Circle X Ranch, Grotto Trailhead

General information

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is one of the largest urban national parks in the world! It has more area codes (5) and zip codes (26), including the famous 90210, than any other unit in the National Park System.

The Santa Monica Mountains rise above Los Angeles, widen to meet the curve of Santa Monica Bay and reach their highest peaks facing the ocean, forming a beautiful and multi-faced landscape. Located in a Mediterranean ecosystem, the Santa Monica Mountains contain a wide variety of plants and wildlife.

As Los Angeles is the only major city to be bisected by a mountain range, it makes it the only major city to be bisected by a national park!

But the mountains also have an interesting and diverse cultural history which begins with the Chumash and Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and continues today in "L.A.'s backyard." Come experience the magic of these mountains while visiting Southern California, you may even recognize them from your favorite movie or TV show.

For more trail maps and if you're looking for the official source of information about Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, please visit our homepage at http://www.nps.gov/samo

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