Park Telephone: (661) 259-7721
Fax: (661) 254-1426
District Office: (661) 287-3657
For Park Reservations Please Call
(661) 259-7721
Park Hours:
Nature Center and Parking Lot Open From 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m., Tuesday thru Sunday. Closed on all non-holiday Mondays and Christmas day.
Park & Walker Ranch Trailhead Open From Sunrise to Sunset daily, 365 days a year
Phone (661) 259-7721
Addimission to the Park and Nature Center is free.
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Placerita Canyon Natural Area is a unique east-west running canyon featuring cool, shaded oak woodlands, chaparral-covered slopes and a willow and sycamore-lined seasonal stream. This natural area park is situated in the San Gabriel Mountains adjoining the Angeles National Forest and offers north and south facing foothills that provide park visitors access to a network of over 12 miles of hiking trails, radiating out from our brand new Interpretive Center, recently renovated and completed in June, 2009. Placerita is home to State Historic Landmark No. 168, the famous “Oak of the Golden Dream”, where gold was “first” discovered in California on March 09, 1842. Further, the “Walker’s Cabin” and ”Walker Campsites” are reminders of early frontier living here, when early pioneer Frank Walker raised his family throughout the canyon.
The newly renovated Interpretive Center includes accessibility upgrades in compliance with current ADA requirements, a new gift shop; museum displays and display lighting; energy and water conservation features including energy efficient air conditioning and cooling systems, exterior building wall insulations, new roofs, renovated restrooms and a beautiful court yard where visitors can see our Birds of Prey. Renovations at the Center were guided by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for sustainable design and construction standards. Upon final review and approval by USGBC in early 2010, this facility will be awarded a LEED-EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Existing Buildings) Certification. We invite you to visit Placerita Canyon for additional information on other sustainable operations and practices at the park. Additionally, other park renovations include a new roof at Walker Cabin and cabin exterior restorations, a new potable water system at the Walker Ranch Campground and an ADA accessible pedestrian bridge with its new structural restorations too.
The network of self-guided nature, history and hiking trails into the 350 acre Wildlife Reserve offers longer hikes leading to a seasonal waterfall and to the top of the Santa Clara Divide. On a clear day, hikers can see the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. Picnicking is available near the Nature Center. The park not only serves to conserve a slice of the wild environment but also endeavors to educate the public on the value of undisturbed flora and fauna through its wild animal presentations, nature hikes and educational trails. Maps, brochures, programs, schedules are available at the park office. Visitors are reminded that all features are protected by law in Placerita Canyon; disturbance of any natural or cultural resources is strictly prohibited.
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Docent Naturalists lead hikes for elementary school groups. Training for this program is done once a year in January through March. If interested in this program, please call the park office at: 661-259-771 for assistance.
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Starts January 12, 2010
Classes held: Every Tuesday and Thursday for 9 weeks.
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
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