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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation AreaFall colors are not common, but sycamores give quite a show along canyon streams.
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Welcome to the Santa Monica Mountains.
Enjoy your visit!

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!

  • 11/21/2009, 2PM: Join lichenologist Kerry Knudsen at our Main Visitor Center as he shares his latest discoveries on new and rate lichens found in the Santa Monica Mountains and Channel Islands.
  • 11/22/2009, 10AM - 12PM & 1PM - 3PM: Learn how to carve stone from master carver Ted Garcia at Satwiwa. For ages 16 and up due to the nature of the activity.

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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Charlie Cooke, hereditary Chief of the Chumash played an important role in making sure 85 acres remained open space.  

Did You Know?
On June 13, 1980, Charlie Cooke, hereditary Chief of the Chumash and concerned citizens fulfilled a dream-- a place for families to explore our natural world and learn about the Chumash. Satwiwa in Newbury Park, CA celebrates the beauty of the mountains and all Native American cultures.

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Last Updated: November 21, 2009 at 17:01 EST