Iron Horse Trailhead

Iron Horse Trailhead in Santa Clarita

Hiking, Equestrian, Walking and Biking Opportunities Available

This four-mile riding and walking path had been years in the making and was incorporated with the historic, 1898 railroad trestle bridge adjacent to Magic Mountain Parkway, which connects to the South Fork Trail. The bridge was placed in its current location after the St. Francis Dam disaster in 1928.The railroad bridge that originally spanned the Santa Clara River was destroyed during the disaster. Among the many services that were disrupted after the flood was the Southern Pacific Railroad line, so railroad officials decided to come up with a quick solution that remains in place to this day — relocating a bridge from the Colorado River and moving it to what is now Santa Clarita.

The new trailhead area includes: a rest area with a shade structure; benches and a kiosk; paved access road; equestrian parking for five trucks with trailers; paved parking for 14 vehicles; a drinking fountain; a water bubbler for horses; bike racks; an equestrian staging area; landscaping and lodge pole fencing; and a trailside art piece completed by two local artists.

As part of the City of Santa Clarita efforts to incorporate art throughout the City, the Crossroads at Iron Horse Trailhead illustrates historic aspects of Santa Clarita. The art piece features three vertical steel angles rising 15 feet into the air connected by crossing bars at the top of the sculpture, which echo the construction of the train trestle located nearby. Arms on the piece portray various historic aspects of the Santa Clarita Valley and point in the general direction of the landmarks, which include: Tatavium Native American Indians, Oak of the Golden Dream, Newhall Ranch, Lyons Station, Golden Spike and Mentryville.