Twenty-one future docents are undergoing an intensive, 9-week training course at Placerita Canyon State and County Park. They’re learning all about the park’s flora, fauna and human history so they can answer your questions when you visit.

Photos by Denny H. Truger

About the 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. 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, between 9 am and 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (the office is closed on Mondays.) Or contact us by email at [info@placerita.org]. 

Placerita Canyon Natural Area is located at 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA, 91321. [Click here] for a map and directions.