Upcoming Events!

February 12, 2012, 8:30am: As Valentine's Day draws near, we'll see who's pairing up in the bird world at King Gillette Ranch. Watch for love on the wing among the lawns and trees. Join us on a 1-mile accessible walk. Bring binoculars. Beginning birders welcome. $7 parking fee. Rain cancels. Meet at main parking lot.

February 12, 2012, 2pm: Learn the secrets that turn a dusty set into a realistic town. Join us on this easy-paced walk behind the scenes to discover the illusions and history of Paramount Ranch. FREE!

February 14, 2012, 5pm: Celebrate Valentine's Day on a hike at sunset at Rancho Sierra Vista! Join a ranger for an easy hike to enjoy the romantic scenery as you look and listen for evening wildlife to come alive. Bring binoculars and flashlight. Meet at main parking lot. All ages welcome. Rain cancels. FREE!

February 18, 2012, 2pm: Join park ranger Anthony Bevilacqua at the NPS Visitor Center for his look at the importance of art to National Parks. Bring your camera and join him for the post-lecture photo walk listed below. FREE!

February 18, 2012, 4pm: Meet photo ranger Anthony Bevilacqua in the main parking lot at Rancho Sierra Vista with your cameras and capture the sunset on a one hour photo walk. FREE!

February 19, 2012, 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm: Free Cultural Workshop at the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center. Kat High Hupa artist, storyteller and astronomer will conduct a round reed basket workshop. All ages welcome. Info: 805 370-2301. FREE!

February 19, 2012, 6pm: Join us for a ranger-led constellation tour at Circle X Ranch followed by stargazing through telescopes. Bring your planisphere or telescope. All ages are welcome. Rain cancels. FREE!

February 20, 2012, 3pm: Share your park experiences while enjoying a cup of cocoa on the porch of the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center. A talk will be given about the ways plants and animals adapt to warm and cool temperatures in the park. FREE!

February 26, 2012, 2pm: Celebrate the Leap Year by leapingwith a ranger! Kids of all ages are encouraged to get physically active in the great outdoors. This ranger-led activity consists of a physical fitness obstacle course with prizes awarded at the end! Meet on the porch of the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center. FREE!

For the latest information on upcoming events in the Santa Monica Mountains, visit our Calendar of Events.

There you can download the OUTDOORS quarterly publication and find a new way to explore your national park with your friends, family, or even a ranger!

You can also discover many Things To Do in the park.

Follow the 2012 Backbone Trail Hikers

A group of over 30 dedicated hikers have set their sights on completing the 65-mile Backbone Trail! 8 day hikes every 2nd and 4th Saturday from January through April.

Follow their progress on Ranger Mike's Blog.

Maybe next year this could be you!

Get the Green Photo & Video Contest

The new 2012 GetTheGreen.org contest is now on!!!

If you are 13 - 18 years old and live in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura, Riverside or Orange Counties, you can win prizes and outdoor gear by submitting videos and photos.

Click here to learn more and find out how to play.

Contest Deadline: March 14, 2012

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.

Volunteer Opportunities in the Park

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

College Internships
High School Internships
Volunteer Opportunities