If you are a film and television buff, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is the perfect day trip. When driving along the 14 freeway, most travelers pass by without knowing the history and beauty, just a quick exit away.
The Vasquez Rocks area has always been a popular backdrop for Hollywood studios, thanks to its proximity to Los Angeles. While it’s impossible to list them all, some of the most popular productions filmed at Vasquez Rocks are listed below.
Television Shows: Television series that have used the Vasquez Rocks include all Star Trek series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Twilight Zone, Airwolf, Bonanza, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Hunter, MacGyver, Charmed, Friends, Fear Factor, Dinosaurs, and The Big Bang Theory.
Movies: Some of the movies filmed at the Rocks include Blazing Saddles, the Star Trek movie series, Little Miss Sunshine, the Disney movie Holes with Shia LaBeouf, Joe Dirt, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Planet of the Apes, Bubble Boy, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Flintstones, Army of Darkness, My Stepmother Is an Alien and Short Circuit.
Music: Music video artists who filmed locally include Michael Jackson for his “Black or White” video, Rihanna for “Rehab,” Marilyn Manson, Enrique Iglesias, Tom Petty, and the Heartbreakers.
History of Vasquez Rocks
The Vasquez rock formations were created before our time by the San Andreas Fault. The notorious bandit Tiburcio Vasquez used these rock formations in the area to elude law enforcement between 1873 and 1874, hence their name. The county government acquired the Park in the 1970s and added it to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 due to its significance as a prehistoric site for the Shoshonean and Tataviam peoples.
Climbing Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
The beautiful multi-hued sandstone slabs rise 150 feet or more into the air. While there is no defined trail system in the Park, the maze of paths leading around the rock formations makes it easy to find your adventure.
The rocks are a pretty easy climb for beginners, while more experienced explorers can also find something to enjoy. Bring a good pair of hiking shoes and plenty of water, as there is no source of water available on site. Be sure to pick out a landmark as a point of reference before heading off.
Other Activities at the Rocks
Hiking: Trails range from easy to moderate, like the 2.5-mile Geology Trail or the 5-mile Pacific Crest Trail section. Most offer great views of the iconic rock formations.
Photography: The unique, tilted sandstone peaks (formed by tectonic activity) are a favorite for photographers and have appeared in films like Star Trek and Blazing Saddles.
Wildlife & Nature: Spot desert flora, lizards, and birds like red-tailed hawks. Guided tours are available through the Nature Center.
Painting and Drawing: Many artists are known to set up for a day and shoot photographs or paint. Equestrian trails are all around, and many geological studies are conducted in the region.
Tips for Visiting
Prepare: Bring water, sunscreen, hats, and sturdy shoes. Trails are exposed with little shade.
Facilities: Restrooms and a small Nature Center are available, but no drinking water on-site.
Pets: Allowed on leashes (6 ft max); clean up after them.
Accessibility: Some trails near the Nature Center are wheelchair-accessible, but most are rugged.
Weather Check: High winds or rain can make trails slippery; check forecasts.
Exploring: When visiting, please be careful. While wild animals are rare, a mountain lion or two has been known to wander the area. Snakes are bound to be seen, especially on warmer days. The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is common, and the more dangerous Green Mojave has been spotted.
Getting To Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center are located at 10700 West Escondido Canyon Road in Agua Dulce, California. The drive to Vasquez Rocks will take you about an hour from the San Fernando Valley and a little longer from downtown Los Angeles. Allow about an hour and a half from Orange County, traffic permitting.
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (sunrise to sunset, subject to seasonal variations). Admission: Free. However, parking is $5 (cash or check only); parking is also complimentary for disabled placard holders. Visit the park website for current hours and detailed information.
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