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

    Santa Monica Mountains

    National Recreation Area California

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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 »

Mountains, Movies and Magic Video

Jill Swift, Sue Nelson, and Margot Feuer are three women supported and fought for the creation of the recreation area. Seen here at Peter Strauss Ranch during a women's history program held in 1999.

Explore the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area on this Discovery Channel production. These two videos are exerpts from the full 20 minute video available for watching in the National Park Visitor Center.

Take 1 focuses on the development of the recreation area. It interviews two park founders, Margot Fueurer and Jill Swift. Their vision of the possiblities and "never give up" approach to politics shows us all that "we can make a difference in our environment. They were instrumental in the creation of the recreation area. Watch Take 1.

 
A mountain biker, dressed in helmet and bike gear is standing with his bike on a fire road trail, as the Simi Hills of Cheeseboro Canyon roll out in front of him.
Take 2 focuses on recreational opportunities and mountain history. Watch Take 2.
 

Did You Know?

Backbone trail hikes lead to views of mountains, canyons, and the Pacific Ocean.

Piece by piece, a trail is forging its way along the "backbone" of the recreation area. California State Parks took the first step toward a 65-mile Backbone Trail in 1978. With 5 miles left to go, single track trails and fireroads will unite this patchwork of public parklands from east to west.