Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
6 within 5 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
236 reviews
Excellent
171
Very good
61
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
June
Los Angeles, CA374 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
What a beautiful, natural place to explore. People go to hike, take pictures, have a picnic, relax on a rock, you make it what you want. Remember this is the desert so take some water.
Parking is free. There are two locations for parking. One when you enter the park, and if you continue down the path there’s other parking closer to the beginning or the back of the park. You don’t need an all-wheel-drive vehicle unless it rained prior.
If you want to make your journey to this remote area even more awesome there is a donkey farm a block away that you can feed them carrots or lettuce. So pre-plan and take some with you that was also fun.
Parking is free. There are two locations for parking. One when you enter the park, and if you continue down the path there’s other parking closer to the beginning or the back of the park. You don’t need an all-wheel-drive vehicle unless it rained prior.
If you want to make your journey to this remote area even more awesome there is a donkey farm a block away that you can feed them carrots or lettuce. So pre-plan and take some with you that was also fun.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
uclatraveler9
Santa Barbara, CA1,310 contributions
Jun 2021
We've lived within 2 hours of this natural area for over a decade and had no idea it existed. We've been missing out! The hiking is great for families with young kids. Our nearly 2 year old had a great time climbing on smaller rocks and was able to walk along parts of the trail. The information center is beautiful and has covers surprising number of topics, including the indigenous populations who lived here, wildlife, and conservation. The bathrooms inside were spotless. Parking was free and easy. There are picnic benches near the center.
The best part was when one of the rangers approached us to give our daughter a free mini-backpack stocked with educational activities! It was so sweet and really made our day.
We can't wait to come back for more hiking!
The best part was when one of the rangers approached us to give our daughter a free mini-backpack stocked with educational activities! It was so sweet and really made our day.
We can't wait to come back for more hiking!
Written 25 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott
San Francisco, CA6,675 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
This place is a must see for anyone visiting Los Angeles or driving between Los Angeles and the Bay area. It's a detour off of interstate 5, but it's well worth it if you have any interest in geology. If you're a movie buff, you'll also recognize the place from many a movie.
Read up on the geology before you visit. There's a small but interesting visitor center with a very informative state of California worker. At the visitor center you'll see a couple of snakes a spider, and a 3D terrain model. There's also a nice bathroom.
You can make the hike easily without hiking boots, but if you plan on climbing the rocks some sensible footwear is recommended.
I visited on an absolutely beautiful October 2022 afternoon. Temperature was 75° with a light breeze.
There is a reasonable chance you will see a snake.
At the visitor center there are a couple of flyers, but they don't offer a lot of detail.
If you're not up to the short half mile hike/walk, you can easily drive down to the most important rock formation.
Read up on the geology before you visit. There's a small but interesting visitor center with a very informative state of California worker. At the visitor center you'll see a couple of snakes a spider, and a 3D terrain model. There's also a nice bathroom.
You can make the hike easily without hiking boots, but if you plan on climbing the rocks some sensible footwear is recommended.
I visited on an absolutely beautiful October 2022 afternoon. Temperature was 75° with a light breeze.
There is a reasonable chance you will see a snake.
At the visitor center there are a couple of flyers, but they don't offer a lot of detail.
If you're not up to the short half mile hike/walk, you can easily drive down to the most important rock formation.
Written 11 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StThomas’ Child
Los Angeles, CA249 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We spend the summer exploring and learning about our local LA County. Vasquez Rock fits this description. Nestled along the 14fwy, if you are on your way through Antelope Valley it is worth a stop. They have a new learning center (at least it was not here when I last visited) that has the history of the area and small exhibits of the key desert animals that we could encounter on a hike. A gift store too which was closed when we visited. They do a lot of filming in this area too. It was fun to reminisce about the shows.
They are doing all sorts of upgrades to the trails and educational places. They were putting up new signage along the hiking trails to explain important facts. They are opening new trails too.
It is a large area so you want to bring water if you plan on walking any trails. There are rock monuments all over that are rare and beautiful. If you enjoy American history, geology, and getting out and walking then you will enjoy learning and experiencing this place. I brought my tweener daughter, she enjoys hiking and lizards. She learned a lot. It is in the high desert so be prepared on a summer day to wear a hat, bring water, and use sun screen. You can spend all day or less than an hour. It is free.
They are doing all sorts of upgrades to the trails and educational places. They were putting up new signage along the hiking trails to explain important facts. They are opening new trails too.
It is a large area so you want to bring water if you plan on walking any trails. There are rock monuments all over that are rare and beautiful. If you enjoy American history, geology, and getting out and walking then you will enjoy learning and experiencing this place. I brought my tweener daughter, she enjoys hiking and lizards. She learned a lot. It is in the high desert so be prepared on a summer day to wear a hat, bring water, and use sun screen. You can spend all day or less than an hour. It is free.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty Leemhuis
Anaheim, CA37 contributions
Feb 2020
We were visiting another location in the are and drove by on our way home and decided to stop. I have a new camera and am always on the lookout for new places to take pictures.
This such a gorgeous place to take a nature walk. The rock formations are beautiful. Some of them were easy to climb, some of them were a bit harder. All of them were great to take pictures! It's a free park, clean and in great condition. The restrooms were clean and well maintained. We were there on a Saturday and it was busy, but not too crowded. If you are in the area and want a great place to hike and take photos, it's worth a visit.
This such a gorgeous place to take a nature walk. The rock formations are beautiful. Some of them were easy to climb, some of them were a bit harder. All of them were great to take pictures! It's a free park, clean and in great condition. The restrooms were clean and well maintained. We were there on a Saturday and it was busy, but not too crowded. If you are in the area and want a great place to hike and take photos, it's worth a visit.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dinfamily2009
smdds7983619 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
What a great and unique landscape. Beautiful views all around. Came here for the first time, and we will come back again.
Too bad the visitor center is closed. It would be nice to have a map of the trails. Also some larger and more frequent signs of the trail paths and directions would be helpful. Although there are plenty of spots to get onto high ground to get your bearings.
Too bad the visitor center is closed. It would be nice to have a map of the trails. Also some larger and more frequent signs of the trail paths and directions would be helpful. Although there are plenty of spots to get onto high ground to get your bearings.
Written 22 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lady Gigglemug
Monrovia, CA5,024 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
We had such a blast hiking all over this area, trying to figure out all the past filming spots (tons of Star Trek, Bill & Ted, West World, Blazing Saddles, Austin Powers, the list goes on and on!!) - they were even filming while we were there haha! The hiking is incredible in-and-of itself but that makes for a fun game too! The rock formations and expansive views are just magical and absolutely breathtaking!
It’s easy to get lost - the trails really are just all over the place and most of them aren’t well-marked. We even used the AllTrails map to try and stay on the Vasquez Rocks loop but still had trouble lol! There are so many offshoots and foot paths! At one point we were trying so hard to find the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail that stretches from Mexico all the way to Canada - part of it passes through here!) - but we couldn’t find it after a couple of hours!! Turns out it was right next to where we parked lol! Once you do find the actual PCT part, it’s very well marked and easy to stay on - but not so much for the Vasquez Rocks loop trial. But you are always able to see the rock formations in the background so it’s hard to get truly lost bc you can always just head towards the rocks! And we never did find the cool tunnel that goes under the 14 lol! You can also find the PCT trailhead at the entrance just next to the main sign for Vasquez Rocks outside the gates. We just happened to see it on accident!
Parking is plentiful - once you get inside the gate, there’s a large paved lot by the visitor center to the right. But there are several dirt parking lots of you keep to the left and drive further down the dirt road - it’s very bumpy, rocky and dirty so be careful and I recommend driving slow - low cars are gonna scrape! They were actually filming a super bowl commercial while we were there so the main dirt lot at the bottom closest to the rocks was closed to public.
The visitor center and restrooms are currently closed due to Covid. And it looks like the park itself is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. They do have a bunch of port-a-potties down in that main dirt lot by the rocks though - and they were well stocked and probably the cleanest ones I’ve ever experienced lol! Looks like they do have a lot of picnic tables scattered around too - but they were all turned upside down to discourage use bc Covid I guess?
Overall a super awesome trail! It would take years to explore it all! Such a great spot for any kind of photography!! Will definitely be revisiting this place!
It’s easy to get lost - the trails really are just all over the place and most of them aren’t well-marked. We even used the AllTrails map to try and stay on the Vasquez Rocks loop but still had trouble lol! There are so many offshoots and foot paths! At one point we were trying so hard to find the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail that stretches from Mexico all the way to Canada - part of it passes through here!) - but we couldn’t find it after a couple of hours!! Turns out it was right next to where we parked lol! Once you do find the actual PCT part, it’s very well marked and easy to stay on - but not so much for the Vasquez Rocks loop trial. But you are always able to see the rock formations in the background so it’s hard to get truly lost bc you can always just head towards the rocks! And we never did find the cool tunnel that goes under the 14 lol! You can also find the PCT trailhead at the entrance just next to the main sign for Vasquez Rocks outside the gates. We just happened to see it on accident!
Parking is plentiful - once you get inside the gate, there’s a large paved lot by the visitor center to the right. But there are several dirt parking lots of you keep to the left and drive further down the dirt road - it’s very bumpy, rocky and dirty so be careful and I recommend driving slow - low cars are gonna scrape! They were actually filming a super bowl commercial while we were there so the main dirt lot at the bottom closest to the rocks was closed to public.
The visitor center and restrooms are currently closed due to Covid. And it looks like the park itself is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. They do have a bunch of port-a-potties down in that main dirt lot by the rocks though - and they were well stocked and probably the cleanest ones I’ve ever experienced lol! Looks like they do have a lot of picnic tables scattered around too - but they were all turned upside down to discourage use bc Covid I guess?
Overall a super awesome trail! It would take years to explore it all! Such a great spot for any kind of photography!! Will definitely be revisiting this place!
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VAMPLIFIED
Hollywood, CA470 contributions
Apr 2019 • Business
Excellent place for a post apocalyptic photo shoot. Also space themes as it also looks like you're on another planet! One more suggestion is prehistoric themes. Get there at least 3 hours before sundown because the sun goes behind some if the closest rocks around 2 hours before sunset. If you want to film a motion picture, you will need a permit. I called before we went and was informed that they don't mind if you you do still photography without a permit. The park closes at dusk and a few police cars show up to kindly let you know it's time to pack up. A police guard attends the gate at closing time as well and waves goodbye. You can drive right up to the rocks after a few minutes on the bumpy dirt paved road. There is a big spacious flat area to park and also trails if you wish to explore more. Admission is free.
Written 17 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janmaweber
Agua Dulce, CA22 contributions
Oct 2016
Fun to take kids as there are quite a few large rocks to climb. You can also have picnics here. Parking is close. Make sure to visit the new nature center! Has live large birds and snakes! And it's free
Written 26 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David F
goring24 contributions
Rocks yep they are rocks . But these rocks can be seen on Star Trek so we went and had a look . You can see why Star Trek filmed here pmus many other films. If you are driving from Vegas to LA its worth a pit stop, there are restrooms as well for all you Trekies
Written 14 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Is there any public transport from LA to Vasquez Rocks
Written 12 April 2017
Showing results 1-1 of 1
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing