932-acre park known for its rock formations, the result of sedimentary layering and later seismic uplift and has often been used as a location for films and television shows

General Information

Hours:

March 1 – October 31: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 7:30pm
November 1 – February 28: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm
Closed Mondays year-round

Fees:

Free admission
Free parking available at multiple trailheads and the interpretive center

Pet Policy:

Leashed pets are welcome throughout the park and on trails; owners should bring water and be mindful of heat and terrain

Closest cities with hotels:

Santa Clarita (20 mi), Palmdale (25 mi), Lancaster (30 mi)

Seasons:

Fall and spring for mild temperatures and optimal hiking conditions; open year-round

Location:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2kz5Zz7XzZzq5z9A6

Website:

parks.lacounty.gov

How to Get There

From Los Angeles, CA (40 mi): Take I-5 N to CA-14 N, exit at Escondido Canyon Rd, turn left and follow signs to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area entrance.

Overview

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a 932-acre (377-hectare) park located in the Sierra Pelona in northern Los Angeles County, California. It is known for its rock formations, the result of sedimentary layering and later seismic uplift. It is located near the town of Agua Dulce, between the cities of Santa Clarita and Palmdale. The area is visible from the Antelope Valley Freeway (State Route 14). It has been used as a location for films and television programs on many occasions.

These rock formations were formed by rapid erosion during uplift about 25 million years ago, and then later exposed by uplift activity along the San Andreas Fault. In 1874, Tiburcio Vásquez, one of California's most notorious Mexican bandidos, used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement. His name has since been associated with this geologic feature.

The land and rock formations were acquired gradually by Los Angeles County, beginning with a donation of 40 acres in 1971, with more parcels being added through 2001. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses through the park.

Role in entertainment

The park's visually interesting terrain and proximity to Hollywood have made it a frequently used filming location since the 1930s. Producer Stanley Bergerman chose it to represent Tibet in the film Werewolf of London (1935). It became popular as a setting in westerns in the 1940s and 1950s, followed by numerous television series.

The prominent rock formation was featured as fictional alien settings in four episodes of the original late 1960s Star Trek series, from which it gained the nickname "Kirk's Rock". The location was subsequently used the same way in the films Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) and Star Trek (2009), and episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Star Trek: Picard features scenes set and filmed at Vasquez Rocks, making it the first time the rocks were seen as themselves in the series.

Other feature films shot at Vasquez Rocks include Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, Amazon Women on the Moon; Dante's Peak; The Muppet Movie; Hot Shots! Part Deux; Rustlers' Rhapsody; The Flintstones; Short Circuit; Blazing Saddles; Paul; Hail, Caesar!; and Hearts of the West. Other television series include Zorro, The Fugitive, F Troop, The A-Team, MacGyver, Roswell, and GLOW. Commercials for Taco Bell, Bank of America, Pacific Bell, Pepsi, and Nike have been filmed at the rocks. Musicians Radiohead, Michael Jackson, Greta Van Fleet, 311, Eddie Money, Sammy Kershaw, Restless Heart, Lee Tae-min, and BTS have made music videos there.

Activities

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is open from sunrise to sunset for outdoor activities. The park has equestrian areas, picnic areas, hiking trails, and rock climbing. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park and can be used for short as well as lengthy hikes.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Vasquez Rocks", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0