Location: Agua Dolce, California
Hours:
- March 1-October 31 – Tuesday-Sunday (8 AM-7:30 PM) Closed on Monday
- November 1-February 28 – Tuesday-Sunday (8 AM-5 PM) Closed on Monday
Overview
This fabulous, 930 acre Natural Area, which lies a mere hour outside of downtown Los Angeles, features an otherworldly landscape with magnificent boulder formations that are sure to make visitors feel as if they have been transported to another planet. It’s no wonder that so many television shows and movies have chosen this dramatic setting as the backdrop for so many scenes. The list goes on and on, from the famous Star Trek scenes to shows such as Macgyver, Lone Ranger, Batman, The A-Team, Bonanza and Fear Factor to movies such as The Flintstones and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure among so many more.
For those looking to hike the park offers countless miles of trails and even has an area where the PCT bisects the park. A huge upside to Vasquez Rocks, for most visitors, is its incredibly easy accessibility. A short, two minute drive from the Nature Center, leads directly to the main boulder structures that have made this park so famous. To explore this area, you can merely hop out of your car and wander the rock formations with very little effort exerted. For those looking for more of an adventure, other nice trails fill the park as well.
Due to its easy accessibility, this is a phenomenal place to bring kids. The Nature Center, situated at the beginning of the park, has tons of exhibits and provides kids with tons of great learning opportunities.
Vasquez Rocks Nature Center
Either before or after checking out the spectacular rock formations of Vasquez Rock, visitors should assuredly make sure to stop in at the Nature Center. A beautiful mural calls to visitors as they enter.
The “Snake, Rattle and Roll” mural is accompanied by multiple animal viewing areas with live animals. Here kids will get to learn about and see animals such as an Alligator Lizard, Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, California Ebony Tarantula, Gopher Snake, Desert Hairy Scorpion and a Rosy Boa.
The Nature Center provides a ton of information and shows the geological process of how Vasquez Rocks was formed. Additionally, a movie mural shows and tells the history of the countless movies and shows filmed here over the years.
Scouts Story
This early August morning was what was going to be the start of an exciting few days for our family. Our now two year old daughter, Scout, has been in remission and out of cancer treatment for nearly 3 months. For the first time since Scout was barely 1, we would be traveling to Tehachapi to meet up with Scout’s cousins (my wife’s sister) to celebrate their birthdays and to let the kids have some play time. Scout and her 2 cousins are all very close in age and we were incredibly excited to finally see them again.
Through Scout’s treatment, her blood counts were often low and her ability to fight off illness just wasn’t there. This led to us keeping Scout rather secluded and to having to spend prolonged periods away from family and friends. This was an exciting time for us, as we were finally getting to reconnect with family and having Scout be around her cousins.
Arriving at Vasquez Rocks
After making the early morning drive through Los Angeles, our plan was to stop at the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area. This was about the halfway point of our trip and made a great resting point to stretch our legs. We made our way directly towards the main rock structures, bypassing the Nature Center. I was shocked at how you literally just pull up and park right next to the main rock structures.
We were the only car here and Scout was anxious to get out of the car. As soon as we plucked her out of the car, her eyes lit up as she surveyed the landscape. I brought a little ball that we kicked around for a bit before exploring the rocks.
I was rather shocked and amazed at how well Scout was managing to navigate the boulders and rocks. Her face lit up with her smile that has become so prevalent.
Although we decided not to explore any of the main trails due to being strapped for time, just running around and playing in the area off of the parking lot proved to be more than enough for us.
This area is so beautiful and kids will have such a great time inspecting the rocks and boulders here.
A Quick Stop to Check Out The Nature Center
Although we would have loved to have spent more time here, we knew we needed to get to Tehachapi. However, before doing so, we wanted to make sure to let Scout see the Nature Center. Boy, were we glad we did. The Nature Center is fabulous and offers a ton of areas where kids can learn about the local flora and fauna. Scout loved seeing the 3 snakes that they have here. She waved to each of the and called them to come as if they were her cats.
We grabbed a few animal coloring pages for Scout to scribble on and finally made our way out. I am so glad that we made the time to stop at Vasquez Rocks. This was an incredible start to the morning and a precursor to what was to come over the next two days.
August 5, 2023
Getting to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390 (Nature Center)
Vasquez Rocks (Hiking and Star Trek Film Site Parking Lot)
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- No, there is no fee to enter or park at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area.
Are dogs allowed?
- Yes, dogs are allowed but must be leashed and kept in control at all times.
Are there restrooms available?
- Yes restrooms are available at the nature center Tuesday-Sunday (Closed Mondays).
- March 1-October 31 (8 AM-7:30 PM)
- November 1-February 28 (8:30 AM-4:30 PM)
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
