Explore the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The largest urban National park in the USA
Extending from Point Mugu to the Hollywood Hills, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area encompasses beaches, mountains, streams, waterfalls and history.
Around seven million people live within a one-hour drive of the mountains and it is considered the country’s largest urban national park.
over 500 miles of trails to explore
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) offers over 500 miles of trails within its 153,000 acre boundary. Biking, Hiking, Horseback riding are all permitted on most of the trails.
The Backbone Trail, named as one of the best hikes in California by Lonely Plant is the highlight of our trail system. It extends 67 miles from Point Mugu to Pacific Palisades and runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean. This is generally not considered a through hike as camping opportunities are limited. Hiking the trail in sections is a popular option instead.
Iconic Hike: The Backbone Trail
One person’s experience of the trail - plus advice for tackling the 67 miles
Waterfalls
Most waterfalls are seasonal. Spring is a great time to see water in the falls after the rains. The hillsides are green and lush and wildflowers abound.
Here are some of our favorites
Wildflowers
Spring in the Santa Monica Mountains is a delight. Green hillsides after winter rains are often covered in swathes of wild flowers – poppies and the like.
Keep an eye on the National Park Service social media pages for information on where they are and how to see them:
Dog friendly hiking
Public land in The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is owned by a number of different agencies and each agency has different rules. Generally, National Park Service and Mountains and Recreation Authority sites allow dogs on a leash under close control.
Some hikes start in one park and continue to another where the rules may be different. So please check out the rules for your complete hike before leaving home.
If you hike with your dog, please make sure you bring enough water for your pet. Being closer to the ground, they get hotter more quickly than their taller owners!
Also be aware that rattlesnakes are prevalent throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. Several organizations provide rattlesnake aversion training for your dog(s).
Movie History
Being so close to Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains has been used as a backdrop to hundreds of movies and TV shows for nearly a century.
Here are some highlights:
Get outdoors!
Get your outdoors fix and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature inspired by the Santa Monica Mountains or by other National Parks further afield.