Trail Review: Shadow Glen and Uncle Remi Trail Loop
Parking: Free parking in a small dirt lot at the trailhead.
Distance: 3.2 miles loop
We decided to check this hike out after doing the East Walker Loop which is on the south side of Placerita Canyon Road. As we were doing that hike, we could see the trails on the north side of the road and thought, "Hey, that looks nice over there!". So we decided to journey back up to Santa Clarita for a second weekend and do the Shadow Glen and Uncle Remi loop which covers a good portion of the open space area to the north.
Parking is pretty easy. There is a dirt lot right at the trailhead but also some space to park along the road if needed. There were only a few cars in the lot though so it wasn't that busy.
The start of the trail is on the other side of the green gate that provides a conveniently low area to step over:
The first little section is pretty flat and at the first fork in the road, you'll want to take a right (unless you feel like doing the loop counterclockwise). You'll start going uphill and almost immediately, you'll be at another fork. This time, it's really up to you which one you want to take. They will merge again not too far down the line. We took the sharp turn and went up the path to our right. If you follow this one, you'll want to then take the first left which will get you going north and you'll want to continue going north through the next intersection as well.
You'll continue gaining elevation for a little bit longer but then you'll actually descend a bit into a small canyon which is probably the only shady spot on this hike. This area was a little more "forest-like" and had some taller trees and brush so it provided cover here and there. It won't last that long though because the trail will start going up again as you head around the eastern side of the small peak at the center of the loop. You'll hit a couple more forks in the road on this side. Just keep going left. And as you come up around to the north side, you'll get some nice views of Santa Clarita in the distance:
Because you are at peak elevation on this part of the loop, this is where the best views of the area are. There will be lots of chances to soak in the views from all sides. Eventually, the path will start descending again as you head back down to complete the loop. There will be one final fork when you hit a fire road and here you'll want to make a hairpin turn down to your left onto the narrow path. As you wide your way down, you'll come upon the original fork in the road which will end the loop and bring you back to the parking lot.
Bottom Line: A very enjoyable, not too difficult hike in Placertia Canyon. You'll get some nice views of Santa Clarita as well as the nearby mountains and some open fields.
Map: Use the map on AllTrails.com. It was impossible to get a good view of it on Google Maps.
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