Join us for a look at the movie history of Placerita Canyon on July 19th, including the showing of a classic B-Western, "The Hard Hombre."
Click here for more information.
About Placerita Canyon Natural Area
Placerita is an east-west running canyon featuring cool, shaded oak groves, a willow and sycamore-lined seasonal stream and numerous other interesting plant and animal communities.
The historic "Oak of the Golden Dream" is the site of California's original gold discovery in 1842. Another landmark is the Walker Cabin , built by Frank Walker in 1920 for his family.
A network of self-guiding nature, history and hiking trails radiates out into the park from the Center, with longer hikes leading to a seasonal waterfall and to the top of the Santa Clarita Divide. Picnicking is available near the Nature Center.
The park encompasses oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian plant communties on the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains southeast of the City of Santa Clarita. The park not only serves to conserve a slice of the wild environment but also endeavors to educate the public on the value of undisturbed flora and fauna through wild animal presentations, nature hikes, and self-guided educational trails.
Please feel free to contact the Nature Center at (661) 259-7721, between 9 am and 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (the office is closed on Mondays.)
Placerita Canyon Natural Area is located at 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA, 91321. Click here for a map and directions.
Placerita Programs
Every Saturday we offer a Family Nature Walk at 11AM and a Native Live Animal Presentation at 1PM. There is no charge for these programs and they are fun for the whole family.
Every second Saturday of the month there is a docent led Bird Walk starting at 8AM for beginning to advanced birders. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and water.
Every third Sunday of the month our Community Nature Education Series is held at the nature center at 2PM, with a different topic each month. Click here for the 2015-2016 schedule.
Every fourth Saturday of the month there is a "Blooms of the Season" wildflower walk from 9:30AM to 10:30AM. Click here for a program brochure.
In addition, The Placerita Canyon Natural Area docents lead a monthly Bird Walk at Castaic Lake Recreation Area on the first Saturday of the month at 8:00AM. Call 661-259-7721 for directions.
Community Resources
Our nature programs and events may also be found on
