7 Local Hiking Trails Perfect For Community Fitness Activities

Ask any hiker and they will tell you that hiking is more than a physical activity – it’s also a fantastic way to connect with nature, find inner peace, and engage with your community. Staying fit is just a bonus.

If you’re looking for interesting local hiking trails near Canyon Country, keep on reading because in this blog post, we cover some of the most beautiful trails you can explore right here in Santa Clarita. And for those with an adventurous streak, we also take a brief look at some of the world’s best hiking routes.

Placerita Canyon State Park

We’re starting off with a local gem, Placerita Canyon State Park, because it has several trails that are ideal for all fitness levels.

For a moderate hike, the Canyon Trail is a 4-mile round trip that takes you through a beautiful oak woodland and up to a small waterfall. It’s accessible for most hikers and provides a good workout without being too strenuous. The park also features educational programs and guided hikes, and is also ideal for mountain biking as well as horseback riding.

East Walker Ranch Open Space

East Walker Ranch is perfect for those looking for a bit more of a challenge. There are three separate trials, each one with a different level of hiking difficulty, but each one offering a stunning view.

The main loop trail is about 3.6 miles long and it connects to the Golden Valley Ranch Open Space. It features some steep inclines that will get your heart pumping, but it’s well-maintained. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to boost their fitness levels while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Whitney Canyon Park

Whitney Canyon Park offers a mix of easy to moderate trails. The 3-mile round trip to Whitney Canyon Falls is a favorite, especially in the spring when the falls are at their most impressive.

This trail is fairly wide and well-shaded, making it a good option for group hikes and those hiking with kids. The park is also easily accessible from Highway 14, and there is ample parking available.

Towsley Canyon

Towsley Canyon is another excellent choice for community fitness activities.

The 6-mile loop trail here offers a moderate to strenuous hike with a variety of terrain, so you’ll encounter steep climbs, narrow paths, and rocky sections, all making for a pretty thorough workout. The highlight of the trail, though, is the viewpoint at the top, which offers panoramic views of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Central Park

For a more relaxed outdoors experience, Central Park in Santa Clarita has several short, easy trails that are perfect for all fitness levels.

The park’s main loop trail is about 2 miles long and is paved, making it accessible for everyone, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. Central Park is also a great spot for post-hike community gatherings, with plenty of picnic areas and sports facilities.

San Francisquito Canyon

San Francisquito Canyon has numerous trails that range from easy to difficult. The entire trail is 26.8 miles long, but the San Francisquito Trail is a moderate 4-mile hike that takes you through a scenic canyon and past remnants of the historic St. Francis Dam. 

We highly recommend this trail for history buffs as well as folks who are looking for a moderate workout. The area is also known for its wildlife, so keep an eye out for deer and various bird species.

Santa Clarita Woodlands Park

Finally, Santa Clarita Woodlands Park is a fantastic location for community fitness activities. The Rice Canyon Loop is a 4.3-mile trail that offers a moderate hike through diverse terrains, including oak woodlands and chaparral. 

The trail is well-shaded and has several rest areas, making it a comfortable hike for groups, but we’d still classify it as moderately challenging. The park also has educational programs and guided hikes.

Bonus: Three Inspirational Routes from Around the World

Exploring trails in your local area can be incredibly rewarding, but sometimes, you just want to dream a little bigger. If you’re looking for some hiking inspiration or you’re planning a hiking holiday, here are some of the most inspirational hiking routes from around the world.

Corsica GR20, France

Considered one of the toughest long-distance trails in Europe, the Corsica GR20 spans 112 miles (180 km) and offers an incredibly challenging hike. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the stunning mountain scenery and the sense of achievement make it worth the effort. The trail requires a high level of fitness and hiking experience and takes about 15 days to complete.

Inca Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world, leading you to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The trail is 26 miles long and typically takes about 4 days to complete. It’s a challenging hike with significant elevation changes, but the breathtaking views and historical significance make it an unforgettable experience.

Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile

Located in Patagonia, the Torres del Paine Circuit is a roughly 80-mile loop that takes about 6-11 days to complete. The trail offers a variety of landscapes, from glaciers and mountains to forests and rivers. It’s a strenuous hike, but the stunning natural beauty and the chance to see unique wildlife make it a bucket-list adventure.