Mentryville is one of the most distinctive outdoor destinations in the Santa Clarita Valley. Tucked into the mouth of Pico Canyon, this preserved settlement dates to the 1880s, when it grew around Pico No. 4 — one of the first commercially successful oil wells in California. The town was named after Charles Alexander Mentry, the superintendent who oversaw operations here during the early oil boom. Today Mentryville sits quietly at the end of a winding road, surrounded by oak-studded hills and sagebrush. The historic buildings, including the Mentry home and the one-room Felton schoolhouse, have been preserved and are accessible to visitors on foot. A paved road continues past the settlement and into the backcountry, connecting to the Pico Canyon trail system. What makes Mentryville unusual is its dual identity: it functions as both a walk-through historical site and a gateway to miles of canyon trails that extend deep into the surrounding hills. Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians all share the trail network beyond the settlement. The terrain opens into broad canyon views with rolling ridgelines and seasonal wildflowers. Managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), Mentryville is free to visit though a $5 parking fee applies at the trailhead lot. The site sits near the boundary of Stevenson Ranch and Newhall, making it accessible to residents of both neighborhoods.