Santa Clarita is the third-largest city by population in Los Angeles County. And, like Los Angeles and other neighbouring cities, Santa Clarita is not short of beautiful, captivating running trails.

If you live in the Santa Clarita area and want to get your health under control, then running is an activity worth considering. There are a lot of benefits associated with it, including improved cardiovascular and pulmonary health. Running is also very good for your mental health.

In this article, you will find information about six of Santa Clarita’s most popular running trails:

Don Mullally Loop

The Don Mullally Loop is one of Santa Clarita’s most popular running trails, mainly due to the rugged mountainous views that it offers. It is six miles in length and can be found in Santa Clarita’s southwest, in the Santa Susana Mountains. The trail is located in the Ed Davis Park, part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. The trail can be steep in places, but it’s quite an easy run, especially for beginners. It can be muddy in places if it has been raining, so make sure that you’re dressed appropriately for the weather.

The trail is populated by hikers, other runners, and mountain bikers almost every day. During the summer, the Santa Clarita area can become very hot. There is a distinct lack of shade in parts of the trail, so bring lots of water and bear this in mind, especially if you have trouble with warm weather.

Canyon View Loop

Canyon View Loop is another of Santa Clarita’s most popular running, hiking, and biking trails. It is also located in Ed Davis Park, in the Towsley Canyon [which the Don Mullally Loop passes through]. The majority of the run is shaded, making it a perfect option for people who want to stay out of the sun. The ground can be dry and rocky in places, so wear appropriate footwear. Finding the right footwear for your run can be very difficult. There are a lot of different things to consider. It’s important that you conduct your own research and read more about selecting the perfect shoes before you invest in a pair. Near the end of the trail, it passes Towsley Lodge, where you will find scattered picnic tables, public bathrooms, and water fountains.

In the spring, the trail comes alive with wildflowers. There is also lots of wildlife in the area, including California King Snakes, Turkey Vultures, Brush Rabbits, Mule Deers, and Red-Tailed Hawks.

Vasquez Rocks Trail

Vasquez Rocks Trail is an extremely popular loop trail, which can be found just outside Santa Clarita. Vasquez Rocks is known best for its striking rock formations, which have featured in films like Star Trek, Blazing Saddles, and The Flintstones. The trail is just over 2.6 miles in length and is described as a moderate run. Because the trail is mostly desert, there is very little shade. Dogs are permitted, although they must be kept on their leashes. The trail is very popular with cyclists, hikers, families, and other runners.

The Beast

The Beast [as one might expect] is one of Santa Clarita’s most difficult running trails. The trail begins in Whitney Canyon Park at the Newhall Avenue Park and Ride car park. It runs along the Santa Clara Divide Road 3N17.9 up to Los Pinetos Peak. Most runners choose to run along the main road, although there are off-road trails accessible. Experts say that if you ever find yourself going downhill on this run, then you’re going the wrong way! The trail is entirely uphill, which is partly why it is so difficult. Another reason that it is so difficult is that there is absolutely no shade and temperatures can get very high. The trail offers panoramic views over Santa Clarita and the surrounding countryside. At the trail’s highest point, you can see into the San Fernando Valley.

Along the trail, if you have a keen eye, then you might be able to spot the odd deer. Make sure that you bring lots of water for this hike. It’s probably best to avoid running it when the sun is at its highest, because of how exhausting it can be.

San Francisquito Creek Trail

The San Francisquito Creek Trail is a highly trafficked trail, which runs along its namesake creek. There are two paths to run, one on either side of the creek. The paths are highly trafficked because they connect several neighbourhoods with retail centres and public parks, as well as several schools. On weekdays, the trails are populated with commuting students. It’s usually best to hit this trail during the daytime or in the evening, so as to avoid the students. The trail joins on to other trails, including the Bouquet Canyon Trail, the South Fork River Trail, and the Santa Clara River Trail.

If at any point you need to use the bathroom, you can ring public bathrooms at the Valencia Heritage Park and the West Creek Park. The San Francisquito Creek Trail is incredibly clean, free from graffiti, and very well maintained, which makes it very popular with families.

Bouquet Canyon Trail

Finally, we arrive at the aforementioned Bouquet Canyon Trail, which is made up of two disconnected segments. The trail’s western segment passes several industrial and commercial areas, so it can be populated in places. The eastern segment is a lot quieter and is more residential. The residential parts of the trail can be very heavily trafficked before and after school and on the weekends. The eastern segment is popular with cyclists, hikers, and other runners. The trail is accessible year-round and both dogs and horses are allowed on it, the former must be leashed, however.

Much of the trail is uphill, so make sure that you bring lots of water. There is also an absence of shade for the first part of the trail. It is very well maintained, so make sure that you respect it and do not leave litter lying around.

Santa Clarita is one of California’s most beautiful cities, rich in history and culture. If you’re fortunate enough to live there, then as this article demonstrates there is no shortage of running trails. Make sure that you stick to the trail and bring a phone with you, in case you get lost.

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