You’re driving up the 5 Freeway, past the standard Southern California sprawl, and suddenly there’s this massive green (or golden-brown, depending on the season) gap in the hills. That’s it. Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon. Most people just call it Towsley. It’s tucked away in the Santa Susana Mountains, right on the edge of the Santa Clarita Valley, and honestly, it’s a bit of a weird place in the best way possible.
It isn't just another dusty trail.
There is real history here, mixed with some legitimately strange geology that you won't find at Runyon Canyon or your local suburban park. It’s part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, named after former State Senator Ed Davis, who was a big deal in the LAPD back in the day. But people don't come for the politics. They come because it’s one of the few places where you can actually see oil seeping out of the ground while you're trying to get your cardio in.
The Towsley Canyon Loop Experience
If you’re going to do the "real" hike, you’re looking at the Towsley Canyon Loop. It’s about 5.4 miles.
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Roughly.
Don't expect a flat walk. You’re going to gain about 1,100 feet in elevation, and most of that happens in a series of switchbacks that will make you question your life choices if you started too late in the morning. The sun in Santa Clarita is no joke. It’s aggressive.
What makes Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon stand out is the "Narrows." About a mile or so in, the canyon walls just start leaning in. It’s cool. Literally. The temperature drops a few degrees because the rock formations block the sun. You’re walking through these conglomerate rock walls that look like someone took a bunch of river stones and cemented them together in a giant, chaotic mess.
Why the water smells like eggs
Let's address the elephant in the room. Or rather, the smell.
As you hike deeper into the canyon, you’re going to catch a whiff of sulfur. It smells like a kitchen match or a rotten egg. That’s because of the natural springs. Towsley is geologically active in a way that’s kinda messy. You’ll see dark, sticky patches on the rocks or in the creek beds. That’s tar. Natural asphaltum.
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Historically, this area was a massive oil producer. In the late 1800s, it was part of the whole California oil boom. Alex Mentry (of Mentryville fame, which is just around the corner) was active around here. Today, the oil is mostly just a curiosity for hikers. Just... don't touch it. It’s a nightmare to get off your boots. Seriously.
Flora, Fauna, and the Occasional Mountain Lion
Nature is reclaiming the place.
You’ve got a mix of coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and some surprisingly lush riparian areas near the creek. The oaks are massive. Some of these coast live oaks have been standing since before California was even a state. They provide these patches of deep shade that feel like a sanctuary when the ridgeline is hitting 95 degrees.
And yeah, there are animals.
- Deer: You’ll see mule deer constantly, especially near the Sonia Thompson Nature Center at the trailhead. They’re weirdly chill around humans, but don't try to pet them.
- Coyotes: You’ll hear them yapping at dusk. They’re basically the local welcoming committee.
- Mountain Lions: They live here. It’s their house. While sightings are rare, the National Park Service and local conservancy groups keep a close eye on them. You might see tracks in the mud after a rain.
- Birds: Red-tailed hawks are always circling. If you're lucky, you might spot a California condor, though they usually prefer the higher peaks toward Fillmore or Tejon.
The "Secret" Spots Most People Skip
Most folks just do the loop and leave. They’re missing out.
If you take a slight detour toward Wiley Canyon, it’s a totally different vibe. It’s quieter. It feels more isolated. The trail is a bit narrower, and you don't get as many of the "influencer" crowds trying to take the perfect selfie at the summit.
Then there’s the Sonia Thompson Nature Center. It’s small. Don't expect a Smithsonian-level museum. But it’s run by people who genuinely care about the ecosystem. They have displays on the local geology and the wildlife. If you have kids, it’s the best way to start the trip so they actually understand what they're looking at instead of just complaining about the uphill parts.
Practical Realities of Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon
Parking costs money. Well, usually.
There is a paid lot inside the park gates ($7 last time I checked, but that fluctuates). If you’re cheap—or just local—you’ll see everyone parking on the dirt shoulder of The Old Road outside the gate. It’s legal, but it adds an extra quarter-mile of walking on pavement before you even hit the dirt.
Water is non-negotiable. Every summer, search and rescue has to go up there because someone thought they could do the 5-mile loop with a 12-ounce bottle of Dasani. Don't be that person. Bring at least two liters. The ridgeline is exposed. There is zero shade once you leave the canyon floor, and the heat reflects off the light-colored soil.
Best time to go?
Winter and early Spring. Hands down.
If you go in February after a good rain, the hills look like Ireland. It’s impossibly green. The creek will actually be flowing, and the air is crisp enough that you can see all the way to the Antelope Valley from the top.
Summer is tough. If you aren't on the trail by 7:00 AM, you’re going to bake. By noon, the canyon acts like a natural oven.
A Word on Trail Etiquette
The mountain bikers use these trails too.
They’re supposed to yield to hikers, but physics usually wins. Stay alert, especially on the blind corners of the Towsley View Loop. If you’re wearing earbuds, keep one out. You want to hear the "on your left" before someone on a $5,000 Santa Cruz bike comes flying around a bend.
Also, pack it out. The amount of bright blue "dog poop bags" left on the side of the trail is honestly depressing. People think they'll pick them up on the way back, but they forget. Just carry it. Or better yet, don't bag it if you aren't going to take it. (Actually, definitely bag it and take it. The local ecology doesn't need the extra nutrients from your Labradoodle).
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Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Weather: If it’s over 90 degrees in Santa Clarita, reconsider the full loop. Stick to the lower canyon floor where the shade is.
- Footwear Matters: This isn't a flip-flop trail. The descent on the back half of the loop is steep and dusty. It’s basically a giant slip-and-slide of decomposed granite. You need shoes with actual grip.
- Start Counter-Clockwise: Most people prefer going up the canyon and down the switchbacks. It’s a more gradual climb, though the descent can be hard on the knees.
- Download a Map: Cell service is spotty once you get deep into the Narrows. Use AllTrails or grab a paper map at the nature center.
- Visit Mentryville After: Since you're already there, drive two minutes south to Mentryville. It’s a ghost town that was once the center of the local oil industry. It’s eerie, historic, and rounds out the whole experience.
Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon isn't just a workout; it's a look at what California used to be before the concrete took over. It’s rugged, it’s a little smelly thanks to the sulfur, and it’s one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning in Los Angeles County. Just bring enough water and watch out for the tar seeps.