Will Rogers State Park
Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 2 miles
Duration: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Difficulty: 2 (highest 5)
Season: all year round
Recommended rating: 3 (out of 5)
Outline
- Introduction
- Getting to Will Rogers State Park
- Exploring Will Rogers’ House
- Inspiration Point
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Links & Resources
Introduction: Hiking at Will Rogers State Park
Will Rogers State Park is a hidden gem nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, offering stunning views of the Los Angeles cityscape and the coastline. This small hill, located on Sunset Blvd between Los Angeles and Santa Monica, is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the great outdoors. In this guide, we will take you through a 2-mile hiking trail at Will Rogers State Park, which is suitable for all skill levels and can be completed in about an hour.
Getting to Will Rogers State Park
To get to the park, take the 10 Fwy West and turn onto Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Then, turn right on Sunset Boulevard and drive approximately 4.6 miles to the park sign. Once you arrive at the park, you must pay the parking fee at the entrance.
Exploring Will Rogers’ House
After paying the parking fee, we recommend first looking at Will Rogers’ house. Will Rogers, an all-around entertainer and journalist lived here from 1928 to 1935. The house has a 31-room mansion, a barn, and ancillary facilities. It was released to the public after it was vested. You can see the lifestyle of Will Rogers, who grew up on a ranch in Oklahoma throughout the house. He was a skilled horseman and enjoyed rope throwing, horseback riding, and playing polo.
Inspiration Point
Once you have explored the place, head up the mountain road to get to Inspiration Point. Almost all the streets in the park lead here, and it is the starting point of the 2-mile hiking trail we will be taking.
The hiking trail is a low slope up to Inspiration Point, making it accessible to many families with young children. The course is also a part of the 65-mile Backbone Trail, which goes through the Santa Monica Mountains. The park is home to more than two miles of hiking trails on 182 acres, with hiking trails leading to nearby Rustic and Temescal Canyons.
As you hike, you will be surrounded by beautiful scenery, stunning city views, and the coastline. At Inspiration Point, located at the center of the park, you can see the Santa Monica coast, Century City, and the skyscrapers of downtown LA all in one glance. From the summit, where benches are provided, you can also see the buildings of downtown LA on your left. You can also see the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Catalina Island along the coastline.
If time permits, we recommend taking the route around the south, following the map provided by the park. This will allow you to explore more of the park and see even more stunning views.
Conclusion
Will Rogers State Park is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains while being close to the city. The park offers hiking trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels, with stunning views of the LA cityscape and the Pacific Ocean. In addition, visitors can explore the historic Will Rogers’ house and learn about the life of the famous entertainer and journalist. If you are looking for a quick escape from the city, Will Rogers State Park is worth a visit.
FAQs
- Are dogs allowed in the park? Yes, dogs are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash.
- Are there restrooms in the park? Yes, there are restrooms near the parking area and Inspiration Point.
- Can I have a picnic in the park? Yes, there are picnic tables available near the parking area.
- Is there an entrance fee? Yes, there is an entrance fee of $12 per vehicle. There are also discounts available for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans.
- Is the park open all year round? Yes, the park is open all year round, but the hours may vary depending on the season.
Links & Resources
To plan your visit to Will Rogers State Park, here are some useful links:
- Will Rogers State Park Official Website (https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=626)
- The Backbone Trail Official Website (https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/the-backbone-trail.htm)
- California State Parks Official Website (https://www.parks.ca.gov/)
