Home › California › Newhall › Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,240 Google reviews · Running trail in Newhall, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Placerita Canyon Nature Center'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.
Wooded park features trails, picnic space, historic monuments & a nature center with regular events.
What runners say about Placerita Canyon Nature Center
“This Nature Center has some beautiful trails!”
What an interesting place! Fascinating history and great staff with solid knowledge. Definitely worth a stop — whether you’re on your way to LA or already in town. You can learn a lot about local history. Walker and his family are a compelling example of American independence.
Tons of free parking. No entry fee for the park. Hikes vary from flat nature hikes to multi-hour treks across the hills. Great museum and nature center with injured birds of prey in cages. A volunteer even had a great horned owl out for us to see. Very east hike to the historic cabin and golden oak.
I love this nature center! There's so much to see. To me, one of the coolest features was their collection of bird feathers. Really neat. The Canyon and Waterfall trails are great if you're up for some adventure. Don't forget to check out their gift shop and the caged birds and snakes on display.
Canyon trail is easy 2 hours there and back. Some slight inclines but overall level. Feels very safe. Cool facts about parks history and i saw a buncha deer!! You have to go after a rain to see waterfall. It was all dried up. I may try the harder trail next time. Cool bird sanctuary.
Trail conditions & character
“You can view exhibits showcasing native plants and animals, including live birds of prey, tarantulas, snakes, and a turtle.”
“Parking lot filled up by 11:30 but we found a spot!”
“Hikes vary from flat nature hikes to multi-hour treks across the hills.”
“Hikes vary from flat nature hikes to multi-hour treks across the hills.”
Plan your run at Placerita Canyon Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteplacerita.org
- Phone(661) 259-7832
- Social Instagram
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
Running trails near Newhall
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Golden Valley Ranch Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 154 reviews
Scenic open space with wild horses and trails for hiking and running.
Whitney Canyon Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 773 reviews
442-acre park offering hiking, biking & horseback riding trails through oak woods & along a creek.
Elsmere Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 119 reviews
Secluded open-space area with a variety of trails and views.
East Walker Ranch
4.6 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
Looping, well-maintained hiking trails winding through oak groves and streams, and open to mountain bikers.