TRAIL: Los Pinetos Trail
LENGTH: 4 miles uphill (8 miles RT) This trail connects to others if you would like longer hikes
DIFFICULTY: Difficult, due to altitude gain

DESCRIPTION: This is a challenging hike, with a steep and steady incline. This is a great trek for views of the Santa Clarita Valley. This trail leaves from the Walker Ranch area of Placerita Canyon Natural Area. When you get to the top of the ridge at the Santa Clara Divide Road (3N17), take the opportunity to hike a few hundred more feet to the top of the knoll above the road, and take in the even more spectacular scenery at the top. On a clear day, one can see not only the San Fernando Valley, downtown LA, and the Palos Verdes peninsula, but Catalina, Santa Barbara, and even Santa Cruz Islands in the Pacific Ocean! From this point, you can return on the Los Pinetos trail, or head west on Santa Clara Divide Road for ½ a mile to the Firebreak Trail, which descends back down into Placerita Canyon. You can also choose to go to the left to Camp 9 and Bear Divide, or to the Manzanita Trail on the Right or Whitney Canyon and ultimately Wilson Canyon, to the right. These options require prior planning, and you must bring food, lots of water and prudent supplies for a LONG hike. These options make this a difficult hike, not for amateur hikers.

HOW TO GET TO THE TRAILHEAD: Exit Hwy 14 at Placerita Cyn Rd. If you’re coming from the South, turn Right. If you’re coming from the North, turn left on Placerita Canyon Road. Then turn right into a turnout marked with a wooden “WALKER RANCH TRAILHEAD” sign on your right, approximately 3.5 miles from Hwy 14. Park and walk down the dirt road to the left, or the Walker Ranch Trail on the right. Both end up in the same location. Look for the Los Pinetos trailhead sign at the bottom, across the creek/across from the picnic area.