Castaic Power Plant. I've read that when demand for electricity is high, usually during the afternoon, water is withdrawn from Pyramid Lake and released into Castaic Lake. At night, when demand is low, water is pumped back into Pyramid Lake. You won't actually see the Lookout until the very last section of the hike. The volunteer that was manning the tower the day I visited said that it was common for people to turn back right before they reach the end. You'll know that you're nearing the end when you come across a small cave and a row of red reflectors. I found a really cool video that someone posted that shows drone footage of the Lookout. It's definitely worth checking out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw5qyjeQw98

    view on the way up

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    Ask the Community - Slide Mountain Lookout

    Review Highlights - Slide Mountain Lookout

    Have a $35 Adventure Pass for parking, better yet have a $80 Annual Pass that covers all federal lands, NP's etc.

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    Enjoy The Mountain - Spider

    Enjoy The Mountain

    4.7(62 reviews)
    12.3 mi

    My husband surprised me for my 48th bday! So much fun. We had never used ATVs before but our guide…read moreKevin made us feel so comfortable so quickly! We were rollin'!!! Man it was great! I loved the steep inclines and then trusting you won't fall back lol. Kevin took amazing pics of us and we got them really fast. Ask for Kevin! Thanks for a wonderful adventure! We will be back!

    Booked an ATV adventure for my boyfriends birthday. We originally booked Santa Monica but due last…read moremon to construction in the area , we then got relocated to the Angeles Forest area . Then the brush fire happened and got relocated to Hungry Valley. Understandable . Both times that they relocated us , Kelly was very accommodating and communicative through text. She made sure that we keep the same day , same time slot no matter what or offer a full refund. When we got to the location in the day of , Silvia and girl (I forgot her name ) who checked us in were very helpful and nice and wanted to make sure we were prepared . During these COVID times , they took our temperature , made sure we sanitized our hands , and put a sanitary head and mouth covering on before putting the sanitized helmet on . We got there an hour early because we had to commute from an hour away and wanted to be on time . They let us ride early as soon as we got there and Sylvia was a fantastic guide . She took amazing pictures of us and made sure we were okay throughout the ride The trail was beautiful and the scenery was captivating . My boyfriend and I are already looking to book the lake arrowhead location next month . 10/10 would recommend We also received our pics the same day

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    Enjoy The Mountain - Riding the trails

    Riding the trails

    Enjoy The Mountain
    Enjoy The Mountain

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    Valencia Heritage Park - Watch out for bear!

    Valencia Heritage Park

    4.5(27 reviews)
    18.6 mi

    Solid park session. 73°, full sun, elite breeze off the Santa Clarita plains. Secured a premium…read morepatch of grass near the fence line and executed a clean, high-heat golden deposit with textbook posture and zero hesitation. Ball control remained strong throughout the operation. Minor critique: dad kept saying "leave it" like I don't know how to manage my own workflow. 9/10 atmosphere. Would absolutely drop here again.

    What a lovely surprise! We are stepping into 2026 with a mindful intention of walking everyday. It…read morestarted with just 20 mins/day and has turned into an adventurous hobby. When we run errands, or go to lunch, we now look for a nearby neighborhood or park to explore. Today brought us to Valencia. When I searched for "largest park", Heritage appeared. After running errands and before dinner, we went walking. After parking in the large, free lot, we went towards the restrooms to prep for our hour long constitutional. We set a timer for 30 minutes and off we set towards the San Fransiquito Creek Trail along the northwest edge of the park. We had no idea how well paved, well marked and how, well...LONG this trail is! We walked for 30 minutes north, past homes and communities, then turned back before we could even see anywhere NEAR the end of the trail at Copper Hill Dr. Along the way we passed many a happy walker, jogger, puppy dog, and cyclists enjoying the final golden minutes of the day and this lovely area preserved for our recreation. By the time we returned to the actual park, soccer practice and flag football began occupying the fields. Many more youths had taken to the playground and a few adults had settled into the tables at the picnic area. As we left, we agreed it was a great walk and a beautiful location we look forward to traversing again, next time following the trail in the opposite direction. Cheers! "CC"

    Photos
    Valencia Heritage Park - The path toward San Fransiquito Creek Trail.

    The path toward San Fransiquito Creek Trail.

    Valencia Heritage Park - Playground and restrooms.

    Playground and restrooms.

    Valencia Heritage Park - Hubs having a ball!

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    Hubs having a ball!

    Guppies Fishing Adventures - The Vargas bros

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    5.0(138 reviews)
    50.4 miUniversity Park

    Booked a second lesson with Lorenzo for my 12 year old son. This time he took us out on his boat to…read moreLake Castaic. It was a beautiful day. Lorenzo was patient, experienced and fun. He encouraged my son and we had an excellent day. He caught more than 10 fish under Lorenzo's tutelage! I would recommend Lorenzo to anyone looking to learn the craft of fishing from someone professional with passion and kindness. He does not disappoint! We will be booking another lesson soon!

    I highly recommend taking fishing lessons with Guppies Fishing Adventures…read more Fishing has been on my list of things to learn for years now. After catching my first fish while on vacation in MN, I knew when I returned home to CA I wanted to find a guide to teach me the basics, and I'm so glad I found Guppies. I've taken three lessons so far -- one at the dock in Marina del Rey and two half day boat trips at Castaic and Pyramid Lakes. Each time I had a blast!! Like others have mentioned, Lorenzo is truly the best teacher. He is knowledgeable and passionate about his craft. He had answers to all of my questions. He taught me different casting methods, how to tie two knots (palomar and improved cinch knot), and in between catching fish at the marina, we dug beneath the dock to grab mussels and cracked them open to use as bait (maybe my favorite part.) I love learning new life skills and catching a fish is one of the most rewarding things. The tug is the drug!! Looking forward to more fishing adventures with Guppies in the future -- thanks Lorenzo!!

    Photos
    Guppies Fishing Adventures - Small mouth bass

    Small mouth bass

    Guppies Fishing Adventures - 12 Striped Bass!

    12 Striped Bass!

    Guppies Fishing Adventures - This was half of our catch!

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    This was half of our catch!

    Slide Mountain Lookout - hiking - Updated May 2026

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