Thanksgiving morning has two kinds of people.
The ones still in pajamas. And the ones lacing up.
If you want to be the second kind this year, Santa Clarita has two great options. Both are on Thursday, Nov. 26.
Option 1: College of the Canyons Turkey Trot
This is the original. 2026 marks the 18th year.
- Where: College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia
- Distance: a 3-mile course
- The route: starts on campus, winds through the grounds and nearby trails with views over the valley, then finishes with a downhill run onto the Cougar Stadium track
- For kids: a Kiddie K for young runners
That stadium finish is a fun one. Bring the camera.
Option 2: Santa Clarita Track Club Turkey Trot
This is the club’s third year, and it supports their cross country and track & field programs.
- Where: Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road (fields 9 and 10)
- 5K: 8:45 a.m., a cross-country course through the hills above the park
- Kids 1K: 8:15 a.m., for kids 10 and under
- Registration: $38.10 including fees, through the race’s RunSignup page
Not a runner? Take a walk instead.
A great fall spot is Placerita Canyon in Newhall.
The main Canyon Trail is an easy, sycamore-lined walk, about 4 miles round trip with roughly 300 feet of elevation change. It takes you out to the old Walker Ranch site and back.
This time of year, the cottonwoods in the canyon can turn golden. Color varies year to year with rain and cold, so no promises. But even without it, it’s a peaceful morning.
The Placerita Canyon Nature Center, at 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bonus for the kids: free Mountain Bike Demo Day
On Sunday, Nov. 8, from 9 to 11 a.m., the city’s final fall Mountain Bike Demo Day is happening at the Bike Park of Santa Clarita. It’s free and drop-in. Loaner bikes and helmets are available while they last.
The best part of living here?
You can go from a holiday race to a quiet canyon trail in the same weekend, and never leave the valley.
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Santa Clarita Turkey Trot in 2026? Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. There are two: the College of the Canyons Turkey Trot and the Santa Clarita Track Club Turkey Trot.
How long is the College of the Canyons Turkey Trot? A 3-mile course through campus and nearby trails, finishing on the Cougar Stadium track. There’s also a Kiddie K.
Where is the Santa Clarita Track Club Turkey Trot? Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road. The 5K starts at 8:45 a.m., and the kids 1K starts at 8:15 a.m.
What’s an easy hike in Santa Clarita? Placerita Canyon’s Canyon Trail in Newhall is about 4 miles round trip with roughly 300 feet of elevation change.
About Carie & Heber Gonzalez
Carie & Heber Gonzalez are REALTORS® with Equity Union Luxury Properties in Santa Clarita, California. They help buyers and sellers in Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, Canyon Country and Stevenson Ranch. Both are Certified Negotiation Experts (CNE), with 20+ years in the business as a team.
Carie & Heber Gonzalez, REALTOR® · Equity Union Luxury Properties · (661) 732-1278 · @carieandheber DRE #01929961 (Carie) · DRE #01755454 (Heber)