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County Parks - Vasquez Rocks Natural Area

Vasquez Rocks just before sunrise.

Find the people on this rock formation!


Picnic tables offer a great lunch spot at Vasquez Rocks.


Spectacular rock formations at Vasquez Rocks


Children love climbing the rock formations.


Hiking trails at Vasquez Rocks


Easter service at Vasquez Rocks.
661-268-0840
10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce

Official Website
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If you only have time to visit one wilderness area in Santa Clarita, this is where you should go. And if you live in the SCV, this is probably one of your favorite places.

Why?

It is easy to access, and the spectacular rock formations are easy to climb and are a favorite to photograph. In the cool months (October - May), the rangers offer guided hikes and animal presentations. See our Calendar of Events for exact dates and times.

And don't be surprised if you experience a little deja veux, because Vasquez Rocks has been the location of numerous television programs, music videos, and feature films--dating back to the silent film days.


Special Events
Ranger-led hikes, power walk hikes, and animal presentations are offered in the cool months. Star parties, organized by The Local Group, offer visitors an opportunity to see the constellations. It's great fun! Check out the above link for exact times.

Please note: The weather can be completely different at Vasquez Rocks from the Santa Clarita Valley. Special events will be cancelled for inclement weather, so do call before heading to the park to avoid disappointment.

Star Parties
Organized by The Local Group, are offered quarterly.

Birds of Prey Presentation
Held the first Sunday of every month. You'll get to see a couple of birds, a snake (if he's not in hibernation), and a rattlesnake skeleton. There's also a special display of...we'll let you be surprised. Meet at the park office. (This event is suspended during July, August & September due to extreme heat.)

Ranger Guided Hikes
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of every month at 11:00 am, the park ranger will lead a nature hike through the park. The hike will last approximately one hour. Meet at the park office. (This event is suspended during July, August & September due to extreme heat.)

Healthy Hike
Designed for adults, meets every Tuesday morning at 8:00 at the park office. (This event is suspended during July, August & September due to extreme heat.)

Easter Sunrise Service
This is an extremely popular event. Public service begins promptly at 5:15 am and the limited chairs fill up early, so bring a blanket. The re-enactment of the resurrection is timed to coincide with sunrise. Family Community Church of Agua Dulce, Christian Church of Agua Dulce, Living Springs Four-square Church and Acton Faith Bible Church host this annual event. The dramatic presentation includes more than 60 costumed actors. Dress warmly, and bring towels to mop up the chairs from the morning dew.

In 2006 a Saturday afternoon service was added. Check our Calendar of Events for updates on future services.


Please Be Careful
Because of the gradual incline, it is easy to feel safe climbing the huge rocks at Vasquez, which reach 150 feet in height. Respect the dangers and keep your children away from the edges when climbing.


Wildlife
Among other animals, there is a mountain lion that roams the area--although he is not often seen. Visit our Wildlife page on the link above to learn more about the wildlife in our area and how to handle encounters.


Snakes and Other Crawling Creatures
When the weather is warm (usually in May through October), the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake can be found in the park. The more dangerous Green Mojave is said to be moving into the area.

At the link above, learn more about what kind of creepy crawlies you might come across at Vasquez Rocks, how to avoid them, and what to do if bitten. Snake bites are rare at Vasquez Rocks, but if bitten, don't panic; it is important to keep your heart rate slow. Please note that the only emergency center with anti-venin in the Santa Clarita Valley is Henry Mayo Hospital.

Cell phone coverage at Vasquez Rocks is spotty. In an emergency from your cell phone, dial 661-255-1121. If you have a new phone with GPS technology, you may dial 911.


Geology of Vasquez Rocks
Mike Ballard has done an excellent job explaining the geology of Vasquez Rocks on his website, SCV Resources. Explore Mike's website for historical and geological information on the entire Santa Clarita Valley.


History of Vasquez Rocks
Leon Worden, local historian, has compiled ooldes of information on the historical significance of Vasquez Rocks and other areas in the SCV on his website, Santa Clarita Valley History in Pictures.


Hollywood & Vasquez Rocks
On the City's Film Department website, you'll find a list of many commercials, television programs, music videos and features filmed at Vasquez Rocks.