Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Placerita Canyon State Park adventure.
Escape to this wooded wilderness, just a half-hour drive from downtown LA.
On the western flank of the San Gabriel Mountains, Placerita Canyon State Park is the starting point for a number of popular hiking trails. Set out to explore the rugged wilderness area, with its riparian oak woodlands, creeks, and sandstone crags. While you’re there, visit the park’s star attraction—the site of the first discovery of gold in California, now a state historic landmark—take a peek at the 1920s Walker Cabin, and visit the nature center to learn more about the park’s unique ecosystems and wildlife. Camping isn’t permitted at the park, but campgrounds dot the surrounding mountains.
Hikers head to Placerita Canyon State Park year-round, and the trails remain accessible right through winter, weather depending. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, but the nature center is closed on Mondays, and opening hours vary throughout the year. It’s worth timing your visit to coincide with one of the guided walks or tours, which are typically held on weekends and through summer.