Hike Vasquez Rocks Natural Area LA County Park System, CA

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You've probably seen Vasquez Rocks Natural Area featured in any number of music videos, movies, or other media based out of LA. It's a really interesting geologic area in Southern California that is worth a visit, despite its popularity. I decided to make a nice big loop around Vasquez Rocks Natural Area in order to see the majority of the coolest stuff. I'd say the biggest and most memorable features are early on in the hike, but this loop visits some of the slightly less famous features. I took this loop clockwise, starting along the Pacific Crest Trail. This section of the hike followed an old road as it slowly ascended and headed generally south. The trail then leaves the PCT and heads northwest, continuing around to the west side of Vasquez Rocks. This is a much more pleasant single-track that winds around the cool formations, leads to a nice overlook, and then back to the trailhead.

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Starting along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Close-up of some of the formations.

Opposite side of the formations, still along the PCT.

PCT follows a raised section, the highway on the left, main rock formations on the right.

Looking toward Vasquez Rocks from the PCT.

A trail leaves the PCT and goes into the western side of Vasquez Rocks, below.

Along the trail on the western side of the rocks.

Heading to a lookout point (right).

Looking back the way I came.

Lookout point, main Vasquez Rocks features below. Head down and complete the loop.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!