The best walks and hikes around Newhall
4.4
(184)
1,558
hikers
141
hikes
Hikes around Newhall CA explore a landscape of canyons, chaparral-covered slopes, and oak woodlands. The area is defined by its varied terrain, which includes narrow canyons with unique rock formations and ridges offering panoramic views of the Santa Clarita Valley. Many trails follow seasonal streams and pass through important wildlife corridors connecting the San Gabriel and Santa Susana Mountains.
Best hiking trails around Newhall
- The most popular hiking route is St James' Church, Audlem – The Shroppie Fly, Audlem loop…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.4
(5)
34
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
38
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(8)
19
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
23
hikers
10.4km
02:41
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
hikers
6.03km
01:32
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Audlem is a stunning little town with a striking church and high street. Nice to see a place decked out with Union Flags.
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The present house dates from the early 18th century, and was remodelled by William Baker in about 1755. It was built for Gabriel Wettenhall, and altered for his son, Nathaniel. At the end of the 19th century, it was owned by the Haworth family.During the 20th century the house was uninhabited and it became neglected. In 1989 it was bought by a property developer who has been restoring it. In this process, evidence was found of an earlier house, including wattle and daub, remains of a timber-framed building, and window frames that have been dated to the 17th century.
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Audlem is an attractive place--beware of the traffic if you are on bike though!
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Audlem is a sizeable picturesque canal side village with a long history that goes back to the doomsday book. Audlem is famous for its run of 15 locks designed by Thomas Telford to raise the canal up from the Cheshire plain. The walk along the locks is regarded as one of the finest walks in lowland England.
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I had the chance to see the bridge lift ! The pub next to it was great … some years ago but now turned for the worse ( do nit order a cappuccino unless you like tepid milked coffee).
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Shroppie fly now reopened nice selection of beers on tap, dog friendly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Newhall?
Yes, Placerita Canyon State Park is an excellent choice for families. It offers several gentle, shaded trails, including a path leading to the historic 'Oak of the Golden Dream'. The on-site nature center also provides educational exhibits, making it an engaging outing for all ages.
Where can I find more challenging hikes with significant elevation gain?
For a strenuous workout with rewarding views, the trails in Towsley Canyon are a great option. The Towsley View Loop Trail, in particular, involves a steep climb that leads to panoramic vistas of the Santa Clarita Valley. The terrain is rugged and offers a good challenge for experienced hikers.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Newhall?
Many trails in the Newhall area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary by park. For example, Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon generally welcomes leashed dogs on its trails. However, dogs are not permitted on trails within Placerita Canyon Natural Area to protect the wildlife. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go and be sure to bring water for your pet.
What are some popular places to go hiking in the Newhall area?
Hikers in Newhall have several highly-regarded options to explore. Key destinations include:
- Placerita Canyon Nature Center: A local favorite known for its historical significance and shaded, accessible trails.
- Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon: Popular for its dramatic geology, narrow canyons, and challenging loop trails with great views.
- Whitney Canyon Park: Offers a diverse landscape of oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub, with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Newhall Pass Open Space: Valued for its role as a wildlife corridor and its network of trails offering varied ascents.
Can I find any circular walks or loop trails?
Yes, loop trails are common in the area. The Towsley View Loop is a popular example in Santa Clarita Woodlands Park, offering a complete circuit with varied scenery and elevation. Another option is the Elsmere Canyon Loop, which takes you through an important wildlife corridor.
Are there any trails with historical significance?
Absolutely. Placerita Canyon State Park is home to the 'Oak of the Golden Dream,' the site of California's first documented gold discovery in 1842. You can hike to this historic landmark and also visit the Walker Cabin to get a glimpse of pioneer life in the area.
What kind of scenery should I expect on Newhall's trails?
The scenery is quite diverse. You can expect to hike through shaded oak woodlands, chaparral-covered hillsides, and lush riparian areas along seasonal streams. Some areas, like Towsley Canyon, feature dramatic, water-worn rock formations and even natural tar seeps, while ridgetop trails offer expansive views of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Is it possible to reach any trailheads using public transport?
Accessing trailheads via public transport can be challenging as most are designed for car access. Some parks, like Whitney Canyon Park, are located near main roads where Santa Clarita Transit routes may pass. However, you should expect a walk from the bus stop to the trailhead. It's best to check the latest bus schedules and routes to see if they align with your chosen hiking destination.
Where can I find good viewpoints for photography?
For panoramic views, the ridges in Wildwood Canyon Open Space are excellent, offering a sweeping vista of the Santa Clarita Valley. Similarly, the higher elevations on the trails in Towsley Canyon provide stunning photographic opportunities of the unique geological formations and the surrounding landscape.
Are there any trails suitable for trail running?
Yes, many of the trails are well-suited for running. The Placerita Canyon Loop Trail offers a relatively flat and shaded option for a gentler run. For those seeking more of a challenge with hills, the network of trails in the Newhall Pass Open Space provides varied terrain and elevation changes.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Newhall?
The area is well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the variety of the terrain, from easy canyon walks to challenging ridge climbs. The unique geological features in Towsley Canyon and the historical aspects of Placerita Canyon are often mentioned as highlights.
Are there any waterfalls on the trails near Newhall?
Permanent, large waterfalls are not a prominent feature of Newhall's arid landscape. However, after significant rainfall, you may find small, seasonal waterfalls and flowing creeks, particularly in the shaded, narrow sections of Placerita Canyon and Towsley Canyon. These are temporary and depend entirely on recent weather.
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