Best Surfing Spots
Last Updated on Mar 26, 2025
Los Angeles offers incredible hiking trails with unique rock formations that make for stunning scenery. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area in Agua Dulce is famous for its dramatic, otherworldly rock formations seen in movies and TV shows. Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park offers a massive rock formation with breathtaking ocean views. Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains provides panoramic vistas and rugged rock features. Devil’s Punchbowl in Pearblossom boasts striking geological formations and deep canyons. Castle Peak and Cave of Munits in West Hills offer a thrilling hike with caves and climbing spots. Stoney Point Park in Chatsworth is a rock climber’s paradise with massive sandstone formations. Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point feature historic ruins and rocky overlooks. The Grotto Trail in Malibu leads to a hidden cave with a seasonal waterfall. Rock Pool at Malibu Creek State Park has iconic boulders and swimming holes. Joshua Tree National Park, a short drive from LA, is famous for its surreal rock landscapes and bouldering opportunities.
Traverse the breathtaking expanse of the Santa Monica Mountains along the illustrious Backbone Trail, a 67-mile path that winds from Will Rogers State Historic Park in the Pacific Palisades to Point Mugu State Park in Malibu, California. As you trek across ridgelines and through canyons, you'll immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the region, with deeply wooded landscapes, rugged rock formations, and sweeping ocean vistas stretching out before you. But this trail isn't just about natural splendor; it's also a journey through cinematic history. Along the way, you'll encounter the former 20th Century Fox Ranch, now known as Malibu Creek State Park, where iconic films like "How Green Was My Valley" and "Planet of the Apes" were filmed, alongside beloved TV series such as "Daniel Boone," "The Rifleman," and the legendary "MAS*H."
Located within the striking Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in Agua Dulce, Los Angeles County, the Vasquez Rocks Trail meanders through a landscape adorned with prehistoric rock formations dating back 25 million years. This 3.7-mile loop trail offers hikers a glimpse into the fascinating earthquake geology of the region, with its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. But it's not just nature that draws visitors here; this scenic park has played a starring role in countless movies and TV shows, lending its unique backdrop to iconic cultural moments. From standing in as the home of Vulcans and the Flinstones to appearing in classics like "Dracula," "Blazing Saddles," and "Little Miss Sunshine," Vasquez Rocks has left an indelible mark on cinematic history. Its rugged beauty has also graced the small screen in beloved TV shows such as "Bonanza," "The Rifleman," "Kung Fu," "Mission: Impossible," and "The Twilight Zone," solidifying its status as a legendary filming location.
Embark on a quintessential Southern California hiking experience along the Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains of Thousand Oaks, Los Angeles County. Revered as a "must-hike" trail, this picturesque route leads adventurers to the summit of Sandstone Peak, also known as Mount Allen, towering at 3,111 feet—the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. Along the journey, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Bay, while marveling at the remnants of ancient volcanic activity that shaped this rugged landscape over millions of years. Highlights of the trek include fascinating geological formations such as Split Rock and Balancing Rock, accessible via unmanned trails branching off from Mishe Mokwa. As you traverse this iconic trail, you not only immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region but also follow in the footsteps of cinematic legends, with nearby locales like the former 20th Century Fox Ranch—now Malibu Creek State Park—having served as the backdrop for Oscar-winning dramas like "How Green Was My Valley" and science fiction classics such as the original "Planet of the Apes." Television enthusiasts will recognize the area from beloved shows like "Daniel Boone," "The Rifleman," and the legendary "MAS*H," cementing its status as a cultural and cinematic landmark in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Embark on a captivating journey through the scenic landscapes of Topanga State Park along the Trippet Ranch to Eagle Springs Loop Trail in Topanga, Los Angeles, California. Spanning 6.1 miles, this heavily trafficked loop trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a memorable adventure amidst nature's splendor. The trail leads to the awe-inspiring Eagle Rock, a colossal monolith featuring a massive granite boulder adorned with the imprint of what appears to be an eagle in full flight—an iconic sight reminiscent of Pride Rock from Disney's The Lion King. Beyond its striking geological formations, Eagle Rock offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of Santa Monica, making it a popular destination for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers alike. As you traverse this remarkable trail, you'll not only immerse yourself in the beauty of Topanga State Park but also witness firsthand the majestic allure of Eagle Rock, a natural wonder that captures the imagination and leaves a lasting impression on all who venture to its summit.
Embark on a cinematic adventure amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Topanga, Los Angeles, California, along the Calabasas Peak Trail via Red Rock Canyon Park. This 4.2-mile round trip hike, with 900 feet of elevation change, guides explorers along an easily navigable fire road, passing below the summit of Calabasas Peak, nestled in the majestic Santa Monica Mountains. As hikers traverse the trail, they'll encounter a mesmerizing array of geological formations, shaped over time into intriguing and unique silhouettes, complemented by a diverse ecosystem of shrubs and trees. Amidst this natural wonder, lies the historic Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, California, near Malibu Creek State Park, a revered filming location and outdoor studio for Paramount Pictures. Renowned for its appearances in iconic productions like "Westworld," Paramount Ranch stands as a living testament to the region's rich cinematic heritage, inviting visitors to explore its storied grounds and immerse themselves in the magic of Hollywood's golden era.