TOP OF EAST CANYON

The northern slopes of the Santa Susana Mountains are home to an unusually lush mix of vegetation, from five species of oak trees to red-berry toyon bushes and rare stands of big-cone Douglas firs. An ideal place to appreciate this diversity is at the top of East Canyon Trail, where a bench sits near a wide intersection of open space, canyon views, and colliding forests. On one side, there are views of the Santa Clarita Valley and protected hillsides layered with green chaparral and sandstone rock formations. Across the intersection, facing east, you can see parts of Bee Canyon, a protected space within the Michael D. Antonovich Open Space Preserve, and the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance. 

You may smell the fresh evergreen scent of the Douglas firs, or spot their intact reddish brown cones on the ground, before you see them. The thick-barked conifers start to appear in force just beyond the bench, on the last stretch of East Canyon Trail before it connects with Mission Peak and O’Melveny Park. Enjoy the seclusion and the feeling that you’ve entered a different era, when the climate was wetter and cooler and the firs prospered.
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Bench coordinates - 34°19'47.3"N 118°32'42.7"W

    • A 6-mile out-and-back hike follows a dirt fire road to a clearing with panoramic views of the Santa Clarita Valley and Santa Susana Mountains.

    • The trail is moderately challenging with a steady 1,200-foot elevation gain across the first 3 miles. 

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

    • Highlights include several types of oaks, plus California bay laurel, black walnut, and bigleaf maple trees, as well as coyotebrush and toyon (Christmas berry). A seasonal stream runs near the trail in the lower canyon.

    • Douglas firs, which aren’t typically found at an elevation of 2,700 feet, live and thrive on the last stretch of East Canyon Trail before it ends and connects with trails in O’Melveny Park. 

    • In the spring, expect to see wildflowers, including arroyo (succulent) lupine, sticky monkey flower, fiddleneck, and California poppies.

    • The trail is rarely crowded, but be prepared to share it with mountain bikers and equestrians; leashed dogs are also allowed.

    • Expect muddy and potentially washed-out conditions on parts of the trail after heavy rains. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.

    • The trail begins just past the informational sign and fire road gate near the dirt parking lot.

    • Begin walking south on the unmarked fire road beside a wooden fence. After about 0.4 mile of flat terrain, you will reach a fork with a sign and a bench marker. The right trail (Rice Canyon) is an easy out-and-back trek beside a seasonal stream to a hilltop clearing with canyon views.

    • To reach the bench, continue left on East Canyon Trail. You will see several unmarked spur trails along the way, but stay on the main trail.

    • The trail soon begins a steady uphill climb. After about 2 miles, you will reach a wide clearing and an intersection with Weldon Canyon Motorway on the left. This unmarked fire road leads back down to the Old Road and a different trailhead south of East Canyon.

    • The bench is on the right side of the trail facing west. From here, you may retrace your steps back to the parking lot, or continue straight another 0.4 mile to the end of East Canyon Trail, where there is a private property fence and a trail to the left of the fence that winds another 1.4 miles down to Mission Point in O’Melveny Park.

  • From I-405 in Los Angeles:

    • Head north on I-405 to the Golden State Freeway (I-5) and follow it approximately 6.5 miles to Calgrove Boulevard in Santa Clarita. Turn left onto Calgrove and continue onto The Old Road for about 1.2 miles to the turnoff for East and Rice Canyons. The parking lot entrance is just before The Old Road leads south underneath the I-5 freeway. 

    From Santa Clarita and points north:

    • Head south on I-5 to Calgrove Boulevard (exit 166). Turn right onto Calgrove and continue onto the Old Road, following the same directions above.

    • There is a small dirt parking lot off The Old Road, just east of the trailhead. Limited free parking is also available along The Old Road west the trailhead, but be sure to heed the no parking signs.

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

    • The address for the trailhead is 23801 The Old Rd, Newhall, CA 91321.

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