Santa Clarita lies within the Santa Clarita Valley, bounded by the San Gabriel Mountains to the east, the Santa Susana Mountains to the south and west, and the Sierra Pelona Mountains to the north, all part of the Transverse Ranges. The Santa Clara River passes through the city from east to west; it is usually dry and flows only after episodes of heavy rainfall. The city limits extend into the Angeles National Forest. The Newhall Pass is located at the southern end of the city, south of Newhall and north of the San Fernando Valley community of Sylmar.