Santa Clara River Trail (Chuck Pontius Commuter Rail Trail):
California
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Description:
The Santa Clara River Trail follows the Santa Clara River, Los Angeles County's last, for the most part, unchanneled river. The trail connects the City of Santa Clarita's four communities: Newhall, Saugus, Canyon Country and Valencia. It includes a two-mile rail-with-trail segment. The trail is a Whole Access Class 1 bike path with a pedestrian lane.
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Parking & Trail Access:
There are two primary trail heads: at the South Fork River and Magic Mountain Parkway and at Soledad Canyon Road Bridge and the Santa Clara River.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
None, although during heavy rains and run off the City of Santa Clarita may close some portions under road crossings.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Hot day in Santa Clarita
By susanVogel on September 20, 2009
We explored this trail 22 April, 2009. There is a big, dirt parking lot at N34.41443 W118.54480 as Noel J. Keller pointed out. Approach the entrance slowly as it is easy to pass. If you go south from the parking lot you will come to a loop in about a mile. More of the trail is to the north.

If you take the trail north from the parking lot you come to an important juncture just after passing under Valencia Blvd. at N34 25 07.5 W118 32 55.8.

The trail seems to continue north but this is only a branch that ends in about a mile and a half. The main trail turns east here and goes around behind a car dealership. We learned this from a passing rider. We followed the trail just past the dealership to confirm that that was the way the trail went. We turned back shortly because it was getting very hot and we were running out of time. Like Noel, we'll be back to explore the rest of the trail when we can.

NOON RECON
By Noel J. Keller on March 06, 2007
"A quick stop to find one of the trail heads for the Santa Clara River Trail. East bound on a divided Magic Mountain Parkway just before the River bridge N34.41443 W118.54480 is the entrance to public parking on a gravel lot. The small print sign is not readable at street speed limits. The South Fork Trail head N34.41329 W118.54419 elev 1166’. Slight upgrade , at ¾ mile the Chain link fence on the east side of the trail changed to a more pleasing Wood Rail fence. Adjacent to large high voltage power lines. The asphalt surface is smooth, however expansion cracks, some over 3 inches wide, have developed at irregular intervals. At N34.40034 W118.54066 elev , one mile turned around . Will return at a later date to explore this trail system."
Great Trail
By Liz on October 21, 2002
This trail has the best surface (no bumps in the asphalt) we have ever ridden. I'm not sure where the eight miles is. We only found about three miles.

This is a very nice trail -- it's in great condition.
THIS WOOD FENCE IS NICE COMPARED TO THE CHAINLINK FENCE.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Santa Clarita (Canyon Country) to Santa Clarita (Newhall-Valencia)
Counties: Los Angeles
Trail Length: 8 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6032203

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Western rail-trails in RTC's Western Guidebook.