Placerita Canyon Natural Area is a unique east–west running canyon featuring cool, shaded oak woodlands, chaparral-covered slopes, and a seasonal stream. The natural area park is situated on the northwest side of the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounds a historic area where California’s first documented discovery of gold took place in 1842. Today, it offers miles of scenic trails, diverse wildlife habitats, and picturesque landscapes that make it a popular spot for hiking, nature study, and film productions seeking an authentic Southern California backdrop.