Being in the land of endless summers, we don’t exactly have the epic fall color explosion that other states experience in Southern California. That does not mean, however, that we don’t get any fall beauty at all! The fact is that washes of reds and golds are not hard to find – you just need to know where to look. In fact, you can find some of SoCal’s best fall foliage in Newhall, CA, in a state park that goes largely under the radar but puts on a beautiful autumn show. 

Placerita Canyon is a California State Park in the western San Gabriel Mountains. With a seasonal creek and a fun educational Nature Center, this is a wonderful park for families with kids, and the trails are pet-friendly!
Ponderosapine210, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Come September, the leaves start to change, resulting in gorgeous contrasts of bright yellows and flecks of red against deep and vibrant greens.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center/Facebook
The park continues to show off colorful foliage into the winter season and by the end of the year, huge portions of the canyon are covered in shades of orange and gold.
Cindysue C/AllTrails

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Placerita Canyon is home to some 12 miles of hiking trails, with literally something for everyone - from the short and easy Placerita Nature Center Loop, with its lovely foliage and shaded path, to the challenging 7-mile Los Pinetos Trail with its spectacular scenic overlooks.
John J/AllTrails
One of the most popular trails is the Waterfall Trail, a short and moderately challenging trail with a stunning waterfall, especially after a good rainy season.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center/Facebook
Each trail offers a completely different experience, with unique views and terrain. Placerita Canyon features cool shady groves of oak trees, cottonwood trees, a seasonal stream lined with willows and sycamore trees, slopes covered with chaparral, wildflowers in spring and summer, and a wide variety of other foliage.
IL RIVERBERO/Google Reviews
Beautiful any time of year, this underrated state park features historic and natural sites, as well as the Placerita Canyon Nature Center which has a number of animal exhibits and interactive nature exhibits. It also hosts a variety of community and educational events throughout the year.
Ryan McCarthy/AllTrails

If you know where to look, even sunny SoCal will dazzle you with the vibrant tones of fall foliage. Have you ever explored Placerita Canyon in Newhall, CA? Learn about the park and upcoming events by visiting the Placerita Canyon Nature Center on Facebook. Find more Southern California autumn inspiration by reading our latest seasonal articles. And before you head out on your next great fall hike, be sure to check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List.

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Featured Addresses
Placerita Canyon Nature Center, 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA 91321, USA