Stunning views, relaxing hiking trails, adrenaline-pumping rock climbs, and picnic spots, Vasquez Rocks has it all.  Located about 30 minutes outside of Los Angeles, this 932-acre park is a nature enthusiast’s dream.  It’s a quick trip to escape the hustle & bustle of city life, and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

It also happens to be one of the most popular filming locations for sci-fi movies and TV shows.

So pack your sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes, and let’s explore this beautiful park.

HISTORY

Vasquez Rocks was named after Tiburcio Vasquez.

Vasquez was born in Monterey in 1835, when California was still part of Mexico.  He was educated, handsome, intelligent, he could serenade you with his guitar, or write poetry, which he did to his many, many, many female admirers.

He was also a bandit, a horse-thief and murderer.  His good looks, wit, and intelligence had many people looking the other way from his illegal activities.  

It’s rumored that the alluring parts of Vasquez’s life inspired the character of Zorro.  

So why would California honor a horse-thieving, murdering bandit by naming a state park after him?

It wasn’t so much that California named Vasquez Rocks after Tiburcio Vasquez.  It was more that the area became known as Vasquez Rocks, because Vasquez hid there so often trying to elude capture.

His luck ran out in 1874, when he seduced and impregnated his niece.  Someone close to Vasquez (it’s not known who) betrayed him to the police for this indiscretion.

He signed autographs from his prison cell window.  He was inundated with interview requests and granted 3.  He was photographed by Valentin Wolfenstein in prison.

Although he claimed that he had personally never killed anyone, he led raids in which his compatriot bandits murdered innocent people.  As such, he was equally responsible for their deaths, in the eyes of the law.

He was found guilty of murder.  Vasquez’s life ended at age 39 at the end of a rope.

VASQUEZ ROCKS TODAY

Vasquez Rocks hasn’t changed at all since Tiburcio Vasquez was hiding among them.  In fact, they haven’t changed that much in the last 25 million years.

They are a unique formation of tilted sandstone rock that rise up to 150 feet into the air.  They have an other-worldly appearance that makes them popular for movies, television shows, commercials & music videos.

Among the many shows that have been filmed in Vasquez Rocks are:

• The Zorn episode of Star Trek
• Galaxy Quest (a personal favorite)
• The Flintstones
• Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey

But the best part is that you have free rein to climb these unique rocks.  Sneak in between them to hide, like Tiburcio Vasquez did.

Or boldly climb to the top, where the views are spectacular.

OTHER TRAILS

If rock climbing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hiking trails that let you explore this unique and interesting landscape.

The park has signs pointing out the different plants in the area.  You might see a jack rabbit or coyote (I’ve seen both).

And there are picnic tables, if you just want some relaxing outdoor time with food and drink.

TATAVIAM ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE

You can get a map from the visitor’s center that shows the hiking trails and marks spots of interest.

One of these is the Tataviam Archeological Site.

The Tataviam were a Native American tribe who lived in the area since about 450 AD.  They were a hunter/gatherer tribe, not a warrior tribe.

The Vasquez Rocks area became a neutral, trading post area where multiple tribes could safely come to trade food, furs, jewelry, arrowheads, tools and other items.

The Tataviam Archeological Site includes a large number of artifacts, including rock art, grinding stones, and tools, as well as the remains of houses and other structures.  

It is a small snippet of ancient life in California.

VISITOR CENTER

What would any park be without a visitor’s center?  The Vasquez Rocks Visitor’s Center has more unique & interesting things to see.

There is one corner of a room with a wall of movie posters from the many westerns that were filmed in the area.

But there is so much more.

There is the Snake, Rattle & Roll wall, that houses several snakes and a tarantula.

There is history of homesteaders from the era.

There are arrowheads & other tools on display.

You can see a 3D layout of the park with several points of interest marked.

The rangers are also very helpful.  Want to know which trail to take?  They can tell you.

CONCLUSION

Vasquez Rocks is a geological wonder that delights and amazes visitors from all over the world.  

The unique rock formations, the rich history, and the stunning views make this a must-see destination for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, history buffs, sci-fi fans … just about anyone. 

Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a peaceful picnic spot, Vasquez Rocks has something for everyone.

So grab your camera, some comfy hiking shoes, sunscreen and lots of water, and head out to Agua Dulce to experience the beauty of Vasquez Rocks for yourself – you won’t be disappointed.

HOW TO FIND IT

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center
10700 W. Escondido Canyon Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91390

General: (661) 268-0840

Hours
March 1st to October 31st
Operating Hours
Tuesday – Sunday
8:00am to 7:30pm
Closed Monday

WANNA SEE MORE?

If you’d like to see more about Vasquez Rocks, watch my video, below.