• 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 »

Photos & Multimedia

Image of Leo Carrillo State Park. Distant colorful clouds are back-lit by a sunset. It is framed by a rocky outcropping on the left and mountain slopes on the right. In the foreground: the Pacific Ocean waves with white, yellow, orange, and pink highlights gently slide up a smooth sandy beach.

Leo Carrillo State Park is just one of the many sites you can enjoy in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Photo: Trailmasters

The Santa Monica Mountains are full of wonder, life, and adventure. The myriad color and textures make the valleys, mountains, and oceans a unique place to photograph any time of the year.

The annual Spirit of the Mountains Photo Contest is just of the ways you can share your the park through you eyes. Visit the page above for contest information.

Did You Know?

Rangers from California State Parks and the National Park Service discuss program ideas.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area was established in 1978, but the National Park Service did not own public parkland in the area until 1980.  National Park Rangers devised clever ways to promote the national park goals without land by creating thriving partnerships with many agencies.