Elsmere CAnyon North

Take a moment to appreciate the open-space grandeur of Elsmere Canyon from a bench just off a quiet stretch of a moderate loop trail. Perched 2,000 feet above the 14 freeway, the bench offers wide views of the Angeles National Forest and Sierra Pelona Mountains to the north and Santa Susana Mountains to the west. The distant sounds of traffic and urban development can’t diminish the awesome scope of the diverse landscapes that surround you. 

A rich cache of ancient and modern history lurks amid the sandstone formations and oak groves of this protected space. Once an important trade route for the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, it later provided passage for early European settlers traveling to and from the ranchos and missions of the region. Much later, in the 1980s and 1990s, preservation groups and Santa Clarita residents fought a plan to turn the area into a giant landfill (and won). 

This is one of two benches that can be found in Elsmere Canyon along a loop trail that connects to other trails within Santa Clarita’s designated open space areas.

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Bench coordinates - 34°21'21.2"N 118°30'06.0"W

    • A 4.5-mile loop hike begins near a freeway underpass and follows a paved fire road to a bench with spectacular views of multiple mountain ranges and protected canyons and woodlands.

    • The trail is moderate with sections of flat terrain and a few steep and challenging stretches. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

    • The majority of the trail is exposed; a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are recommended. WiFi and cell service are available. 

    • A historic landmark memorializes an important Santa Clarita gateway on the last section of Elsmere Canyon Loop that parallels the 14 freeway. Known as La Puerta, it was a trade route for the Tataviam people and a horse trail and wagon road for European settlers crossing between the San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Clarita Valley.

    • Other highlights: mountain and canyon views, mature oaks, ancient rock formations (including gneiss, schist, quartzite and diorite).

    • Besides hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and leashed dogs are also allowed on the trails from dawn until dusk.

    • Elsmere Canyon can also be accessed from nearby Whitney Canyon Park at 20303 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita. Take Elsmere Canyon Trail at the south end of the parking lot and follow it 1 mile south on mostly flat terrain. At the Y, stay to the right and follow the wooden post signs to the bench.  

    • From the kiosk at the parking pullout, follow paved Remsen Road south past the road gate for about 0.5 mile. Turn left at the sign for Elsmere Canyon Open Space and take the Los Pinetos underpass below the SR-14 freeway. The asphalt road turns into sand here. 

    • Continue on the sandy path on the other side of the freeway as it ascends gradually and becomes a paved surface again.

    • You will soon reach a T. Turn left and follow the trail north past a rusted gate. 

    • The trail ascends briefly, then descends gently into the canyon before making a steady climb back up again. 

    • After about three-quarters of a mile, you will reach another trail split and a wooden post with a bench symbol. Follow the post and head right on the trail.

    • After another brief ascent, you will reach a clearing. The bench sits just off the trail facing west. 

    • From here, continue on the trail as it heads south into the canyon. You will pass another bench on the right as the trail continues south and meets up with a dirt fire road. Keep to the right and follow the posts for Elsmere Canyon and La Puerta.

    • After passing several large transmission towers, the loop trail veers west (right) off the dirt fire road and heads downhill for a brief stretch before looping north in parallel with the 14 freeway. 

    • The next half-mile parallels the highway and leads back to the underpass. Before turning left at the underpass and returning to the trailhead, you will pass a commemorative sign marking La Puerta, an important gateway used by Native Americans and early European explorers.

    • Take the I-5 freeway north toward Santa Clarita.  

    • At the I-5/SR-14 split, take SR-14 (the Antelope Valley Freeway) north and exit almost immediately at Sierra Highway (exit 2). 

    • Turn left (south) on Sierra Highway, and drive 1 mile to the intersection with Remsen Road. Look for a parking pullout and sign for Elsmere Canyon on the left side of the road.

    • Parking is available in a small unpaved lot at the corner of Sierra Highway and Remsen Road. 

    • There are no bathrooms or other amenities at the trailhead.

    • The lot can be deserted, especially on weekdays. Be sure to lock your car, and don’t leave valuables inside.

    • Restroom: No

    • Shade: No

    • Picnic Area: No

    • Drinking Water: No

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