San Francisquito Motorway

Total Miles 6
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

This is a relatively easy dirt road just outside Santa Clarita. It is usually low-traffic, and the main road doesn't even require 4x4. There are however several side trails (mostly short) that are steep, rutted, and require 4x4 and in some cases a rear locker. There are plenty of turnouts and viewpoints. There is also a short hike you can take out to a viewpoint to see the old St. Francis Dam disaster. This great short route to get out and away from the city.

Photos of San Francisquito Motorway

Difficulty

Usually doable without 4x4. Still potential for some rutting and rocks, so some clearance is preferable. Some of the side obstacles may require lockers, but all are optional.

History

The trail runs along St. Francisquito Canyon, the site of the 1928 St. Francis Dam disaster and the Los Angeles Aqueduct. If you hike out to the viewpoint, you can still see remnants of the dam disaster, which killed at least 431 people. At the beginning of the trail, you can also see the pipes from the Los Angeles Aqueduct.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

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Kevin Wiener
May 30, 2026
Open
North side of trail is a little rougher than the rest but still doable in high clearance 4x4
Tim
May 24, 2026
Open
Andrew Litvak
May 16, 2026
Open
Joe Smithson
May 06, 2026
Open
p i
Mar 20, 2026
Open
Trail condition was good overall. Minor to mild ruts which were no problem for the little Compass (2inch lift, front air dam removed, Nomad Nitto Grappler A/Ts and ASFIR skid plate). Very quiet and peaceful out there.
Michael C
Mar 14, 2026
Open
The trail was in good overall condition. We started at the bridge and proceeded along a route that remains fairly narrow for most of the drive, with limited space for vehicles to pass each other. That said, there are numerous pull-outs, viewpoints, and small platforms along the way where drivers can stop, enjoy the scenery, and allow oncoming vehicles to pass. The trail offers excellent views throughout the route, making it a very scenic drive. The vehicle was operated primarily in 4x4 High, which was sufficient for the terrain. There are a few sections where higher ground clearance is helpful, but nothing overly technical. The trail eventually ends at a paved road at a T-junction. The route toward San Francisquito Canyon was closed at the time, so we turned around and instead followed the road toward Castaic Reservoir, which provided another excellent overlook with great views of the lake. Overall, it was a very enjoyable and scenic run, with moderate trail conditions and several great spots for views.
Brian K
Mar 08, 2026
Open
Noth entrance is closed. Will not be able to complete the loop. Also Lake Hughes Road is currently closed as well.
Jimmy Kay
Mar 07, 2026
Open
Mostly dry with a couple dirt puddles. Just a few bumps followed by depressions that may make it hard for a Honda civic. If you’re in a truck or SUV you should be fine even in 2WD
Rory Ward
Feb 25, 2026
Open
The gate further east on San Francisquito is closed. I entered through the other end not knowing I’d have to turn back. You can take the paved road back to Lake Hughes Rd into Castaic.
ashley bowers
Feb 07, 2026
Open
arrived at the trail just before 5pm and there were cones and the gate was closed and it said closed. it wasn’t closed at the other entrance but it was too close to sunset to attempt.
611 Ramsfan
Feb 01, 2026
Open
Nice conditions, some rocks and ruts… Easy 4x4 drive. Beautiful for sight-seeing. Northgate still closed, 5.2 miles long.
Clint Springer
Jan 26, 2026
Open
The northern entrance is closed, and Lake Hughes Rd is closed. So it’s currently a there-and-back drive. However, it’s a very nice drive with good views. Most of the road is in good shape with minor ruts. The last 1/4 mile or so of the northern section is decently steep with rocks and deep ruts. I’d definitely recommend 4x4 for this portion, as going back up it is a little more technical, but nothing that hairy. My dog and kids enjoyed the numerous pull-offs and little hiking trails along the way.
Robert Mundy
Jan 08, 2026
Open
The northeast gate is closed. I entered from the south west entry
p i
Dec 22, 2025
Open
Easy and nice trail! Peaceful and quiet. No issues, smooth overall.
CHRIS KRAMER
Sep 27, 2025
Open
Had a fun time. No one was on the trail. The pup enjoyed running around.

San Francisquito Motorway Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

San Francisquito Motorway Map

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