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United States, California, Oak Park

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Kid-friendly · Sports Facility · Forest · Tree

4.8 (2089 ratings)

Discover the natural beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Oak Park, United States. With 153,431.4 acres of breathtaking landscapes, this park offers an ideal setting for ...

Discover the natural beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Oak Park, United States. With 153,431.4 acres of breathtaking landscapes, this park offers an ideal setting for walkers and hikers to explore and enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the park's diverse terrain and numerous trails cater to all experience levels. From the scenic High Road to the invigorating Zuma Canyon Trail, there are options to suit every preference and ability. With its abundance of trails and routes, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an immersive walking or hiking experience. As you traverse the park's expansive grounds, you'll encounter a variety of routes that showcase the park's natural wonders. The Red Rock Road, North Kenter fire road, and Backbone Trail are just a few of the well-maintained paths that promise unforgettable walking and hiking adventures. The Topanga State Park, La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve, and numerous other trails provide opportunities for exploration and discovery, ensuring that every visit to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a unique and rewarding experience. Whether you're seeking a brief, scenic walk or a longer, more challenging hike, the park's extensive network of trails has something for everyone. For walkers and hikers looking to make the most of their visit, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers a wealth of outdoor activities and scenic routes to explore. From the picturesque Grasslands Trail to the rugged Goat Buttes - Bulldog Motorway, the park's diverse routes cater to a wide range of preferences and abilities. For more information about the park and its routes, users can download Pacer Pedometer, an invaluable resource for accessing detailed park information and route options. Embark on a memorable walking or hiking adventure and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of this remarkable park.

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Routes
Reviews (87)
Photos (32)
Walking and Hiking in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Planning a walking or hiking adventure in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Oak Park? Look no further for the ultimate outdoor experience! This park offers a range of amenities to cater to your needs, including parking lots, drinking water stations, wheelchair-friendly facilities, restrooms, picnic sites, sports ...

Planning a walking or hiking adventure in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Oak Park? Look no further for the ultimate outdoor experience! This park offers a range of amenities to cater to your needs, including parking lots, drinking water stations, wheelchair-friendly facilities, restrooms, picnic sites, sports facilities, accessibility options, scenic viewpoints, and other amenities like restaurants and bicycle rentals. Whether you're a casual walker or a seasoned hiker, this park has everything you need for a memorable outdoor excursion. So, lace up your boots and get ready to explore the stunning landscapes and captivating attractions this park has to offer!

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Essential Amenities
Playground
Picnic Site
Drinking water
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot
Sport Facilities
Soccer field
Basketball court
Tennis court
Baseball field
Beach volleyball court
Football field
Field hockey field
Running track
Bike path
Sports center
Golf course
Swimming pool
Horse riding
Ice rink
Accessibility
Wheelchair friendly
Things to See
Attraction

Chumash Demonstration Village

Attraction

Back to the Future Part III -- Delgado Mine Entrance

Attraction

Back to the Future Part III -- Boot Hill Cemetery

Attraction

Back to the Future Part III -- Doc Brown's Tombstone

Attraction

Eagle Rock

Attraction

Santa Monica College Astronomical Observing Site

Attraction

Jim Rockford Trailer Site

Attraction

M*A*S*H Filming Location

Attraction

Perry's Beach Café and Rentals

Attraction

Original Muscle Beach

Attraction

Thelma Todd Landmark Building

Attraction

Carousel Park

Attraction

Longboard Dancing Plaza

Attraction

Western Town

Artwork

Pink Lady

Artwork

Route 66 End of the Trail

Viewpoint

Vanalden Vista

Viewpoint

Canyon Overlook

Viewpoint

Vista Pt

Viewpoint

Ocean Overlook

Viewpoint

Sandstone Peak

Viewpoint

Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook

Viewpoint

Top of Topanga Overlook

Viewpoint

Inspiration Point

Viewpoint

Johnson Overlook

Viewpoint

Stone Canyon Overlook

Viewpoint

Charles & Lotte Melhorn Overlook

Viewpoint

Barbara Fine Overlook

Viewpoint

Autry Overlook

Viewpoint

David M. Brown Overlook

Viewpoint

Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook

Viewpoint

Cloud's Rest

Viewpoint

Dead Man Overlook

Viewpoint

Universal City Overlook

Viewpoint

Hollywood Bowl Overlook

Viewpoint

Parker Mesa Overlook

Viewpoint

On LA & Malibu

Museum

Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum

Museum

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center

Museum

Wishtoyo Foundation's Chumash Discovery Village

Museum

Visitor Center Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Museum

Skirball Center

Memorial

Kobe Bryant & Friends Memorials

Memorial

Malibu Sign

Memorial

Inspiration Point

Memorial

Lankershim Memorial

Monument

Danielson Monument

Monument

Zuma Beach Sign

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Other Amenities

Shelter

Cafe

Fast Food

Restaurant

Bicycle parking

Bicycle rental

Shower

Best Walking Routes in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
#1 - Goal Peak - Temescal Ridge Trail
(2 reviews)
Length: 4.8 milesEst. Time: 1h31m
#2 - Ocean Front Walk
(34 reviews)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
#3 - Mesa Peak Trail
(4 reviews)
Length: 3 milesEst. Time: 52m
See All Routes
Reviews of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
4.8/5
2089 ratings
Patricia2020/10/07
5

This trail is almost all uphill. About 2 miles. It’s a good challenge. We want to go all six miles up but, this time it was really hot. We decided this hike needs to start early. After, we go to the beach and jump in the water

Roberto2021/08/16
5

Lots of bushes and wildlife. Nice views. Got here early to avoid the sun. Great workout!

No-MoRe-DoNuTs2021/02/10
5

This trail is an ass kicker! But good!

See All Reviews (87)
See All Reviews (87)
Nearby Parks
Western Town
La Sierra Canyon Wetlands
La Sierra Preserve
Triunfo Canyon Open Space
Rocky Oaks
Malibu Creek State Park
MRCA Open Space
Ladyface Mountain Open Space
MRCA Open Space
FAQs about Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Where is the best place to walk in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Oak Park, United States?
The best place to walk in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Oak Park is the High Road, which is a 5.8-mile route with a rating of 4.5 and 5 reviews. This route is highly recommended by the Pacer community for its scenic views and enjoyable walk.
How many routes are in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Oak Park?
There are multiple routes in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Oak Park, with options to suit various preferences and fitness levels. The Pacer community has reviewed and rated numerous routes, providing a diverse range of walking and hiking options for visitors.
Which is the longest route in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Oak Park?
The longest route in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Oak Park is the Los Liones Trail to Eagle Rock, spanning 15 miles with an estimated time of 4 hours and 8 minutes. While this route requires a longer time commitment, it offers breathtaking views and a rewarding hiking experience, as suggested by the Pacer community.
Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
Yes, there are several amenities for walkers/hikers in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, including parking lots, drinking water stations, wheelchair-friendly facilities, restrooms, picnic sites, and leisure playgrounds.
How accessible is Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is wheelchair-friendly, providing accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
What kind of sports can I do in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
In Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy a variety of sports facilities, including bike paths, running tracks, swimming pools, tennis courts, sports centers, baseball courts, basketball courts, soccer courts, horse riding, and beach volleyball courts.
What is the best season to walk in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
The best season to walk in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is generally in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.
What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
The weather in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area can vary, but it is generally characterized by mild and sunny conditions. However, hikers should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperatures, especially in the summer months when it can get hot and dry.
What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
While walking or hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, you might encounter wildlife such as deer, coyotes, bobcats, and a variety of bird species. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and respectful of the natural habitat of these animals.
Best Walking Routes in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
#1 - Goal Peak - Temescal Ridge Trail
4.5 (2 reviews)
Length: 4.8 milesEst. Time: 1h31m
#2 - Ocean Front Walk
4.5 (34 reviews)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
#3 - Mesa Peak Trail
4.5 (4 reviews)
Length: 3 milesEst. Time: 52m
See All Routes
Nearby Parks
Western Town
La Sierra Canyon Wetlands
La Sierra Preserve
Triunfo Canyon Open Space
Rocky Oaks
Malibu Creek State Park
MRCA Open Space
Ladyface Mountain Open Space
MRCA Open Space
Check-in Leaderboard
RankingCheck-ins
shaz
69
Sean
64
charliesolomon74
63
4germano_info
62
5boonewilder84
61
6PacerPal
54
7tim cannella
49
8Tanja
43
9germano_purchas
40
10joyl09678
39
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
#1- Goal Peak - Temescal Ridge Trail
(2 reviews)
Length: 4.8 milesEst. Time: 1h31m
#2- Ocean Front Walk
(34 reviews)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
#3- Mesa Peak Trail
(4 reviews)
Length: 3 milesEst. Time: 52m
#4- Backbone Trail
(4 reviews)
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 59m
#5- Santa Ynez Trail
(3 reviews)
Length: 3.2 milesEst. Time: 54m
#6- Zuma Canyon Trail
(3 reviews)
Length: 3.8 milesEst. Time: 1h22m
#7- W Mandeville Ridge Trail
(3 reviews)
Length: 2.1 milesEst. Time: 39m
#8- Sullivan Canyon Trail
(2 reviews)
Length: 3.2 milesEst. Time: 1h30m
#9- High Road
(5 reviews)
Length: 5.8 milesEst. Time: 2h10m
#10- North Kenter fire road
(2 reviews)
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 40m
#11- Backbone Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 23m
#12- La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve - Mugu Peak Trail
(1 review)
Length: 4.2 milesEst. Time: 1h28m
#13- Red Rock Road
(1 review)
Length: 2.6 milesEst. Time: 45m
#14- Topanga State Park
(1 review)
Length: 6.6 milesEst. Time: 1h36m
#15- Topanga State Park
(1 review)
Length: 6.5 milesEst. Time: 1h24m
#16- North Kenter fire road
(1 review)
Length: 2.1 milesEst. Time: 35m
#17- Parker Mesa Overlook - East Topanga Fire Road
(11 reviews)
Length: 7.4 milesEst. Time: 2h12m
#18- Old Trail House
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m
#19- Welcome Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m
#20- Pepperdine University - Malibu Campus
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m
#21- Backbone Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 19m
#22- Backbone Trail - Newton Canyon
(1 review)
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 38m
#23- Kanan-Edison Road
(1 review)
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 29m
#24- Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 26m
#25- Zuma Canyon Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 23m
#26- Dead Horse Trail (Backbone Trail)
(1 review)
Length: 1 milesEst. Time: 17m
#27- La Jolla Valley Connector
(1 review)
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 18m
#28- Goat Buttes - Bulldog Motorway
(1 review)
Length: 7.7 milesEst. Time: 2h23m
#29- Rodeo Ridge
(1 review)
Length: 1 milesEst. Time: 17m
#30- Red Rock Road
(1 review)
Length: 5.3 milesEst. Time: 1h50m
#31- Zuma Ridge Motorway
(1 review)
Length: 6 milesEst. Time: 1h57m
#32- Rivas Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 25m
#33- Lost Canyon Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.2 milesEst. Time: 20m
#34- La Jolla Valley Loop Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.7 milesEst. Time: 1h30m
#35- Grasslands Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
#36- Lookout Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.9 milesEst. Time: 15m
#37- Temescal Ridge Trail (alternate)
(1 review)
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m
#38- Backbone Trail - Zuma Canyon
(1 review)
Length: 2.5 milesEst. Time: 43m
#39- Scorpion
(1 review)
Length: 1.6 milesEst. Time: 27m
#40- Canyon Back Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 38m
#41- Backbone-Stunt Road Connector
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
#42- Serrano Valley Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.4 milesEst. Time: 41m
#43- East Topanga Fire Road
(1 review)
Length: 9.5 milesEst. Time: 2h57m
#44- Runyon Park
(1 review)
Length: 3.7 milesEst. Time: 1h49m
#45- W Mandeville Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.8 milesEst. Time: 49m
#46- Serrano Valley Connector Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
#47- Parker Mesa Overlook Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 9m
#48- First Crack
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m
#49- Samurai Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 9m
#50- Mansie Lane
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
#51- Wire Break Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 12m
#52- Via Escondido Drive Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m
#53- Campfire Pit Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
#54- Split Rock Fire Road
(1 review)
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m
#55- Izumi Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
#56- Rock Pool Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
#57- Inspiration Loop
(1 review)
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 14m
#58- Century Lake Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m
#59- Lost Cabin Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
#60- Piuma Ridge Trail (Backbone Trail)
(1 review)
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 23m
#61- Beehive Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 9m
#62- Great Escape
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m
#63- Sullivan Goat Track
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m
#64- Josepho Drop
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m
#65- Tapia Spur Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 18m
#66- Ocean View Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 18m
#67- Fossil Ridge Trail (Backbone Trail)
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m
#68- Rodeo Ridge
(1 review)
Length: 1.2 milesEst. Time: 20m
#69- Tigertrail Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 25m
#70- Ridge-Canyon Access Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#71- Los Liones Canyon Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 21m
#72- Palm Canyon Lane
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
#73- Bundy Gateway Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m
#74- Zuma Canyon Connector
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
#75- Mott Road
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m
#76- Jeff Sherman Memorial Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.8 milesEst. Time: 31m
#77- Escondido Trail (Coastal Slope Trail)
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 9m
#78- Hondo Canyon Trail (Backbone Trail)
(1 review)
Length: 3.3 milesEst. Time: 56m
#79- Woodbine Road
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m
Reviews of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Patricia2020/10/07
5

This trail is almost all uphill. About 2 miles. It’s a good challenge. We want to go all six miles up but, this time it was really hot. We decided this hike needs to start early. After, we go to the beach and jump in the water

Roberto2021/08/16
5

Lots of bushes and wildlife. Nice views. Got here early to avoid the sun. Great workout!

No-MoRe-DoNuTs2021/02/10
5

This trail is an ass kicker! But good!

Joe2024/04/11
5

Amazing

Cristina2024/05/19
4
Thong2024/05/18
4
Jesse Inocente2024/05/10
4
Jesse Inocente2024/05/10
4
Doug2024/05/05
4
Henry Harmon2024/04/08
4
jbaure_822023/09/10
5
teresa.nwoke2023/08/18
4
Laura Hernandez2023/05/22
5
KoreanGodfather2023/04/27
5
boonewilder842023/04/18
5
PacerPal2023/04/16
5
Sean2023/04/12
5
normanhilario2023/04/03
5
PacerGuy_19682022/10/10
5
Chepito2022/08/22
5
Victor2022/08/06
5
brendaharper822022/07/31
5
Inga2022/07/25
5
Clark2022/07/17
5
KoreanGodfather2022/05/16
5
PacerPal2022/05/16
5
Doug2022/04/27
5
In2022/04/21
5
PacerPal2022/04/13
5
jpb.okun2022/04/02
5
Scott2022/04/01
5
Scott2022/03/26
5
Rico2022/01/29
5
Mojgy (Shadzi)2022/01/27
5
Lauren2022/01/10
5
Scott2022/01/10
5
Sean2022/01/03
5
Slav2021/12/02
5
Lisa2021/09/27
5
Yadira2021/07/20
4
shaz2021/06/16
3
Rob2021/06/14
3
alfonsopaz2021/05/31
4
o.maldonadoknight2021/05/18
5
brendaharper822021/05/16
5
PacerPal2021/05/03
5
brendaharper822021/05/02
5
Tom2021/04/20
5
sdough652021/04/18
5
andrewcarsillo2021/04/11
5
Darrick2021/04/02
4
PacerPal2021/03/25
5
Latroye2021/03/22
5
ksinghmd2021/03/07
5
cassidy.globerman2021/03/07
5
PacerGuy_19812021/03/03
5
Hayk2021/03/02
5
pragalecpa2021/03/01
5
Guybegood12021/02/24
5
Suly2021/02/24
5
Cameron2021/02/13
5
Armando2021/01/17
5
Aida2021/01/11
5
Omar2021/01/04
5
Maisie2021/01/01
5
JamesGreat2020/12/27
5
ae2eo2020/12/26
5
Sapenito2020/12/21
5
PacerPal2020/11/23
5
cassidy.globerman2020/11/01
5
eduardom002020/09/21
5
Lilit2020/09/14
5
Andrew2020/09/08
5
PacerGuy_19702020/08/31
5
dave.ging2020/08/07
4
Norma2020/08/02
5
Mojgy (Shadzi)2020/07/28
5
Maria2020/07/13
5
kalkatechi2020/06/24
5
PacerPal2020/06/21
5
Kimberly2020/06/18
3
PacerGal_19542020/06/17
4
Matt2020/06/14
5
Xiomara2020/05/29
5
genitrixgeorges2020/05/21
5
x_phobos2020/05/20
5
Vero20192020/04/06
5
4.8/5
2089 ratings