• Afternoon clouds cover the distance peaks of the iconic Boney Mountain

    Santa Monica Mountains

    National Recreation Area California

  • Solstice Canyon Parking Lot Closure

    The parking lot at Solstice Canyon will be closed from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Friday, May 18, 2012.

From the Mountains to the Sea

Enjoy your visit! Large changes between daytime and nighttime temperatures are felt throughout the park in Spring.

Look closely to see how plants and animals have adapted to these broad daily changes. How will you adapt to the temperature swings when visiting this rare Mediterranean ecosystem?

What will you see? Find something to do and plan your visit and learn about this unique park.

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Features

  • Hikers travel along the Backbone Trail looking at the high peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains. Photo by Jim Belsley.

    Follow the 2012 Backbone Trail Hikers

    A group of over 30 dedicated hikers have set their sights on completing the 65-mile Backbone Trail! Follow their progress on Ranger Mike's Blog.

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  • Graphic for the opening of the new visitor center taken from the announcement flyer

    New Visitor Center Opens June 9th!

    We invite you to celebrate the opening of the Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch. Ribbon Cutting at 10am!

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  • It will be possible to experience an annular eclipse on May 20th!

    Enjoy May 20th Eclipse from Rancho Sierra Vista!

    Experience a partial annular eclipse from the first parking lot at Rancho Sierra Vista on May 20th from 5:00 -7:00 PM. NPS will share solar glasses!

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  • Two hikers enjoy a picturesque view from the top of the Santa Monica Mountains.

    Find out "What we are doing!"

    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.

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

    Upcoming Events!

    For the latest information on upcoming events, visit our Outdoors - Calendar of Events page and find a new way to explore your national park!

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  • National Park Service interns and volunteers contribute thousands of hours of time to the benefit our parklands while gaining valuable experience.

    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

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Did You Know?

A community project led by the National Park Service has restored Zuma Lagoon.

Many hands spanning different generations and agencies continue to turn back the clock on damage to the fragile environment at Zuma Lagoon. After the removal of debris and the restoration of native plants, beach visitors now find a living wetland with 108 species of birds and colorful wildflowers.