Experiencing Los Angeles: An Afternoon at Vasquez Rocks

Sunday, March 13, 2016

An Afternoon at Vasquez Rocks

Vasquez Rocks is a natural outcropping of rocks located in Northern Los Angeles. Thanks to it's proximity Hollywood, it is arguably the most filmed rock formation in the world.

Vasquez Rocks is a 932 acre (377 hectares) Los Angeles County park, open to the public. Admission is free.

Last Fall I was in Northern Los Angeles County, visiting friends while my now 16 year old was at Six Flags Magic Mountain. In the afternoon, a couple of buddies wanted to visit Vasquez Rocks. I lived in Los Angeles for twenty years, had seen Vasquez Rocks in numerous movies, but had never actually been there. I jumped at the opportunity.

Parking is free, the park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Yours truly with my friend Kevin (in the orange), who works as a minister in Guam.

Kevin with our mutual friend's 7 year old. Kids love exploring Vasquez Rocks.

Another view. Not much shade or vegetation. I'd avoid hiking around in the middle of the day, especially in the hot summer months.

Photo credit: http://home.znet.com

I can not think of another rock formation any where else in the world that's been in more movies, films, and television shows that Vasquez Rocks. Perhaps one of the most memorable was the original Star Trek series, when Captain Kirk (played by no other than William Shatner) fought the Gorn. THAT was awesome.

http://home.znet.com

In that same episode, Captain Kirk found some bamboo (which normally only grows in the tropics) to finish off the Gorn. Federation: 1, Gorn: 0.

Here's a link to an incredible list of the 150+ movies, TV shows, and music videos that have been filmed at Vasquez Rocks.

Vasquez Rocks falls within what's known as the 30 Mile Studio Zone, which is used by film industry unions to determine per diem rates and driving distances for crew members.

The center of the studio zone is located at the southeast corner of Beverly and La Cienega in Los Angeles, California. More than 90 cities and parts of three counties including Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties fall within the 30-Mile Studio Zone.