• 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 »

Look for Wildflowers

A Common Montia (Claytonia exigua) displays its pink and purple pedals.

Common Montia (or Serpentine Springbeauty)

T Valois

What kind of wildflower is that?

Visit the What's Blooming newsletter to see wildflower reports summarizing places to find wildflowers.

You can also visit the Santa Monica Mountains Wildflower Photo Gallery. Use the Gallery's "Flower Finder" to identify that mystery flower you encountered on the trail. It's easy to use, powerful, and people of all ages will find it both fun and educational.

If you have a mobile device you can click below to get the various platforms and versions available as a free download.

Mobile Web Version - Smart Phones

Universal iPhone/iPod/iPad App

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.