Get Outside

Whether it's nature or paintball that's your thing, you'll never run out of things to do in the Santa Clarita Valley.


Be sure to visit our Calendar of Events for ranger-led hikes and other great outdoor activities--many free!


For Golf and Disc Golf information, please visit our Golf page.


Boating
Castaic Lake Recreational Area
661-257-4050
Boat rental: 661-775-6232
Remember those days of your youth fishing, paddling around in a boat, swimming and picnicking at the park? You can relive all those great times at Castaic Lake. Memorial Day through Labor Day, kayaks and boats are available for rental. Age restrictions apply to operate the watercraft, but passengers may be any age. The little ones will also enjoy the playground area. Pack your own picnic or purchase sandwiches, drinks and ice cream at the upper lake snack bar. Call ahead or check the web site for details on deposits, rental fees and regulations. Overnight camping is also available.
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Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing
The highlight for most fishermen is deep sea fishing, and where better to go than with the experts at Newport Landing? Choose from day or even overnight excursion!
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Who says you can't go back to the "good ol' days?" Grab your pole and re-create the opening scene from "The Andy Griffith Show" with your children. Two of the largest bass ever caught (18 and 22 pounds) were taken from Castaic Lake, which is right here in our valley. Pyramid Lake, Lake Piru, and Lake Elizabeth are an easy day trip. Bouquet Canyon Creek is located right up Bouquet Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest, and it provides the quintessential "up north" stream fishing experience. To fish at the base of massive pine trees, head to The Frazier Park area for Quail Lake, Cuddy Creek Pond, and mountain streams. So. California Camping has a great page on freshwater fishing locations in So. Cal.


Horseback Riding

Don-E-Brook Farms, Saugus
661-297-7669
28710 San Francisquito Canyon Road,
8/10ths of a mile North of Copper Hill
Discover the trails of San Francisquito Canyon in the Angeles National Forest via horseback, suitable for all levels of experience. Top your ride off with a genuine Western tradition: a BBQ dinner (catered by Rattlers). Lessons available for all ages. Reservations are necessary. Sunset rides available.
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Rainbow Ridge
661-538-9271 Kathy
1701 Crystal Road, Palmdale
Ride the trails for an hour or two or help out at the ranch grooming and caring for the animals all day at Rainbow Ridge. Located at Angeles Forest and Sierra Highways, the kids will love this wild west adventure. (Relocated from Agua Dulce.) Sunset rides available.
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The Paseo Club
27650 Dickason Drive, Valencia
661-257-0044
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Santa Clarita City Parks
Bouquet Canyon Park, Valencia Glen Park, and Valencia Heritage Park all have tennis courts open to the public.


Biking
The City of Santa Clarita has many bike trails and provides a beautiful map, trail head descriptions and information at this site. There are over 20 miles of multi-use trails for equestrian, pedestrian, and cycling use.


Running
The Santa Clarita Runners are an active group of people of all ages and running abilities who enjoy sharing their running experiences with others. This site also lists the running trails in Santa Clarita.3

Hiking
Join the Community Hiking Club
You can go on a guided hike in our local wilderness anytime! Just select the hike that is right for you, your family, or organization that’s listed on this webpage.

Need a hiking trail guide for a California State Park? Click here.

The many wilderness areas tucked in and around Santa Clarita are a haven from the congestion of our busy lives. Whether it’s the unusual rock formations of Vasquez Rocks or the secluded environment of the canyons, families can reconnect with nature and one another within minutes of their home. Wildlife abounds in these areas, including bear, mountain lion, and coyotes. If you’re looking for something a little tamer, take a walk on one of our many paseos or at the Castaic Lake Recreation Area. Tip: Start out early in the morning or after 4:00 p.m. to enjoy the coolest part of the day.

Ranger-led Hikes
Click on the link above to find times and locations for ranger-led hikes.

City of Santa Clarita's Open Spaces Map
The site includes a clickable map that will show you each of the open space areas along with trail information.

...in an Urban Park

Castaic Lake Recreation Area
661-257-4050
Lake Hughes Road off I-5, Castaic
Stroll the paved walkways or be adventurous and spend the night camping. It's close enough to home that if the wee ones chicken out...it's not a problem.
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Central Park
A fitness zone includes 11 pieces of outdoor fitness equipment, such as push-up bars, leg press, sit-up bench, etc., and is located next to the basketball courts.
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Valencia Paseos

...in a Wilderness Area

See Hike in the Wilderness.


Star Gazing
The Local Group
661-297-2612, Jim Mahon
Vasquez Rocks, 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce
The ones in the sky, that is. Periodic Saturday evenings the local astronomy club will have telescopes set up in Vasquez Rocks Park. Free. Check their web site for dates, details and for other star party locations.


Camping
Family camping is available at Castaic Lake, Hungry Valley, Saddleback Butte, Angeles National Forest and Los Padres National Forest. Organized group camping is also available at Wm. S. Hart Park.


Moonlight Hiking
The Placerita Nature Center offers moonlit hikes once a month.


Snow Play
The winter months offer SCV residents an opportunity to hit the slopes. For more information, visit our Winter Wonderlands page.


Skate Park
Watch a video on
YouTube

661-250-3758
20840 Center Pointe Parkway
…or try the double bowl, keyhole, low-rail or pyramid at the Santa Clarita Bike/Skate Park, behind the gymnasium.
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Shooting/Gun Clubs
Whether you own a pistol, rifle or shotgun, kids through adults can hone their skills.

Oak Tree Gun Club
661-259-7738
23121 Coltrane Avenue, Newhall
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A Place To Shoot
661-296-5552
33951 N. San Francisquito Canyon Road, Saugus
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Paintball
Close Encounters & Paintball USA
661-255-5332
3840 Crown Valley Road, Acton
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Updated September 26, 2012