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Santa Clarita Woodlands Park

Park Details


Address:
The Old Road and Towsley Canyon Road, Newhall

Features:
ADA Access Biking Dogs on Leash Drinking Water Equestrian Event Facilities Filming Location Hiking Historical Site Nature Center Parking Picnic Tables Restroom Wedding Venue

On the north-facing flank of the Santa Susana Mountains,the numerous canyons of Santa Clarita Woodlands Park contain globally unique combinations of tree species, perennial streams, spring wildflower displays, and abundant wildlife. Even black bears and mountain lion roam here–only a few miles away from the urbanized San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.

Four main recreation areas make up Santa Clarita Woodlands Park:

  • Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon  features spectacular water-worn rock formations in Towsley Gorge, year-round Towsley Creek, scenic trail viewpoints and oak woodland.  Historic Towsley Lodge is available for events in this placid location.
  • East and Rice Canyons are home to Santa Clarita’s richest and lushest vegetation. At the trailhhead, a dirt fire road leads hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians on a steady climb through forests of oak, California bay laurel, California black walnut, and bigleaf maple, to magnificent views of Santa Clarita Woodlands Park and the Santa Clarita Valley.
  • Pico Canyon, located in the north end of Santa Clarita Woodlands Park, was the site of the first commercially successful oil well in the western United States—Pico No 4. Today the canyon offers hikers, bikers, and equestrians not only a glimpse of California history, but shaded trails into the rugged headwaters of Pico Canyon and the Santa Susana Mountains.
  • Mentryville  provides a glimpse back at the 1880’s oil boom town built around the first commercially successful oil well in California.  In addition to well-preserved historic buildings, a trail into Pico Canyon leads visitors into the Santa Clarita Woodlands backcountry.

These 4,000 acres of public parkland are a critical component of a cross-mountain range wildlife habitat corridor that links the Santa Monica Mountains to the Angeles and Los Padres National Forests.