About Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultural sites, from old movie ranches to Native American centers. What will you and your family discover?
Quick Facts
Location & Map
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is located in California.
Operating Hours
The park sites are open year-round. Our parking lots are open from 8 am to sunset.
Activities
Getting There
There are multiple trailheads around the park, so there is not one main entrance. You can begin your visit at the visitor center, located off Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. The Santa Monica Mountains are traversed by the 405 Freeway on the east side; crowned by the 101 Freeway on the north and west side; and Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), on the southern ocean border.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Mishe Mokwa Trail to Split Rock
Traversing riparian, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral, this trail offers wonderful views of Carlisle Canyon and Balanced Rock. Split Rock’s…
Moderate, 3.5 miles round trip Traversing riparian, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral, this trail offers wonderful views of Carlisle Canyon…
Solstice Canyon Trail
Travel through a beautiful, shaded riparian environment on the Solstice Canyon Trail alongside a year-round creek.
Easy to Moderate, 2.1 miles round-trip. Waterfall will be found at the end of the Solstice Canyon Trail before starting on the…
Satwiwa Loop Trail
This area was set aside for the preservation and celebration of Native American cultures.
Visitor Centers
Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center
The Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center features a bookstore managed by Western National Parks Association. You can purchase memorabilia, guidebooks, puppets and more. It…
Hours: The Visitor Center and bookstore are open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the exception of some federal holidays. Parking: Two-hour parking will be available adjacent to the visitor center. Additional paid parking is also located nearby.
Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center
Located at the southern end of the community of Newbury Park, this site reflects the heritage of both Native Americans and local ranching. The Satwiwa…
Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, except on some federal holidays.
Campgrounds
Circle X Ranch Campground - CLOSED
Circle X Ranch Group Campground is the only campground the National Park Service operates in the Santa Monica Mountains. Visit recreation.gov to make reservations for…
🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences
Discover Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area with expert-led tours
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
🏨 Find Hotels Near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Compare accommodation options for your visit
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
More Parks in California
Plan Your Trip From a Nearby City
Find national parks near these cities, including Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.