Vasquez Rocks, Agua Dulce CA
• 5-star hike
• 0 to 4 mile options
• Easy | Gain 0 to 620 feet
• Agua Dulce, CA | Los Angeles Region
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Famous rocky spires within Vasquez Rocks Natural Area.
One of the United States' most recognizable movie and television backdrops is only a short drive away from Hollywood itself. People come here not just for the photo and hiking opportunities, but also to climb the rocks, film their music videos and recreate the most realistic fight sequence of all time.
You may recognize this place from westerns such as Gunsmoke, Blazing Saddles and Westworld, but also Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, Austin Powers, The Flintstones and of course many Star Trek series and movies. It's a well-used location not just for its striking features but also because it's within the TMZ - the thirty mile zone within which Hollywood union labor agree to work with no additional location charges.
Vasquez Rocks is more of a destination than a hiking location - in fact, you can drive straight up to the rocks and admire them without stepping out of a vehicle. However, we think this is a great location for a hike, and we recommend a loop trail around the park. Our loop trail not only gives you panoramic views of the star attraction - the Vasquez Rocks spires - from all directions, but it reveals that the rest of the park's rocky outcroppings are a great supporting cast too.
⬤ 4★ Vasquez Rocks Park Loop
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX? |
Vasquez Rocks is more of a destination than a hiking location - in fact, you can drive straight up to the rocks and admire them without stepping out of a vehicle. However, we think this is a great location for a hike, and we recommend a loop trail around the park. Our loop trail not only gives you panoramic views of the star attraction - the Vasquez Rocks spires - from all directions, but it reveals that the rest of the park's rocky outcroppings are a great supporting cast too.
Our loop trail is great in either direction, but it's easiest to pick up on the well-signed Pacific Crest Trail and head clockwise. We'd rate the trail itself as a 4-star attraction but labeled this with 5-stars because the this place is not to be missed.
Entry and parking is free. Be aware that the entrance gate and visitor center for Vasquez Rocks is closed on most Mondays and Tuesdays. We arrived on a Monday not knowing this, but was able to park on the roadside by the entrance and enjoyed a relatively quiet park experience. There are no apparent parking restrictions around the park entrance, though we can't vouch for this and encourage you to observe all posted signs.
Climbing rocks appears acceptable, but we keep it to a minimum.
Mountain ranges surround the park.
Tangents:
• YouTube: Vasquez Rocks in Star Trek and More
• Official: Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
• AllTrails Public: Extended Loop
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us
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