[1] The park hosts a variety of historic and natural sites, as well as serving as a trailhead for several hiking trails leading into the San Gabriel Mountains.

The area of Placerita Canyon, in addition to the Santa Clarita Valley and the surrounding mountains, have been inhabited by the native Tataviam since time immemorial.

In 1842, the region was annexed under Rancho San Francisco, part of the larger Mexican land grant system that was dissolved 8 years later with California statehood inside the United States.

This late 19th century discovery of oil surprised the prospectors because it is naturally filtered so that it is not black but transparent.

A small pool of it continues to be active by the trailside leading up from the Nature Center to the Walker Ranch.