DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS IN SANTA CLARITA, CA

The Santa Clara River valley, roughly 35 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, contains Santa Clarita's 53 square miles. This city of 228,000 sits at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,500 feet, surrounded by the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and east. Semi-arid climate creates hot summers regularly exceeding 95°F and mild winters averaging in the mid-50s with minimal rainfall. Interstate 5 cuts through the center of the valley, connecting the city to greater Los Angeles. Santa Clarita formed in 1987 from the consolidation of several communities, creating a sprawling suburban layout.