Paramount Ranch

Overview

As a hiking area with entertainment industry cred, few places can match Paramount Ranch. Since 1927, this former ranch has stood in for dozens of locations in hundreds of movies, TV shows, and internet programs. Al Jolson and Gary Cooper were here, as were W. C. Fields, Mae West, and the Marx Brothers. This is where Bob Hope was “Caught in the Draft,” Robert Stack was chased by lions in “Bwana Devil” in NaturalVision 3D (and later, by the unknown in “Unsolved Mysteries”), and Bradley Cooper brought Chris Kyle to life here in “American Sniper.” “Gunsmoke,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “McaGyver,” “Dynasty,” “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” “The X-Files,” and “Weeds” all shot here amongst many, many others (the Park Service has a full list of films and television programs that have shot here on its site). Today, Paramount Ranch is still a very active filming location, but it’s also a gem of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and — for my money — one of the most unique sites in any National Park in the country. In addition to the main attraction Western Town, the park’s trail system takes you through several of the plant communities in the region, including the rare valley oak savannah. Great for kids and beginner hikers, this site has more than enough to warrant a visit — especially if you combine a stop here with some of the nearby trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. Unfortunately, in 2018 the Woolsey Fire destroyed most of the Western Town as well as many of the old-growth oak trees nearby. Efforts are underway to rebuild a new, more fire resistant Western Town, but may be several years off. Expect this scenery — especially in and around the Western Town area — to be quite different than as described here. Begin at the parking area and cross the bridge over Medea Creek to be instantly transported to the Wild West. Or, what was left of it following a fire. Depending on when you visit Paramount Ranch, you may see some temporary sets and buildings put up or perhaps the construction of the replacement for Wes

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