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Whitney Canyon Waterfalls
4.7 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Running trail in Newhall, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Whitney Canyon Waterfalls' 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.
What runners say about Whitney Canyon Waterfalls
“It's an easy one, and even more gorgeous during the winter months when it is flowing nicely.”
“Exposed to the sun in the first 1/3 and the rest is either shaded or partially exposed.”
“Very easy hike, fairly level.”
This was an easy hiking trail that led to a small waterfall. You could wear normal sneakers for the trail, but if you wish to pass the first part of the waterfall and continue on, then I suggest you bring good hiking boots. We appreciate that they have ropes to help you up the waterfall.
Beautiful hike and falls just minutes from Santa Clarita. I went the week after all the rain and snow so when I got up to the cascading falls and they were really full.
Very nice trail! Its dog friendly too. Its pretty easy except towards the end. You will have to climb some rocks (it can get slippery) to access the falls. I'd recommend wearing shoes with grip. There are two areas that split off into two paths, take the left side (or just follow the creek).
Beautiful 3 mile hike, it's not a beginners hike. If you're an adventurous person, go for it, be ready to get your feet wet 😀.
Trail conditions & character
“Very nice hike, went geocaching and found a fun cache hidden in the rocks of the waterfall, no water due to no rain but still worth the hike”
“PARKING: 20303 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91321 There is plenty of free parking, some reserved for disabled parking.”
“Exposed to the sun in the first 1/3 and the rest is either shaded or partially exposed.”
“A nice mostly shaded and level trail that was nearly deserted.”
“These waterfalls can be accesed via the trail from CA-14 or the steep small trail from the Viper Ridge above.”
“There is a concrete lot and a dirt lot to choose from.”
Plan your run at Whitney Canyon Waterfalls
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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.
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.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,240 reviews
Wooded park features trails, picnic space, historic monuments & a nature center with regular events.
Quigley Canyon Open Space
4.5 ★★★★★ 83 reviews
Rugged canyon park spanning nearly 160-acres with equestrian ranches & over 4 miles of trails.
