Trail Overview
City Highline Road offers a scenic dirt-road driving experience perfect for those looking to escape the busier trails around Santa Clarita. This non-technical route stretches for approximately 9.5 miles as it winds along the rugged hills of San Francisquito Canyon, closely following the utility power lines. Along the way, drivers are treated to expansive views of the California Aqueduct snaking through the canyon below, as well as panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges. While the main route is well-maintained and relatively unfrequented, drivers will find numerous short side roads branching off the main track.
Most of these offshoots simply lead to power line pads, but a few present slightly longer and more challenging obstacles. The primary surface is dirt, which is generally well-graded, though some sections can develop minor rutting after wet weather. High-clearance vehicles are preferred to navigate these minor ruts, although four-wheel drive is rarely necessary under normal dry conditions. Starting near San Francisquito Power Plant No. 1 at its northern end, the trail climbs through elevations ranging from 1,952 feet to a peak of 2,815 feet, accumulating over 1,800 feet of total elevation gain. This makes it an excellent option for a quick half-day getaway or a scenic connector route in the Angeles National Forest area.
