Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a 900-acre iconic southern California landmark located in the high desert near Agua Dulce Springs in Northern Los Angeles known for its wildlife, monoliths, and beautiful wild flowers.
With its prehistoric rock structures formed by rapid erosion that date back 25 million years, Vasquez Rocks Loop Trail features amazing diagonal rock formations, created from the force between two tectonic plates pushing against each other. The Vasquez Rocks consist mainly of coarse-grained conglomerate and breccia sediments, which were deposited adjacent to active faults during rapid uplift and the consequent erosion of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Vasquez Rocks has been a featured location for decades in movies such as “Planet of the Apes” and “Blazing Saddles” and TV shows like “Westworld” and “Star Trek.”
Bonus: The 5.9 Pacific Crest Trail Loop, duration 2-3 hours, runs right through the park, and that there is a rich history that includes ancient Native American petroglyphs.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park
Backbone Hiking Trail
Mishe Mokwa Trail