Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California Offers a Wealth of Activities

Located in Southern California, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area was established in 1978 in order to preserve one of the world's best examples of a Mediterranean climate ecosystem.

The park, which is largely administered by the National Park Service, is about 154,000 acres in size. Most of it lies within Los Angeles County, but parts of the northern and western portions of this recreation area extend into neighboring Ventura County. It is considered the largest urban National Park in the world and, at its inception, was intended as an extension of Channel Islands National Park, which is technically the underwater portion of the vast, coastal Santa Monica Mountains.

Six state parks sit within the borders of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. They include Topanga, Leo Carrillo, Malibu Creek, Point Mugu, Will Rogers, and Point Dume State Parks. Each offers a variety of recreational activities as well as some opportunities to explore local history. Private lands are also contained within the park.

Sometimes considered "L.A.'s Backyard'', the Santa Monica Mountains are often used by California's television and movie industry, serving as a backdrop for a variety of shows or cinematic productions. The Santa Monica NRA is the site of the Paramount Ranch, opened by Paramount Studios in 1927 and still used as a setting for shows and movies. Several other locations are also regularly used for filming.

Nine Visitors' Centers are located throughout the park, including the main facility in Thousand Oaks. Many function as not only places to gather information but also as museums and cultural centers. Will Rogers State Historic Park visitor center, for example, is the ranch home in which the actor lived, open for tours. The Satwiwa Native American Cultural Center on the western edge of the NRA provides a look at early inhabitants of the mountains.

Recreation is king here and there are many activities that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. In addition to beaches, there are about 500 miles of trails within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, ranging from short and easy to long, multi-day treks. Some travel along the coast or through the urban areas while others give visitors a good look at the mountains and the views from the top of those hills. The main National Park Service Visitors' Center can provide trail maps for visitors and advise guests as to trail conditions.

Mountain biking in the park can be quite vigorous. Steep ascents provide great ocean views once at the top. Bikes may ride on paved areas, fire roads, or single track trails. Some trails are accessible to beginners but most are suitable for moderate to advanced riders.

A variety of campgrounds are offered for those who wish to stay overnight in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Most offer drinking water and flush toilets in addition to other amenities, which may include showers and a dump station. Some accommodate RVs while others are meant only for tent camping. Rattlesnakes are a danger in some camping areas so campers should take proper precautions.