Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a large protected space that covers diverse natural areas spanning two counties northwest of Los Angeles. It features different landscapes including dry chaparral, coastal canyons, and oak woodlands that form a natural barrier between the city and the ocean.

The area was established in 1978 as a national recreation area after decades of conservation efforts. Earlier protection initiatives dating back to the early 1900s helped preserve these mountains from development and shaped the modern protected landscape.

The mountains served as home to the Chumash people for thousands of years, and their presence remains visible today through rock art and archaeological remains scattered throughout the area. Walking through these landscapes, you encounter places that connect directly to this ancient heritage.

The area offers over 500 kilometers of trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding at various difficulty levels. The best time to visit is from fall through spring when temperatures are mild and fire season is less active.

Biologists have been studying mountain lions here for over two decades to understand how they adapt to living so close to urban areas. These studies reveal the ways wildlife survives and moves through landscapes shaped by human presence and development.

Location: Los Angeles County

Location: Ventura County

Inception: November 10, 1978

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/samo

GPS coordinates: 34.10390,-118.60300

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07