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Elsmere Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 119 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Clarita, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Elsmere Canyon Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Secluded open-space area with a variety of trails and views.
What runners say about Elsmere Canyon Trailhead
“Elsmere Canyon offers a wide variety try of trails covering 3 miles of lush green and stunning views.”
“Bring plenty of water and a hat , best to start early as it gets really hot and not an easy trail.”
“The Beast Trail” Moderate inclined hike with views of the city. This trail takes you all the way to the tower and is not shaded. Bring plenty of water and a hat , best to start early as it gets really hot and not an easy trail. You will encounter many mountain bikers and an occasional hiker.
Elsmere Canyon offers a wide variety try of trails covering 3 miles of lush green and stunning views. Moreover, these trails have various skill hiking levels for hikers. Most of my hike were relatively flat with a few elevation gains. I hiked past the waterfall creek and into the waterfalls.
Lots of parking spots, some unhoused cars/RVs parked there but overall a great place to start your hike/bike ride. After about 4 miles you get to the top of the los pinetos trail with a bathroom. It's a pretty strenuous climb with a mtb bike but totally doable with a gravel/hybrid bike.
Elsmere Canyon Trailhead is really cool place to hike by Santa Clarita , it got really nice view and different trails to hike , when you get the top you can see amazing view of the city of Santa Clarita and the freeway. This was my first time here and I really enjoy it , definitely I'll be back soon !!!
Trail conditions & character
“Elsmere Canyon offers a wide variety try of trails covering 3 miles of lush green and stunning views.”
“Popular Whitney Canyon from the same trailhead offers more shady areas on the trail, but only one trail to choose from.”
“It's a pretty strenuous climb with a mtb bike but totally doable with a gravel/hybrid bike.”
Plan your run at Elsmere Canyon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitehikesantaclarita.com
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Santa Clarita
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Whitney Canyon Park
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Quigley Canyon Open Space
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Rugged canyon park spanning nearly 160-acres with equestrian ranches & over 4 miles of trails.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
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Wooded park features trails, picnic space, historic monuments & a nature center with regular events.
Newhall Pass Open-Space North Trailhead
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Park featuring trails for hiking and mountain biking plus overlooks of the surrounding mountains.