William S. Hart Park & Museum

Part of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and the former home of William S. Hart, silent film star and director, the 265-acre Horseshoe Ranch and mansion include an impressive collection of the actor's furnishings. Western art, Native American artifacts and momentos of early Hollywood. The museum is opnto the public daily and offers tours, in addition to hosting a variety of film screening and concerts through out the year.

Mentryville

Just a few minutes away explore Mentryville. Historical 19th Century western structures give visitors an authentic look into the past of California's "black gold" boom town era. The "Big House" in Mentryville a 13-room Victorian mansion was the third Santa Clarita Valley Home of Charles Alexander Mentry. It was erected in 1898, two years prior to Mentry's death.

St. Francisquito Dam

St. Francis Dam (right), with water in the reservoir, sometime between the dam's completion in May 1926 and its failure on March 12, 1928. Construction on the 600-foot-long, 185-foot-high St. Francis Dam started in August 1924. With a 12.5 billion-gallon capacity, the reservoir began to fill with water on March 1, 1926. On March 12, 1928, the dam failed, sending a 180-foot-high wall of water crashing down San Francisquito Canyon. An estimated 470 people lay dead by the time the floodwaters reached the Pacific Ocean south of Ventura 5 1/2 hours later.

The raging, muddy torrent did not discrimiate among homes, cars, giant oak trees or anything else that stood in the way. It was the second-worst disaster in California history, after the great San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906, in terms of lives lost.

Walker Cabin

The historic Walker Cabin, built by Frank Walker around 1920, is located within the Placerita Canyon Natural Area. The cabin served as the family's second home in the area for about 10 years, until they moved into a larger house they built further up the canyon. Walker Cabin has been fully restored and refurnished and provides visitors with a sense of what life was like in Placerita Canyon for this pioneering family. For further information about the Walker Cabin, please call the Placerita Canyon Nature Center at (661) 259-7721 or visit the Center's web site at www.placerita.org.

Oak of the Golden Dream

The area around the Oak of the Golden Dream is said to be the location where Francisco Lopez made California's first authenticated gold discovery on March 9, 1842. While gathering wild onions near the tree in Placerita Canyon, he found gold particles clinging to the roots of the bulbs. Many gold seekers came up from Sonora, Mexico in the Spring of 1842 and used panning, sluicing and dry washing methods to extract gold from the sand and gravel in the canyon. Lopez's find predated James Marshall's strike at Sutter's Mill by six years.

Santa Clarita Valley has many historical sites to visit. For more detailed information or to learn more about our history, visit the Santa Clarita Historical Society or www.scvleon.com websites.

Vasquez Rocks

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park north of Santa Clarita off the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14) is a 750-acre reserve that once served as a hideout for outlaw Tiburcio Vasquez, and was a shelter for the Tatavian Indians. The unique rock formations are a familiar sight having been the background for many films and commercials. Rock climbing is the primary sport, but for a less perilous workout, saddle up for a riveting ride or go it on foot along the many hiking trails in this rocky terrain. In addition, you'll enjoy family campgrounds, hiking and horseback trails.

Call (661) 268-0840 for more information.

Ed Davis Park

At Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon, located just off the I-5 at Pico Canyon, you'll find an outdoor setting with hiking and mountain bike trails, streams and natural woodlands.

Call (661) 255-2974 for information.

Placerita Canyon Nature Area

Placerita Canyon Natural Area is a 350-acre wildlife sanctuary located at the Western end of the San Gabriel Mountains in the Santa Clarita Valley. The Park features seven different trails, covering more than 12 miles. Trails range in size from the 0.16 mile Botany Trail to the 2.45 mile Los Pinetos Trail, which provides spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands on clear days.

The Heritage Trail, which explores the cultural history of the park, is paved to allow access for strollers and wheelchairs. Guided nature hikes are available throughout the year with Family Nature Walks every Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m.

For further information on these trails, please call the Placerita Canyon Nature Center at (661) 259-7721 or visit the Center’s web site at www.placerita.org.

Castaic Lake Water Agency Conservatory Garden & Learning Center

Castaic Lake Water Agency Conservatory Garden and Learning Center, 27234 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita (661-297-1600). Looking for a peaceful location to spend an afternoon with your family or friends? Head for the Garden. The Conservatory Garden is open at no charge to the public. Relax and enjoy the view as you walk a self-guided tour through the 7-acre garden featuring over 1,300 rose bushes. Stop by the front lobby of Castaic Lake Water Agency and pick-up a Garden Guide. Learn which drought-resistant plants and flowers grow best in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Historic Route 6

The City of Santa Clarita invites you to take the road less traveled. 

Enjoy a scenic drive along Historic Route 6, presently known as Sierra Highway, and experience a bit of Santa Clarita's past.  Once the main artery from Santa Clarita to Los Angeles, Route 6 spans 14 states and more than 3,562 miles.  Also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, Route 6 is the sole national arterial honoring veterans of the Civil War. 

For more information about Route 6, visit www.Route6Tour.com

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