Placerita Canyon Nature Center

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 4, 2020: PLACERITA CANYON PARK HOURS ARE SUNRISE TO SUNSET, 7 DAYS A WEEK THE PARK WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC ON LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH THE NATURE CENTER BUILDING IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THESE HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. CALL THE PARK OFFICE AT 661-259-7721 FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION About Placerita Canyon Natural Area Placerita is an east-west running canyon featuring cool, shaded oak groves, a willow and sycamore-lined seasonal stream and numerous other interesting plant and animal communities. The historic "Oak of the Golden Dream" is the site of California's original gold discovery in 1842. NEW! Click here for an in-depth look at the Oak of the Golden Dream story (video.) Another landmark is the Walker Cabin , built by Frank Walker in 1920 for his family. A network of self-guiding nature, history and hiking trails radiates out into the park from the Center, with longer hikes leading to a seasonal waterfall and to the top of the Santa Clarita Divide. Picnicking is available near the Nature Center. The park encompasses oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian plant communties on the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains southeast of the City of Santa Clarita. The park not only serves to conserve a slice of the wild environment but also endeavors to educate the public on the value of undisturbed flora and fauna through wild animal presentations, nature hikes, and self-guided educational trails. Please feel free to contact the Nature Center at (661) 259-7721 if you have any questions. Placerita Canyon Natural Area is located at 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA, 91321. Click here for a map and directions. This website is provided by the Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates, a California Non-Profit Corporation, which is solely responsible for its content, operation and maintenance. Placerita Canyon Natural Area is operated by the County of Los Angeles, Department of Parks and Recreation