Placerita Canyon Nature Center

19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA 91321, USA

Address:	19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA 91321, USA
Phone:	+1 661-259-7721
Site:	placerita.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

suzy beal

A world-class park with dozens of features to please all ages and tastes. This is really a crown jewel in the county / state park system. The newly-remodeled visitor center is superb, and there are even more live animals on display than before, plus new exhibits. Easy and moderate trails in varying terrain, a lovely seasonal stream, great bird habitat and beautiful plant life. Additional trails can take you all the way to the ridge and beyond, for those who seek a tougher workout. Btw those complaining there are too many people here are missing the point -- this lovely land has been set aside and enhanced for people to enjoy, not to keep them out! There are thousands of other open places in SoCal to experience in comparative solitude, why knock a park because you resent other people using it besides yourself? And by the way it is only "crowded," if you want to call it that, during peak times on weekends, when public hikes and programs are offered to families and school groups who can appreciate them. Go early or on weekdays and you will see very few visitors. The Golden Valley and East Walker Ranch sections are only a few hundred yards down the road also, which are lesser-used and offer additional acreage to explore. If I have one small complaint, its this -- when over-eager docents interrupt my conversation or examination of displays, I find it hard to concentrate on what Im looking at. If I step away quickly the same docent will pursue me to the next place and start yapping again. I realize docents have a purpose, but butting into my private conversation? Following me when I walk away? I encourage the trainers to let the next class of docents know when to be discreet and take a hint. (One other thing, there is no restaurant here -- the other reviewer is evidently mistaking this park for someplace else.)

A Private User

The nature center is closed for remodeling. but you can park your car there for free. Trails are marked so pay attention. The hike to the waterfall from the nature center is about 2.5 mi. You can take about 1.5 mi. off the hike by driving east of the nature center about 1.5 mi. You will see a sign on the right "TRAIL HEAD 500 FT." You can also park here for free. It is always gated, go through the gate, down the trail you will come to an open area the main trail continues slightly right on your left there is a short (18") stone wall with a small opening in the middle. Go through that and continue up the trail. From here its about 30 - 45 min. Its a very nice hike some steep and strenuous sections, but I have seen 5 and 6 year olds up here and youre under the canopy most of the time. With all the rain and snow this year there was plenty of water, not Yosemite Falls, but nice for So. Cal. If you want more scramble past the first waterfall and keep going. You can continue atleast another 30 min. or more. Its beutifull and peacfull back there gets you close to our Creator. But go soon the water wont last long. (maybe 1 more month) We went on April 11 2008 {:{)

A Private User

WAS JUST A BOY THE LAST TIME I WAS IN PLACERITA CYN. 40 plus yrs. now have past of the time i use to fish in the stream there. or enjoy the day with my mom ,brother and dad.{[[ all gone now} i have never gone back, thinking that it would have been built over by now with houses of sorts. i am so glad to see that California has kept this place as i dreamed it. from my childhood day, of good time and good memorys and friends. ill now have to try before i pass, to see it onice again, to walk in those foot steps of my child hood, there. when life was at peace. i left in 1976 after graduation from William S. Hart High, Newhall, Cailfornia. with all our best to the people who kept it nice, and beautiful for all. thank you. Michael &Gail Lubow Boise, Idaho

Marina Colet

An excellent location to hike or picnic. The trails are well maintained and there are several from which to choose. The Nature Center offers information about the wildlife and history in the area (Walker Ranch, Oak of the Golden Dream.) The docents are informed and work amazingly with small children. If youre lucky, you can even pet a live tarantula!

flyingshamrockranch

Beautiful spot with seasonal water. Just way, way too crowded and too many day picnic-ers. No real hiking except ridge trails and those are limited. This location has the same problem many other pretty spots do...way too close for people with cars and the average person leaving it too accessible for people in general. Overcrowded.

Jeanette Beaulieu

While the fires did a lot of damage to much of the park the nature center is still intact and beautiful. You can observe rescued turkey vultures, ravens and hawks and tour the visitor center on a regular basis. On weekends they host all kinds of fun activities for families. Its one of my favorite places in scv.

John Washington

Like probably a thousand other people who drive by every day and have never stopped, Ive driven past it a dozen times. I only stopped today to kill a little time. Very lucky for me! Quiet, serene, clean little nature center. I see theres a raptor presentation tomorrow. Ill be back with the kid in-tow!

Blog Shag

Gargantuan park with large color changing shady trees, rolling low-rise mountains, bush forest-like areas, rattlesnakes and other wild life, incredible hiking, quiet visitors. One of the best in the county. Id bring some mace, you never know if you might run into a mountain lion

Salvador Magdaleno

Been coming here for years, but this year some trails where closed due to fires. We werent allowed to grill to prevent fires. It has a animal center with 4 birds and 2 tortoise. Its ok but unless we can grill and hike next year, this place is not worth considering next Easter.

LeoYermo Adam

Greatest park in all of LA. BTW, someone wrote that the "restaurant employees were very rude". Very odd. How can that be since there is no restaurant at Placerita Canyon State Park? I love this park and the nature center just reopened. BETTER than EVER.

Brianna Bricker

I love going on hikes here :D the trail I wanted to go on to the waterfall was closed, so I took the manzanita mountain one. Not the best choice for someone who hasnt been hiking too long, but my boyfriend is a lot more experienced at hiking and loved it.

Mike Petett

Pathetic joke of a place, and the trails (at least they call them trails) seem to be the spots where every local loud punk and doper come to act like rowdy jerks. And the "waterfall" is the biggest joke of it all. I have more water in my gutter.....

Janice Fry

So fun! Its beautiful and they have a lot of different event for the kiddos. Every first Saturday they have a class where they learn about different animals for them as well. Pretty cool! And they have an animal show as well as some trails to hike.

rocco damiano

Beautiful place, hiking, great staff and nature center with lots of animals. be sure to visit the original homesteaders cabin! Poison oak can be found so be careful! Comfortable shoes a must... picnic areas are large and clean. Very nice!

Sonia Mccall

Such Beautiful land to Explore, Play and Learn.. while you visit the Museum, learn of the Birds and other creatures within and surroundings "Free".. Gift Shop.. Loved the hiking trails and its history.. dont forget to bring a picnic.