Field Trip to TowsleyCanyon, Santa Clarita
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Towsley Canyon is located in the central portion of the Santa Clarita Woodlands Park system, maintained since 1989 by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Towsley Canyon has a rich and diversified history emphasized in Native American heritage and early California oil interests.
Directions
Towsley Canyon and Ed Davis Park are located at 24255 The Old Road, Newhall. Access is west of the Calgrove exit on the Golden State Freeway (Interstate 5). From the Calgrove exit, turn west (under the freeway), and drive approximately 0.5 (one-half) miles on The Old Road to the entrance. The entrance to the park is on the west side of the road – there is a sign indicating the entrance attached to a metal rail fence. Turn right into the park. Parking is available, but very limited – carpooling is encouraged. Free parking can be found right at the entrance. However, if you drive a little further on, you’ll find another parking lot on your left. At this parking lot, you will have to pay a $5.00 fee (TowsleyCanyon is now part of the State park system). A small “iron ranger” (a metal box) has envelopes for your fee. Tear off the top half, put that on your dashboard on the driver’s side, seal the envelope and drop it in the “iron ranger”. It you don’t pay the fee, you may be ticketed ($65.00!!). If you don’t want to pay the fee, park in the first area as you enter off The Old Road.
After parking your car, walk about 0.5(one-half) miles to Ed Davis Park. We will assemble there at 9:00 am SHARP!! (Yes, I know it’s Saturday!) The hike will begin promptly at 9:15 am. There will be a brief discussion regarding vegetation, wildlife, geology and history before the field trip begins. Additionally, the small natural history museum located on the grounds may be open allowing an opportunity to view artifacts from this area.
Please bring binoculars, water, snacks, hats and sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes (that can get WET and muddy!). Plan to dress in layers – it may start out cool but usually warms up pretty quickly in the canyon. We will be walking approximately 3.5 miles round-trip on this hike, which has a gentle grade (until the end).
You are welcome to bring friends, family and even your dog along on this walk. Friends and family need to have a signed permission slip and your dog needs to be on a leash. You are also responsible for picking up after your dog.