This outing follows a counterclockwise lollipop loop that blends wide canyon roads, singletrack, and ridgeline views for a well-rounded, moderate hike.
We’ll start from the Rivendale Ranch trailhead and head up Towsley Canyon Road, an easy, gradual warm-up through oak-studded canyon bottoms. From there, we’ll turn onto the Towsley View Loop Trail, climbing steadily through shaded sections, a narrow sandstone gorge, and classic chaparral slopes. Going counterclockwise keeps the ascent manageable and rewards us with expanding views of the Santa Clarita Valley as we gain elevation. The high point along the ridge sits around 2,400 feet, offering wide-open vistas and a good place to pause and take it in.
From the ridge, we’ll descend into Wiley Canyon, then complete the loop using the Canyon View Loop Trail, which rolls gently back toward the trailhead without retracing our steps. The full route is about 5.4 miles with roughly 1,100–1,400 feet of elevation gain,
Ecologically, this hike is a snapshot of Southern California chaparral. Along the way you’ll see coast live oaks, sycamores, sage, buckwheat, chamise, manzanita, and scrub oak. In winter and spring, wildflowers like mustard, lupine, and poppies often add color to the hillsides. Wildlife commonly spotted here includes lizards, ground squirrels, rabbits, mule deer, and a wide variety of birds such as red-tailed hawks, vultures, quail, and scrub jays. Rattlesnakes do live in the area, so we’ll stay alert, especially in warmer weather.
Overall, this is a scenic, rewarding hike that feels wild without being remote—perfect for experiencing Towsley Canyon at its best.
Hike is rated MEDIUM. See the HWD Hike Rating Guide
DIRECTIONS
Pull into Towsley Canyon Park and find a parking spot. We’ll meet in the first lot after gate. See pin in Google Map link
