Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains rise above Los Angeles, widen to meet the curve of Santa Monica Bay and reach their highest peaks facing the ocean, forming a beautiful and multi-faceted landscape. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a cooperative effort that joins federal, state and local park agencies with private preserves and landowners to protect the natural and cultural resources of this transverse mountain range and seashore.
Located in a Mediterranean ecosystem, the Santa Monica Mountains contain a wide variety of plants and wildlife. The mountains also have an interesting and diverse cultural history which begins with the Chumash and Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and continues today in "L.A.'s backyard."

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
401 West Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(805) 370-2300 - Headquarters
(805) 370-2301 - Visitor Information
(805) 370-2348 - Education Offices

By Plane
Nearby Airports include the Los Angeles International Airport and the Hollywood/Burbank Airport.

By Car
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is located west of Griffith Park in Los Angeles County and to the east of the Oxnard Plain in Ventura County. U.S. Highway 101 (Ventura Freeway) borders the mountains on the north, and State Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and the Pacific Ocean form the southern boundary. Access to most park areas is available via many roads that cross the mountains between these two major highways. A portion of the park also stretches into the Simi Hills, north of U.S. Highway 101.

The National Park Service Visitor Center is located at 401 West Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks, California.

From Ventura Freeway (U. S. Highway 101) to Lynn Rd turn north on Lynn road turn east (right) on Hillcrest Drive left onto McCloud Ave. First driveway on the right.

From the 23 exit at the Thousand Oaks Blvd/ Hillcrest Drive exit go west or right onto Hillcrest and turn right onto McCloud.

By Plane
Public Transportation is available through: Thousand Oaks Transit (800) 438-1112 in Thousand Oaks and Vista in Ventura County.

Getting Around
Traveling by car is the most convenient way to get around the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Maps are available for planning your visit.

The Santa Monica Mountains have a true Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and relatively cool, wet winters (40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Nights can be cool any time of the year. In the summer, the coastal side of the mountains is generally 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the inland side. In the winter this pattern is reversed with warmer temperatures along the coast.

Layer your clothing to be comfortable anywhere in the mountains. For safety and comfort, use a hat, sunscreen and appropriate shoes or boots.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Swimming
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Kayaking

Recommended Activities
Hiking, mountain bicycling, horseback riding, bird watching, whale watching, swimming, surfing, nature walks, festivals and picnicking may be enjoyed year-round.

Visitor Centers/Exhibits:
National Park Service Visitor Center, Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center , Malibu Creek State Park Visitor Center, Malibu Lagoon Museum, Will Rogers State Historic Park, Topanga State Park Nature Center, Sooky Goldman Nature Center, and the Charmlee Nature Center.

Trails/Roadways:
There are over 580 miles of public trails within the park. When completed, the Backbone Trail will extend approximately 65 miles, linking major park areas. Hiking guides and other publications showing the entire park are available at the National Park Service Visitor Center.
The historic Mulholland Scenic Corridor is a 55-mile scenic drive through the Santa Monica Mountains from Griffith Park to Leo Carrillo State Park.

Programs/Activities:
Outdoors in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Request a copy of the Outdoors calendar from the National Park Service for a complete listing of organizations, programs and activities by calling (805) 370-2301.
The National Park Service also offers a variety of educational opportunities for school groups. Contact the education office at (805) 498-0305 for reservations and information. For educational opportunities in California State Parks call (310) 457-8142.