1 min
Overview
Rocky Oaks Park is a small but beautiful slice of protected land in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Managed by the National Park Service, this former ranch land holds a shaded picnic area covered by beautiful live oaks, a man-made seasonal pond that (when it has water in it) serves as a rest stop for migratory birds, and an easy system of trails that serve as a kid-friendly day trip, a stop on a longer trek through the Santa Monica Mountains, or as a place to relax after visiting one of the nearby wineries. This 1.2 mile loop mostly follows the Rocky Oaks Loop Trail, although there are places to explore if you want to spend more time in the park. Begin from the western end of the parking area near the restrooms. The trail heads north past an old fenced-off remnant of the area’s ranch days. At the first junction about 180 feet from the parking area, stay to the left to start on the Loop Trail. The route leaves the dappled shade of the parking area and enters into a small meadow with some exemplary views of Santa Monica Mountain terrain to the west — in front of you, a prominent but unnamed formation hides the slightly larger Saddle Rock directly behind it. At 0.2 miles, head straight at the junction to take the higher trail to the northeast (the trail to the left dead-ends at private property, the trail to your right is where you’ll return). The trail climbs a bit in elevation and unveils views of the vineyards and estate wineries just across Kanan Road. The trail here is lined with California buckwheat and copious amounts of black sage — some of the most black sage I’ve seen on any trail in the Los Angeles region (and definitely the most on an easy trail). If you’re like me and the scent of this stuff is like human catnip, you will definitely want to time a trip here in the early spring to catch the fragrant bushes in bloom. Even in the late spring, though, hikers can still find plenty of wildflowers blooming on the shadier slopes. Look for Caterpillar Phacelia and showy Cardinal Larkspur h
Trail Stats
1.9 km
41 m
562 m
519 m
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Photos
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