Whitney Canyon
A hike up a canyon in Santa Clarita? Full of lush green trees, shade, and a beautiful stream? Yes, it does exist.
Location
20303 Newhall Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Details
Located right off the 14 freeway, this is a beautiful and peaceful hike especially during the cool fall and winter months. The trail is about 3.6 miles round trip, depending on how far up the canyon you explore. The parking lot and trail are on land managed by the Santa Monica National Recreation Area, which allows dogs on leashes.
There is plenty of shade throughout the well marked trail (unlike nearby Elsmere Canyon, which I would not recommend – that trail is not well maintained and is very rough going for humans and dogs alike). We did this hike on a drizzly day in February. I’m sure it’s far different in the middle of summer when everything has turned yellow! And I’d definitely avoid completely on a hot day. During our early morning hike, we encountered very few fellow hikers.
As the canyon narrows, the trail crosses the stream a few times. The water level was quite low even after heavy rains. However, the trail does start to disappear and scrambling up rocks with waterfalls is required to go further. There are several waterfalls that grow in size as you climb further up. Your dog will need to have the agility to make the climbs unless you’re able to carry him, which could be difficult as you have to climb up too.
Baxter was a little mountain goat, easily climbing and hopping up the various rock scrambles. He loved it and wanted to keep going higher and higher. We went as far as we were comfortable before heading back. Within two minutes of driving, Baxter was completely passed out. A successful and fun hike for all of us!
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Baxter’s Rating
- Alyse
I absolutely love this and hope you post more in the near future….for you have left me motivated and wanting to read more. Your tips were very helpful. Little Kingston is going to have fun this summer.
Thanks,
De Anna