Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is an expansive network of parks, ranches and canyons that encompasses 153,785 acres in the southern portion of Los Angeles County. This unique and breathtaking landscape is a world-class example of the Mediterranean climate ecosystem that protects over 1,000 plant species, 400 bird species and 35 reptile and amphibian species.
The vast network of trails, beaches, Native American sites and hiking trails that make up the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area are a treasure for nature lovers who want to experience the unique beauty of this area. There is also a wide variety of activities available on site, including swimming, surfing, hiking, mountain biking and camping.
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Hiking Trails & Trailheads
There are over 500 miles of hiking trails that take visitors on scenic routes throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. These trails are great for exploring the wilderness and spotting wildlife. The majority of the trails are accessible year-round, with a small percentage being open only in winter or spring.
Aside from the many natural vistas, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area also has several historical sites to explore. For instance, the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome, which is a part of the National Historic Landmark system, is located within the SMMNRA. Similarly, the Saddle Rock Ranch Pictographs in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Archaeology & Cultural Resources
The SMMNRA is home to one of the highest densities of archaeological resources in any urban national park in the country, protecting more than 1,000 sites that date back thousands of years. These sites include petroglyphs and other pictographs, as well as Native American cultural landscapes.
Pets & Animals
The Santa Monica Mountains is a primarily chaparral ecosystem that supports many types of animals. Among the most common are deer, coyotes, cougars and mountain lions. These predators are not dangerous, but visitors should keep their pets on a leash or in a safe container.
Dogs & Cats
The SMMNRA does allow dogs on designated hiking trails, but it is best to check with the park for rules and regulations before you bring your dog on a hike. The area does have several beaches that are popular with swimmers, so pets should be kept in a safe area while visiting the beach.
Maps & Topographical Information
The National Park Service and the California State Parks System maintain maps for most areas of the Santa Monica Mountains. These free topographical maps are a helpful resource for those planning their outdoor adventures.
Downloading a topographic map is easy and requires no registration or other annoying hoops. Just click on the desired map and you can view its topography and elevation.
Accessibility & Parking
The main entrances to the SMMNRA are located in Malibu, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas and Woodland Hills. These communities offer a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shopping.
The SMMNRA is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with more than 17 million people living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The parks are easy to reach from most cities in the area, making them a favorite vacation destination.
