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

    Santa Monica Mountains

    National Recreation Area California

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Partial Park Closure Due to Hazardous Conditions

    Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa re-opens 5/14/13, with restrictions (sunrise to sunset, not all trails). Sandstone Peak & Mishe Mokwa trails will also open, as will Backbone Trail east of Point Mugu State Park boundary. Point Mugu backcountry remains closed. More »

  • Trucks on Cheeseboro Canyon Trail

    Occasional truck traffic (approx 6 trips per day) will take place on Cheeseboro Cyn Trail weekdays between 8am & 4pm for demolition and removal of Cheeseboro Tank. Should be completed by 5/24/13. Check back for updates or call 818-889-8996. More »

Bats

Bats in the Santa Monica Mountains can be found foraging for insects around water sources such as lakes and streams and find refuge in man-made structures such as buildings and bridges. Out of the 25 species of bats in California, 11 species have been detected within Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Bats confirmed in the Santa Monica Mountains
Mexican Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)
Western Pipstrelle (Pipistellus hesperus)
Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis)
Small footed Myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum)
Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
California Myotis (Myotis californicus)
Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus)
Western Mastiff Bat (Eumops perotis)
Red Bat (Lasiurus blossevilii)
Hoary Bat (Laisiurus cinerius)
Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)

Bats extirpated from the Santa Monica Mountains
California leaf-nosed bat (Macrotus californicus)

Bats likely to be detected in the Santa Monica Mountains*
Townsend's big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii)
Silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
Western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus)
Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes)
Long-eared Myotis (Myotis evotis)
Long-legged myotis (Myotis volans)
Pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus)
Big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis)
Cave myotis (Myotis velifer)
Mexican long-tongued bat (Choeronycteris mexicana)
* These bats have not been confirmed in the mountains, but could likely be a rare or vagrant visitor.

For more information on bats:
MEDN Science - Santa Monica Mountains Bat Inventory
Bat Conservation International

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.