“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” – Rumi
Fish Canyon Narrows is located in Castaic, CA. This hike is an 8 mile out and back hike with lots of terrain changes from jagged rock formations, streams, and forest-like surroundings. Be prepared to see tons of poison oaks as well. This hike takes you to several different places at once and definitely worth every single mile. There is barely any elevation gain and the only thing that will wear you out is the length of the hike.
Below you will see the entrance to the hike. You may park on the side of the road. This doesn’t seem to be a well-known hike so expect to be alone most of the time. You’d probably see one or two other people along the trail. I was smart this time. I went with a group. I heard there are mountain lions and bears in the area.
The picture below is the road leading to the hike when you turn left. If you go straight, it will lead you to the lake which is also nice but definitely not the one I’m talking about here.
You will see this cool rock formation along the way.
The picture of the flowers growing in the middle of the field caught my eye with the amazing view in the background. Pretty as a picture.
My favorite part of the hike was when the terrain suddenly changed to this and I was completely delighted by the scenery.
There’s a little bit of stream crossing but it doesn’t matter as long as you have waterproof hiking boots you should be fine.
Once you reach the campground, you can veer to the trail on your right and find this sweat lodge that was used by Native Americans for ritual steam baths as means of purification.
It was definitely a perfect way to spend my Saturday morning. If you are ever in the area I suggest you give this place a try.
Bel’s tips for this hike:
1. Do not go alone on this hike. There is safety in numbers. I suggest going with a group. It is also quite easy to get lost.
2. The hike could easily go past 8 miles. Bring lots of water.
3. Bring food. You will get hungry during this hike.
4. Wear waterproof hiking shoes/boots. There will be times where you might be crossing across streams. It’s also very slippery. Be careful. I recommend the hiking boots below.
Disclosure: Please be aware I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no additional cost to you. Please read Amazon Affiliate Disclosure and Affiliate Disclosure
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot,Quarry/Cool Wave,6.5 M US
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot, Cordovan/Squash, 11 D US
5. Wear long sleeve shirts and hiking pants to help avoid poison oaks. Please see links below.
Vapor Apparel Men’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Performance Long Sleeve T-Shirt Medium Hunter Green
Baleaf Women’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Long Sleeve Outdoor Performance T-Shirt White Size L
Please also check out my website https://www.nothingbutgears.com for outdoor gears and information for first-time hikers. Please follow me on Instagram and linkedIn. The link is found at the bottom of my page. I am also on Twitter (I haven’t add the link yet as I am fairly new on Twitter.) Find me at Roadsbeltravelled.
Let me know if you’ve done this hike or if you have any questions. I would love to hear from you.
Amazing photography!
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Thank you 😊
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I am please to have stumbled onto your blog. Exceptional photos and clear writing.
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Thank you, Ken! Glad you liked it. 😊
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Love your clean cut photos! Great blog!
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Thank you! Appreciate it 😊
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wow! intriguing! 🙂
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Thank you 😊
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anytime!
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Amazing place. The photos are breathtaking. I love the flowers. The trails, the mountains, all of it awes me. Thank you for sharing. I travel to places I am unable to see in this lifetime. I truly appreciate those who take me on these incredible journeys. Thank you, Bel!
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Hi Nancy! I’m glad that I get to take you places through my writings and pictures. I truly appreciate your positivity and continued support. ❤️
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Beautiful photos and you give good advice. My first thought was that you were certainly out in the middle of nowhere!
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Yes it does look like that and it can be quite scary to hike it alone as well. 😊 But it was totally worth it!
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Oh, how I would love to hike there! It’s beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it with your exquisite photos!
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You definitelt should. It’s a great hike. 😊
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I’m far away in the Midwest, but I do have a daughter in California. Maybe someday she and I can plan a visit and see the Fish Canyon Narrows. Thanks again for sharing the beautiful hiking trails.
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Sounds like a plan. Thanks for your lovely comment. Have a great week 😊
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you’ve posted again and im jealous again :p
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😊❤️
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This is encouraging: “There is barely any elevation gain and the only thing that will wear you out is the length of the hike.” I discovered once while hiking a small mountain; elevation gain makes a huge difference!
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It does and people easily take it for granted until they realize that it really is a big deal.
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Oh yes! I find anything over about 500 ft/mile (10% grade) to be utterly exhuasting. Many, many rest stops.
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Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this.
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Thanks so much for taking time to read. It is truly appreciated…
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Great pics! Love the hiking tips as well Bel. Looks like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing.
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Hi, Tim! Thanks for your comment. It was definitely a great time. 😊
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Great pics. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you, Ed! 😊
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Love the pix and tips!
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Hi Shannon! Thanks a lot 😊
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Incredible place! Your tips are useful for every hike.
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Thank you! It truly is an incredible place 😊
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That looks like such a cool hike!
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I really loved this hike and I didn’t even have any expectations going into it. Thank you 😊
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Oh I think a lack of expectations leads to good things:)
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You’re totally right! Glad I explored this hike 😊
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Another beautiful locale showcased in your great photos!
Only been to Castaic ONCE about twenty years ago. The mister was working on some long-forgotten B-movie and I was nosy and tagged along!. LOL!
Thanks for sharing! 😉 ❤
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I haven’t even been to the lake – I just saw it from a distance during this hike. 😂 I’m sure you and the mister had romantic walks along the lake…❤️
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You think I can remember that far back? Not funny, Bel! LOLOL! 😀
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Lol! I’m sure you remember 😜
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Definite journey into nature!
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And what an unexpected journey 😊❤️
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Unexpected pleasures are wonderful.
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The best – Nature has me completely spoiled 😂
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Awesome views and photos! Sounds like a fun experience. Hope your next one is just as enjoyable!
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Thank you! It was a great hike and the company was pretty cool as well. 😊
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You’re right about the variations in terrain, Bel. I also like the rocks and water. It looks like a fun trip and good to do with a group. 🙂 Hope you have some great outdoor adventures lined up for the summer!
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I’m just about to leave in a few days. I had to get one post out before I take my vacation😊 I’ve been a bit lazy because there’s so much hiking/exploring going on. I still have to catch up on reading as well. I’ll use summer as an excuse. 😂
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Have fun!
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Thank you 😊
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It looks like you’ve found another wonderful place to explore Bel! Thanks for sharing.
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Yeah I like it when a new trail still manages to surprise. The beauty of nature – it never disappoints 😊
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Agreed. Happy trails!
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The scenery change was amazing. Looked like you were in a totally different place !!
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Yeah it seemed like I went on 3 different hikes 😂 It was really amazing. I think it was the first time I went on a hike like this…
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looks like a great hike!
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It was – took me by surprise. I was expecting more or less the same scenery from my usual hikes. I really liked it. Thank you! 😊
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