Directions - From I-5, in Newhall, take Calgrove exit. Approximately 100 yards from the southbound exit, on The Old Road, you will find the Towsley Canyon entrance and parking lot. Distance - From the parking lot, the trail is 5.5 miles. The elevation at the start is 1340 feet. The elevation at the top is 2380 feet. Difficulty - Moderate, with one mile of significant climb on switchbacks. Notes - The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy MRCA manages Towsley Canyon.
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Don McLean -
This is the first and still one of the best of the SCV Santa Monica Conservancy trails. The best time to see it is late winter and early spring. The hills are lush with green and flowers. The views from the top are outstanding.
From the parking lot, go on the asphalt paved road ¾ mile into the canyon, at which point you will see Ed Davis Park on your left. While that is worth your attention, the trail continues beyond the chained gate. After another ¾ mile of gradual climb, you will reach the narrow rock canyon, split by a stream. The trail crosses the stream twice.
Approximately ¼ mile beyond the rock canyon, you will begin one mile of switchbacks along the south face of Towsley. While somewhat difficult, the trail is mostly shaded and amongst trees and other lovely flora.
Near the top, approximately 2.75 miles into the run, you will notice an abundance of oaks. Take a blow and enjoy the view.
Once past the oaks and the crest, you will be running downhill into Wiley Canyon, the canyon just south of Towsley. The downhill is most switchbacks and, in the spring, covered with flowers, trees being sparse in that area. When you reach the bottom of the switchbacks, you will be running next to the Wiley stream. You will notice a sulphur odor, and see oil near and in the stream. Don’t be alarmed. That is natural seepage.
The Wiley portion is quite pleasant, very shady, and spills you out back in Towsley, about 100 yards from the parking lot.
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