Los Alamos Canyon Hike - Tejon Ranch

Overview

Explore Los Alamos Canyon—the seam where Tejon’s ecosystems meet. This High Desert route threads through native grasslands and oak/sycamore woodlands before opening to Mojave flatlands—prime ground for birding and big views. With luck, we may even spot pronghorn moving across the flats. Botany fans, rejoice: this is the only canyon on the entire ranch that hosts all 13 oak species known from Tejon Ranch—an incredible living field guide in one hike and a true confluence of Tejon’s ecosystems.

We’ll cover about 6 miles with 700–800 feet of elevation gain at a moderate pace. Expect uneven terrain and a mix of open sun and shady stretches beneath spreading oaks. Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, sun protection, and binoculars—raptors, woodpeckers, and migrating songbirds love this corridor, and you’ll want a closer look.

Quick details: ~6 miles · 700–800 ft gain · moderate difficulty · outstanding birding · rare chance to see all 13 oaks in one canyon.