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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation AreaR.H. Meyers State Beach is one of many coastal locations cool ocean mists spray off rocky shorelines.
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Welcome to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area!

For more information and special restrictions during the 2009 fire season click the link for
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See Yourself in Your National Parks:
America's Best Idea

Shorter days bring cooler mornings to the mountains as fall transitions to winter. As Valley Oaks lose their leaves, the first rains commence the return of spring wildflowers to the Santa Monica Mountains.

Take a moment to explore and share what makes these unique places so important to the fabric of America and the world.


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The Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Music Festival is held yearly at Paramount Ranch. In this image, a trio of players--fiddle, guitar, and banjo-- jam at the old western town movie set.

Upcoming Events!

  • 11/7/2009, 9:30 AM: Join a ranger at Paramount Ranch for this FREE guided walk through a western movie set and explore the magic from set to screen.  
  • 11/8/2009, 8 AM: Spend the morning with a ranger at King Gillette Ranch and come with us on this 1-mile accessible bird walk. Meet at the Botanic Center. $7 parking fee.
  • 11/8/2009, 10AM - 12PM & 1PM - 3 PM: Create round reed basketry/ tule dolls with Kat High at this FREE cultural program at Satwiwa. All ages welcome.
  • 11/14/2009, 1:30PM: Join us for the opening / awards & landscape photography lecture and photo contest crtique for the 2009 Spirit of the Mountains Photo Contest at our Main Visitor Center.

Get all the upcoming events in the Santa Monica Mountains with the OUTDOORS Calendar of Events here!

There are plenty of Things to Do in the Recreation Area. Find out more...

 
National Public Lands Day Logo for 2008

Volunteer Opportunities in the Park

You can make a difference in your national parks! Learn how you can volunteer:

College Internships
High School Internships
Help Kids Learn and Assist Visitors
Other Volunteer Opportunities

 
 
A ranger talks to three visitors at Solstice Canyon near the amphitheater.

Find out "What we are doing!"

Are you wondering if all the park sites are open? Would you like updates on recent studies and articles about the park? Would you like recommendations for great hikes and special events?

Here's your chance to get live updates from rangers in the recreation area. Visit our Virtual Bulletin Board on Our Facebook Fan Page or on Twitter. It is a free service.

 

 

Write to

401 West Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Center
(805) 370-2301

Headquarters
(805) 370-2300

Fax

(805) 370-2350

Climate

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is in a Mediterranean climate region-- known for long hot summers and mild wet winters. Milder temperatures exist along the Pacific Coast. Temperatures tend to warm up as you travel inland. Get current weather.>>
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Backbone trail hikes lead to views of mountains, canyons, and the Pacific Ocean.  

Did You Know?
Piece by piece, a trail is forging its way along the "backbone" of the recreation area. California State Parks took the first step toward a 65-mile Backbone Trail in 1978. With 5 miles left to go, single track trails and fireroads will unite this patchwork of public parklands from east to west.

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Last Updated: November 05, 2009 at 16:02 EST