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Protected area in Southern California, US
Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a national recreation area in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, between the San Fernando and Conejo Valleys to the north, and Malibu to the south.
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The primary visitor's center for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. California State Parks and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy share use with the National Park Service at this site. A trail spur connecting to the Backbone Trail terminates at this location.
Rancho Sierra Vista
Satwiwa Native American Indian Cultural Center provides public exhibits and education regarding local Tongva/Gabrielino cultures. This site is a starting point for trails to Boney Peak and Big Sycamore Canyon/Beach.
Made up of land once owned by Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan, and 20th Century Fox, this park was used for the filming of many famous movies and TV shows, including the 1960s classics Doctor Dolitte and Planet of the Apes, and the 1970s-80s TV series M*A*S*H. A trail that leads along Malibu Creek brings hikers to the Rock Pool, a swimming and diving spot which is surrounded by high cliffs popular with rock climbers, scenic Century Lake, and the remains of the M*A*S*H set, which were badly damaged by a wildfire but still contains a few relics. Horseback riding, mountain biking, and camping are popular activities here. Rangers are on staff during the weekends to answer questions and help you find your way around.
Paramount Studios constructed the ranch as a filming location during the golden age of Hollywood, but it fell into disrepair with the changing times and ownership. The National Park Service acquired the site in 1980 and began a facelift of the facility. The revitalized site was used for the filming of the television series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman from 1992 to 1997, and it is still in use for occasional filming in the present day.
The Backbone Trail is a 65-mile continuous route that runs along the ridgeline of the Santa Monica Mountains between Point Mugu State Park at the western end of Malibu and Will Rodgers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades. A great way to experience the diverse scenery and ecology of the Santa Monica Mountains.
A relatively mild 86-mile hike or bike, especially going downhill north-to-south. Good for an afternoon family trip (if you arrange to be picked up at the other end) and you can watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Easy for school-age children (but know your child's ability level, as there's no shortcut out).
M*A*S*H Camp
A short, moderately strenuous hike through Malibu Creek State Park, skirting Century Lake. The remains of the filming location and sets from the 1970s television program M*A*S*H can still be seen today, slowly being reclaimed by the elements.
Located at the head of Encinal and Trancas Canyons, visitors here can enjoy a day on the links surrounded by mountain ridges and natural chaparral.
Offers horseback rides in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Zuma Canyon, Paramount Ranch, and Malibu Canyon rides are available.
A curious mix of country lodge and Hollywood hotspot. Offers a high-end dining experience in the hills overlooking Malibu. Business casual dress code (jeans OK).
The Santa Monica Mountains feature an up-and-coming wine industry. The tasting room at Malibu Wines is open year round, but is outdoors, so consider the weather if planning a visit.
Circle X Ranch is the only campsite within the National Recreation Area boundary. Trails to nearby Sandstone Peak and Boney Peak terminate here.
Developed campground near the beach in Point Mugu State Park. Easily accessible from the park entrance. Campsites are drive-in accessible.
A drive-in primitive campground near the western terminus of the Backbone trail. Accessible from PCH.
A small walk-in campground on the La Jolla Valley Loop trail. Space is extremely limited, and reservations may be difficult to come by. Hike-in access only.
Danielson Ranch
A small hike-in campground along the Backbone Trail, approximately half-way between the Pacific Ocean and Newbury Park.
A large vehicle-accessible developed campground across PCH from Leo Carrillo State Beach.
A vehicle-accessible developed campground near the entrance off of Las Virgenes Road.
A small, primitive campground 1 mile north of the Entrada Road entrance to the park.
There are many different points of access, as the Recreation Area is not contiguous. The National Park Service Visitor's Center is located at King Gillette Ranch, where Mulholland Highway crosses Malibu Canyon Road.
Read in the guideThere are many, many miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. Trail maps are available from the National Park Service site or the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
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