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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Santa Clarita Valley Planning Area through
the 2035 planning horizon, consistent with
The County of Los Angeles developed this the Parks and Recreation Element of the Los
plan to expand opportunities for residents Angeles County General Plan 2035. These
and visitors to experience the unique natural goals are also supported by seven planning
and cultural resources of the Santa Susana objectives, which shaped the development of
Mountains by means of a comprehensive, the plan and will guide its implementation.
multi-use regional trail network. The plan balances a wide array of
The Santa Susana Mountains Trails Master considerations to conserve the long-term
Plan – Phase II (SSMTMP-PII) includes a 67.5- sustainability of the County’s multi-use trail
mile planned regional trail network within network. It acts as a framework to encourage
a 22-square-mile study area, which abuts and promote new multi-use trails and
the Santa Clara River to the north, the City recommend improvements to existing trails,
of Santa Clarita and the I-5 freeway to the recommending connections and transitions
east, the Santa Susana Mountains Final Trails to areas, jurisdictions, and prime destinations
Master Plan – Phase I (SSMFTMP-PI) area to within and adjacent to the SSMTMP-PII study
the south, and the Newhall Ranch Specific area in the Santa Clarita Valley and northern
Plan area to the west. This trail network builds foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains. The
upon prior trail planning efforts within the plan seeks to respect sensitive resources
northwest region of the County, augmenting while reducing unmet demand for recreation
the 71-mile planned regional trail network opportunities in the Santa Clarita Valley
Executive Summary adopted in the SSMFTMP-PI (May 2015) and Planning Area and throughout the Fifth
Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County.
the 100-mile planned regional trail network
adopted in the Castaic Area Multi-Use Trails The plan incorporates feedback from multiple
Plan (October 2016). These plans were made agencies, stakeholders, and community
possible by funding provided by the Fifth members received during an extensive public
Supervisorial District of Los Angeles County in engagement process that is detailed in the
SANTA SUSANA MOUNTAINS TRAILS MASTER PLAN - PHASE II
order to realize and conserve the full potential plan, such as a series of public meetings
of regional multi-use trail connectivity. and stakeholder meetings, consultation
with Native American tribal representatives,
The SSMTMP-PII has two central goals: (1)
develop a complete multi-use trail system and an interactive project website.
connecting user groups and local populations Upon approval by the County Board of
to desired recreation destinations and Supervisors, the trails proposed as part
experiences, with seamless transitions to the of the SSMTMP-PII be incorporated into
trails of adjacent jurisdictions, compatibility the County’s General Plan for future
with adjacent land uses and environmental development. The plan includes a series SANTA SUSANA MOUNTAINS TRAILS MASTER PLAN - PHASE II
resources, and a safe and sustainable of strategies for the implementation of
design consistent with the County of Los trails proposed in the plan, from land
Angeles Trails Manual ; and (2) develop a acquisition to future maintenance. It is
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recreational trail system that supports low- anticipated that the trails will be constructed
intensity use, including mountain biking, incrementally over the 2035 planning
equestrian use, and hiking, to accommodate horizon as a result of a variety of factors,
the population increase anticipated in the including available lands and resources.

1 County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and
Recreation. [May 2011] June 2013. County of Los
Angeles Trails Manual. Available at: https://trails.lacounty.
gov/Files/Documents/69/LA%20County%20Trails%20
Manual%20%28Revised%2006-20-13%29.compressed.
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