Outbound Collective logo

Vasquez Rocks

Agua Dulce, California

5.0/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

2.42 miles

Elevation Gain

367 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Sassy Resuello

Vasquez Rocks has amazing rock formations and lots of places to explore. You will enjoy the scenic views all around, and the incredible photo spots. This location is also very popular in the movie industry, used in films such as Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, and more.

This is a Natural Park Area located in Santa Clarita, within the Sierra Pelona Mountains. It features amazing diagonal rock formations, created because of the force between two tectonic plates pushing against each other.

This place is a photographer's paradise, and every spot in this 900+ acre land has a different look. Vasquez Rocks is also known for the locations' appearance in several famous movies like Star Trek, The Flintstones, Wild Wild West, Austin Powers, Planet of the Apes and many more.

You will surely enjoy spending a day here. There was so much to see, and so many rocks to climb. They have some hiking trails within the location too, if you want to get your steps in, but I recommend this for family trips where you have kids that want to play around and explore, and have adults that just want to kick back and relax.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Rock Climbing
Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Picnic Area
Scenic

Vasquez Rocks Reviews

I had chosen Vasquez Rocks as the center piece for a project I had to do for my college art class. Taking every trail available and photographing everything I found interesting about the park. I ended my trip by climbing "Kirk's Rock" the largest rock formation in the park; the view was amazingly nostalgic. I recommend this park for anyone.

Been here many times, be advised best time is October-April/may other times = 90+ temps and no water (maybe new visitor center has faucets but haven't been there yet) Open trails amble throughout the geologic formations (you'll recognize many from TV and Movies) has lots of desert animals, snakes, lizards and ubiquitous Red Tail Hawks and Crows. Winter does bring seasonal seeps and drain ages down to the south by PCT and the big freeway. Has bouldering, day hike and nature observing opportunities.

Explorer

02/23/17

Whenever I go to Vasquez Rocks, I never really stick to a trail as there is so much land to cover and rocks to climb. If you are looking for some solitude, make sure you meander away from the epicenter of the park!

Explorer

09/23/16

Vasquez rocks is my go to place for photography or hiking! It's s small version of Joshua tree. My only tip is to pay attention to the park hours. They've been enforcing them lately.

Awesome location to shoot!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the PCT and Foot Trail Loop through Vasquez Rocks

California Aqueduct Trail

Hike to Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument

Trail Canyon Falls

Pacoima Park Natural Wash Park

Big Tujunga Canyon Lookouts