Wild places > Southwest: Regional Map

Santa Clarita Canyons Potential Wilderness

Size: Approximately 4,100 acres

Managing agency: Angeles National Forest

Location: Los Angeles County, east of Santa Clarita.

Description:

• Whitney, Placerita and Elsmere Canyons
• Majestic waterfalls
• Home of 20 federal candidate species
• Lush streamside habitat
• Solitude within coast live oak forests
• Excellent recreational opportunities for camping, hiking, birding and rock climbing
• Historical home of Tatavium Indians - 500 A.D.
• California's first gold discovery was in Placerita Canyon

Whitney, Placerita and Elsmere Canyons are serene and lovely canyons with many breathtaking waterfalls and graced with extensive oak woodlands, natural springs, a non-flooding riparian area and a host of candidate endangered species. A visit to these wonderful canyons is a visit to a living history of residents and travelers, extending back 1500 years and continuing today.

Contrary to popular belief, Placerita Canyon was the site of California's first gold discovery, by Juan Francisco Lopez, occurring in 1842, six years prior to Sutter Mill.

Access:

• From North and South, exit San Fernando Road, go east to road's end. Canyon Trail splits from Santa Clara Truck Trail at one mile.
• Placerita Canyon Road to Placerita Canyon State Park - Los Pinetos Trail

For additional information, please contact:
Tim Allyn
Sierra Club
3435 Wilshire Blvd. #302
Los Angeles, CA 90010-1901
Phone: (213) 387-6528 x202
Email: tim.allyn@sierraclub.org

Or:
Karen M. Pearson
Sierra Club
Santa Clarita Group
Phone: (661) 296-4438