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Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
10700 W Escondido Canyon RdAgua Dulce, CA 91350
(661) 268-0840
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
24 reviews for Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park
24 reviews in English
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Review from Earlene C.
East Bay, CA
Welcome to Bedrock!
Amazing rock formations in So-Cal off Highway 14.
Its a Naturetastic must see. -
Review from Greg S.
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Iconic.
Awe-inspiring.
Hallowed.
Trektactular.
These words and more describe my feelings about Vasquez Rocks. It's a place where you feel like you've stepped onto some alien planet, but all the while Highway 14 is clearly visible in the background. Never mind that!
The rock formations are impressive, and what's even better is you can climb all over them! This may entail climbing back down on your butt, just fyi.
I can't stress how much of a treat this is if you're a Star Trek fan like me. It's a short-ish drive outside of LA and well worth it. So many episodes of Trek-dom were filmed here, including the famous Kirk vs. Gorn fight! How can you resist reliving that? -
Review from Drea K.
1/31/2012
sometimes i just want to escape the city for a little while. here's where i go.
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Review from Christine A.
Cerritos, CA
8/2/2011 1 photo
If you're a geek (Perhaps a Trekker, Tekkie, or "Ew.. neither. Hand me the modeling glue for my X-wing, would you?"), and you really need some exercise and sunshine to rid yourself of your dungeon prisoner pallor, this is THE place for you.
First off, stating the obvious, Vasquez Rocks get used for so many movies and TV shows. Simply put, it's dynamic and it just has this look about it that screams alien world. One could argue the formations lend themselves to photographs so well they're on par with Monument Valley.
Yes, THIS is where Kirk fought the Gorn, where Spock beamed down to Vulcan in the latest movie, and it's PERFECT for taking your own action shots.
My own: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Vasquez Rocks are compatible with every level of hiking skill. You can walk around the formations on virtually level ground, or venture up the rocks - be it walking on the skewed terrain or fully scaling them.
It's entirely FREE to visit, and well worth the scenic drive getting there.Listed in: SoCal Geekgasm, Roadside California
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Review from Tatiana V.
Long Beach, CA
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fun hiking and great location for photos!
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Review from Jolene M.
Los Angeles, CA
6/24/2011
*** #179 of 365 Things to Do in L.A. ( http://365losangeles.b... )***
Vasquez Rocks, located about 40 minutes north of L.A. in Agua Dulce, is truly an unforgettable place. With its mammoth precipices jutting dramatically out of the earth at 45 degree angles, it is easy to see why it's a popular filming location. Past shows that have been filmed here include Star Trek, Power Rangers, Battlestar Galactica, Jay and Silent Bob, and Planet of the Apes.
Vasquez Rocks was named after Tiburcio Vasquez, a wily bandit who was known as "The Scourge of California." He used these rocks as his hideout.
There are short trails around the park, but we chose to just scramble up any large rock we could find. It was incredibly fun--like being a little kid again! The park was not too crowded, and free parking was plentiful. If you wanted to find solitude here, you could do so by just walking a little ways away from the main parking lot.
*Click on the link above for pics and a video!* -
Review from Alice H.
3/23/2011
Martin M and I stopped here during our spontaneous winter vacation during the holidays because 1. we like the name of the city (wow, fresh water!), 2. we get to climb on rocks??! and 3. GEOCACHING! I also like it even more now that I realize the rock park was featured in an episode of the Big Bang Theory (the one where they get high and missed the Leonid meteor shower).
Anyway, if seeing the huge rock formations isn't enough to astound you, try climbing to the very tippy top of one of them and enjoying the breathtaking view. Toto, we're not in Los Angeles anymore (well, yes, we're still in LA county, but with no cityscape in sight). Absolutely gorgeous.Listed in: When I'm Not Eating....
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Review from Patrick P.
Monrovia, CA
2/21/2011
Two words: Star Trek. Relive the moments, my fellow nerds. *haha*
I've had the opportunity to come see the rock formations several times. Sure, it takes about an hour to drive from my house. But parking is free. Climb the rocks in this desert-like park, hike out and about. If that's your thing, it's worth it.
Note that there are no restrooms in the location, so if you have to go, you'll have to use the port-o-potties. *shivers at the thought*
Occasionally there's filming done there. Sure, you could consider that very "Hollywood", but that also means they may take up prime parking and block off a particular famous rock formation.
Live long... and prosper.Listed in: Hiking Trails
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Review from suzanne b.
Tujunga, CA
4/5/2011 1 photo
One of L.A.'s best free natural attractions, Vasquez Rocks is a county park masquerading as a national monument. This is such an interesting spot, and a good destination for a day trip when you feel like escaping everyday reality. Or, escaping our native planet in a sense.
The BF and I been here numerous times, but we had a visitor from Germany last weekend so it was fun to see it through fresh eyes. We ran down some of VR's features: It was the shooting location for many films and TV shows, including Star Trek of course, due to its otherworldly rock formations; it is an ancient native American village site, containing (mostly hidden, partly looted) petroglyphs; it's full of fantastic hikes to caves, arroyos and overlooks, many of which are reachable by gentle traverses; the Pacific Crest Trail crosses through here via Escondido Canyon and a mysterious tunnel under the 14 highway; the area is home to beautiful wildflowers, juniper bushes and king snakes; you can view meteor showers, walk along a stream, day camp, picnic, take the kiddies on short nature trails or to visit a few captive birds on site with the ranger.
If you look at the photos, you can see people clinging to some of the more dramatic vertical stone uplifts. It looks terribly dangerous, but many of these overlooks actually have a more gradual incline than you think, so you can easily walk at least partway up the rolling walls and bowls without any problems to speak of.
Note there is no camping per se, no smoking or fires, but you can hang out for the day and bring a picnic lunch; there are tables, water and port-a-potties available and the ranger's trailer is nearby.
It gets breezy and cold up there in certain seasons, and other times you feel like you're roasting alive in the arroyos; but all you really need is some water, sunscreen, extra layers and your camera.
One other plus, the Pacific Crest Trail makes a beeline for downtown Agua Dulce, only about a quarter mile away, which has an excellent store for food and sundries as well as a couple of restaurants if you forgot to bring food. -
Review from Javier J.
3/19/2010
If you ever want to feel like you're on a different planet you need only head a good 40 minutes north on the 5 and then onto the 14 to Agua Dulce and land your (time and space) Vehicle at Vasquez Rocks. The rather unusual rock formation will transport you to a different world entirely. It's no surprise that this location has had more film time than your local struggling actress working at Starbucks.
Yes, that's right. This place should get its own star on the Hollywood walk of fame. If not for the many films like Little Miss Sunshine, Jay and Silent Bob, Army of Darkness,The Flintstones, Blazing Saddles, and Buffy are just some of the stuff filmed here. It's even mentioned in studio filmed shows like Big Bang Theory, as this was the location that the group of nerds say they're camping in (34.48 N, 118.31 W)
Bill & Ted got killed here on their Bogus Journey, It's were the killing happened in Alpha Dog. It's been on CSI and Bones as a place to dump off bodies and most recently it was used as Vulcan for the new Star Trek Film. Where everyone on the planet died.
The first time I remember it being used was in Star Trek: The Original Series. It was in the episode entitled Arena where Kirk fights a Lizard alien monster. Yes, you can come here and make that Dun da-da-da-da-da-daaaa-daaa noise that any self-respecting (OXYMORON!) nerd would make in visiting such a historical nerd spot.
In retrospect, it seems like a lot of fictions deaths have happened here. Don't worry, you wont be killed here. Unless a beautiful view slays you. Bazinga!
Whenever there's a meteor shower forecast to be seen in our nights sky, this is my go to place. It's far enough that the lights from the city wont impede your view and the stars are out bright shinning over the desert. While the parking area closes at sunset (typically 5) you can still park on the street and walk the .25-.50 mile to the main rock area.
That's not to take away from the sunset. I have to say that of all the locations to watch the sunset off to the west, this is one of the best. The ridges the sun goes down and the hues of color it leaves for as long as it does are simply amazing.
It has been the highlight to a long location shoot there and really, this is used constantly for productions. So you'll never know when you'll come here for a day hike and see a camera crew. Don't worry, there's plenty of areas to wander about.
There's plenty of paths to make it all the way to the top of the peaks. I've even done it in the dark and it's relatively easy and doesn't require any climbing gear.
This is part of the San Andreas fault. So you thrill seekers can come here and hope to ride the future "big one" with front row seats, Yeeeee-haw!
A hidden gem in the Southern California outdoor world that everyone should take advantage of. By all means, come here for a day trip and enjoy its beauty. ... and pretend you're Captain Kirk killing Lizard monsters.Listed in: Take a hike
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Review from Karla C.
Long Beach, CA
9/20/2010 1 photo
Our mission to find the best hikes around l.a brought us here.
Its not the typical green "omg a waterfall!" hike... Yet, its still beautiful.
You can explore for a couple hours without seeing a single soul. Its peaceful, minus the highway you see if you peer over to your far left. You cant have it all I tell ya.
Anyway, we went off the trails (which I dont recommend) and climbed a few rocks, found some neat caves. Great place to explore. If you're there during the summer, bring extra water.. obviously. We brought one bottle each and had to conserve, lesson learned.
Ill be coming back, yes I will.Listed in: Hike LA
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Review from Phoenix A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/5/2009
I scrambled up the peak for the 1st time in 1979.
I did the skittish nervous crawl here 30 years later...but the park is still as fun as I remember. I brought the dog, a friend, and the bf this time.
I pointed out holes in the rocks I had sat in when I was 9. What I did not do was hang my head out over the peak to show my friends where the owl's nest was. The fortitude required to do that is stuck in yester years.
Climbing around the different peaks was amazing when we'd get to the top...how stunning is the 14 freeway! At the base of the rocks are some picnic tables. From there you can take hiking paths around the park, but beware the road apples left by the equine whose echoing whinnies can be heard on occasion.
Bring lunch, take pictures, and enjoy the geology. Don't forget to say hi to the nice, helpful rangers. -
Review from Larry M.
4/6/2010
Vasquez racks park is a neat area to go to. There are very unique rock formations you can climb all over. There is a great little downtown area outside the park, just up the road that you should visit while you are here.
We went here for an Easter BBQ, the second year in a row. The park has very limited facilities. There is no running water, the bathrooms are port-a-potties. There are some picnic tables here and there. Do not expect anything more, even shade is limited.
You are not allowed to use charcoal grills, so keep this in mind if planning a BBQ. I was also shocked that the ranger told my kids to stop flying their kites. Apparently, someone on a horse on the other side of the park thought it might scare their horse, so we were ordered to stop. She even quoted a county ordinance against using "harmful objects."
You know how dangerous those kites can be. Kids can't fly kites in a large field in a public park? Gimmie a break. The park is neat, but keep in mind that the rangers may enforce their own version of the rules. -
Review from Jill C.
San Francisco, CA
1/1/2010
Vasquez Rocks is where the infamous Star Trek "Arena" episode is filmed. Not familiar? It's the one where Captain Kirk battles it out with what appears to be an alien in a dress. [Here, see for yourself. http://www.youtube.com...]
Countless other movies and music videos have shot scenes here, but it's much more fun to reenact the Kirk vs. Gorn battle than anything else. Rwawr!
Star Trek fan or not, anyone can appreciate the dramatic landscape. The afternoon light makes for some great photo opportunities too.
You couldn't pay me to climb 150 feet to the top of Vasquez Rocks. But Shatner did it.
Does that surprise you? I didn't think so. -
Review from L. L.
Orlando, FL
12/27/2008
We loved this park! Granted, we were there on a day when there was no filming, which would certainly really reduce the experience, but it was great. Cool rock formations, lots of birds and rabbits, and you really have the option of exploring wherever you want to (though the minus with that is increased chance of erosion, which was obvious in some places).
We'd give it a 4 because of the freeway noise which it was really not easy to escape, but as Star Trek fans we were overwhelmed with geekiness and must give it a 5. There were several families there with kids- obviously this is a great getaway for families because they can clamber all over the place. -
Review from Robert C.
Studio City, CA
3/20/2011 4 Check-ins Here
On the fringe of the Mojave just outside LA. The landscape is surrealistic. Recognizable from God-knows-how-many westerns, Star Trek (original episodes and doubled for planet Vulcan in the recent movie). Fantastic rock formations rising hundreds of slanted feet above the flats.
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Review from Patrick D.
Los Angeles, CA
10/17/2010
A nice desert park, with the focus on geological features. A portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail runs through this county park. You can get away from the crowds that seem to stick around the large rocks sticking out by the parking lot. I was able to escape civilization (well, almost, as freeway traffic and aircraft noise still persist). Horses walk through here, so watch your step or you may have some horse leftovers on your hiking boot. No visitor center, and the ranger station looked vacant on the weekend. I did notice picnic tables and outhouses in or near the main parking lot.
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Review from Andrew B.
Los Angeles, CA
6/6/2009
Climbing on rocks, really great views, confronting your fear of heights...
It's a fun place to spend an hour or two - no need to really stay much longer. Yeah, it's far from the city, but go on a weekend and the traffic is fine.
It makes you feel like a kid again. -
Review from Rasien I.
Spend a few good hours here climbing rocks and challenging yourself...OR take pictures of the beautiful scenery.
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Review from mike s.
Long Beach, CA
4/27/2010
I stopped by here on my way to the poppy reserve. I didn't spend too much time here. I climbed around on some rocks for a little while. There were some cool rock formations. There were lots of families here, so if you don't like being around kids you probably won't like it.
It's free to get in. They close the park at five so don't drive out there late in the afternoon. -
Review from mark g.
Pasadena, CA
5/5/2009
The next time you have a day off, head up the 14 fwy to vasquez rocks! I love this place.. Ive been coming here since I was a little kid and I still love to come here when I can.
You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.. mile from civilization when actually just 40 minutes from L.A.
This is a spectacular high desert park with prehistoric rock formations for every level of climbers and hikers to enjoy. Feel the strong wind blow and enjoy the blue, streaky skies.
Vasquez rocks is a feast for all your senses. bring your family and the dog and enjoy.... especially nice in the Spring a few days after a rain or in the fall. It gets really hot so dont forget sunscreen and a hat... -
Review from Danielle R.
Manchester, CT
8/14/2009
This is the place to be after a long day at the office. Quiet, relaxing and serene.
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Review from tony c.
Los Angeles, CA
8/29/2010
ultra terrestrial cool! visited Vasquez Rocks on a mild summer afternoon with the new fancy camera... the colors, shapes, heights, angles, etc. of the rock formations and mounds are mesmerizing. there are all sorts of different inclines you can scale--from steep to easy--to get to the top of most of the hills.
i had one of the best afternoons snapping shots here. it's a large area of truly unique backdrop AND subject; the light also varies lots. there's a reason why film production crews do this place all the time... -
Review from Jen H.
Palmdale, CA
1/19/2010
Very cool place. When I was little I remember hiking here and finding a rock where water trickled out of. My family and I drank the best water from it and quenched our thirst during the hike. (You must go after it rains though to get water in this area!). The Pacific Crest Trail runs right through this park and you may even run across some people who have been hiking it since San Diego!
