Skip to content
The Green Adventures
Find my parkMapGreat Smoky MountainsZionYellowstoneSee all: ParksCaliforniaAlaskaUtahSee all: By stateNational monumentsSeashores and lakeshoresAll 412 Park Service sitesSee all: All sitesWhich park should I visit?Pass calculatorCampground finderSee all: Trip toolsAnnual pass 2026International visitorsFree days 2026See all: Fees and passes

National Recreation Area · California

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area in California. No entrance fee. 3 hikes listed.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Recreation Area
StateCalifornia
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
Campgrounds1
Nearest national parkChannel Islands (38 mi)
Closest airportLAX (23 mi)
Sunbeams reaching from glowing sun over the ocean.
Point Mugu Sunset Photo: NPS

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a national recreation area run by the National Park Service in California.

In the park service’s words

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultural sites, from old movie ranches to Native American centers. What will you and your family discover?

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Mishe Mokwa Trail to Split Rock (1 to 3 Hours): Traversing riparian, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral, this trail offers wonderful views of Carlisle Canyon and Balanced Rock. Split Rock’s oak grove offers a shaded spot for picnicking.
  • Solstice Canyon Trail (2 to 3 Hours): Travel through a beautiful, shaded riparian environment on the Solstice Canyon Trail alongside a year-round creek.
  • Satwiwa Loop Trail (1 to 2 Hours): This area was set aside for the preservation and celebration of Native American cultures.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The park sites are open year-round. Our parking lots are open from 8 am to sunset.

Camping

Campground Sites Booking From RVs Amenities
[Circle X Ranch Campground - CLOSED]() 1 Both $35 No none listed

Getting there

There are multiple trailheads around the park, so there is not one main entrance. You can begin your visit at the visitor center, located off Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. The Santa Monica Mountains are traversed by the 405 Freeway on the east side; crowned by the 101 Freeway on the north and west side; and Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), on the southern ocean border.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Los Angeles, CA No road route 23 Large hub
Hollywood Burbank/Bob Hope Airport (BUR) Burbank, CA No road route 25 Large hub
Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport (HHR) Hawthorne, CA No road route 28 Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. The Visitor Center and bookstore are open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the exception of some federal holidays. Parking: Two-hour parking will be available adjacent to the visitor center. Additional paid parking is also located nearby.
  • Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu Closed; Fri Closed; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, except on some federal holidays.

Weather

Summers are hot and dry while winters are cool and wet.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Channel Islands, about 38 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

No entrance fee.

Where is Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

In California. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Los Angeles International Airport, about 23 miles away.

Can you camp at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

Yes, at 1 campground the park service lists.

More sites nearby

View of the Alcatraz Lighthouse and Island from the water Other Park Service sitesAlcatraz Island Park Service site in California. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed. Sunset over Amistad Reservoir with Highway 90 bridge to left of photo going over the reservoir and i Recreation areasAmistad National Recreation Area National Recreation Area in Texas. No entrance fee. 2 hikes listed. Big South Fork NRRA in Fall Recreation areasBig South Fork National River & Recreation Area National River & Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee. No entrance fee. Recreation areasBighorn Canyon National Recreation Area National Recreation Area in Montana and Wyoming. No entrance fee. A child dancing on the beach at dusk Recreation areasBoston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area National Recreation Area in Massachusetts. No entrance fee. 3 hikes listed. A cross and bell on the roof alcove of a white stucco church. TrailsButterfield Overland National Historic Trail National Historic Trail in 7 states. No entrance fee.