Placerita Canyon Nature Center, Newhall

About Placerita Canyon Nature Center

Placerita Canyon Nature Center in Newhall offers visitors self-guided nature, history and hiking trails through oak woodland, chaparral and riparian plant communities. The park features the historic Oak of the Golden Dream, the site of California's original gold discovery in 1842, and the Walker Cabin, built in 1920. Longer hikes lead to a seasonal waterfall and the Santa Clarita Divide. Regular programs include monthly bird walks, family nature walks every Saturday, blooms-of-the-season botanical walks, books and hikes outings, and nature education presentations. Placerita Nature Tots serves younger children aged three to six. The center hosts school field trips and offers wild animal presentations and guided nature experiences. Walker Cabin tours are available at scheduled times. Picnicking areas are available near the Nature Center, and the park office provides maps, brochures and guides for visitors planning their exploration of the canyon's diverse ecosystems.