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Mentryville Park: A Step Back in Time

Discover California's oil boom history in the Santa Susana Mountains at this preserved ghost town with scenic hiking trails.

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Explore the historic ghost town of Mentryville, nestled in the Santa Susana Mountains. Once a booming oil town in the 1880s, it now offers scenic hiking trails and a glimpse into California's pioneering oil industry.

A brief summary to Mentryville Park

  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Bring $5 cash for the parking fee, as the pay machine may be down.
  • Visit during the cooler months to avoid the summer heat and enjoy the rolling hills.
  • Explore the Pico Canyon Trail beyond the historic site for a more challenging hike with panoramic views.
  • Check the Friends of Mentryville website for information on special events and potential guided tours.
  • Be aware of potential wildlife encounters, such as mountain lions and coyotes, and keep dogs on a leash.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the I-5 freeway in Santa Clarita, take the Lyons Avenue exit and head west. Lyons Avenue becomes Pico Canyon Road. Continue on Pico Canyon Road for approximately 4 miles until you reach the end of the road at Mentryville Park. Parking is available in the park's designated lot for $5, payable upon arrival. An automated kiosk is available, but it's wise to have cash on hand. Alternatively, free parking is available about 0.5 miles down the road where Pico Canyon Road splits with Pico Canyon Service Road, adding an extra 1-mile walk round trip.

  • Public Transport

    From the Newhall Metrolink Station, take Santa Clarita Transit bus routes 5, 6, 627, or 634 to the intersection of The Old Road and Pico Canyon Road. From there, walk approximately 2.5 miles west on Pico Canyon Road to reach Mentryville Park. A single ride on Santa Clarita Transit costs $1.50.

Unlock the Best of Mentryville Park

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Discover more about Mentryville Park

Mentryville Park, located in the Santa Clarita Woodlands, is a preserved ghost town that offers a unique window into California's oil boom era. Founded in 1876 by Charles Alexander Mentry, the town sprang up around Pico No. 4, the first commercially successful oil well in California. Mentryville quickly grew to house over 100 families and featured a thirteen-room mansion for Mentry, a one-room schoolhouse, bunkhouses, a dance hall, and other essential structures. As oil production declined in the 1920s, the town was gradually abandoned, and by 1930, most residents had moved on. Today, visitors can explore the remaining historic buildings, including Mentry's mansion, the schoolhouse, and a barn. Although the buildings are not always open, informative signs provide historical context. The park also serves as the gateway to the Pico Canyon Trail, a popular hiking route that winds through the scenic Santa Susana Mountains. The trail leads to Johnson Park, a former picnic spot for oil workers, and continues to Pico No. 4, where remnants of California's early oil industry can still be seen. Mentryville has also served as a filming location for movies and TV shows over the years. Mentryville Park is a testament to California's pioneering spirit and its connection to the land. It offers visitors a chance to explore a bygone era and appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.

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