As Seen on the Big Screen!!!
When you hear the name Vasquez Rocks a mental image may not immediately come to mind. Despite being a world famous geological feature it is also one of the least visited. Still have no idea what or where Vasquez Rocks is? Picture huge linear rocks jutting out of a desert landscape at a 45 degree angle. Still nothing? Remember the original Star Trek, the episode where Capt. Kirk battles that lizard dude, yeah, that’s the place. Vasquez Rocks was also used in Star Trek as the planet that Spock from, I’m not a Trekker or Trekkie, so I have no idea the name of his fictional planet. Not in to Sci-Fi? Okay, for you 80s movie fans, the rocks were used for the gateway to hell in Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. Or, for you western fans it was always used as the antagonist’s hideout in Bonanza, Blazing Saddles. and Zorro. If you still don’t know what the hell I’m talking about, here is a something to jog your memory.
So now you know what that place is called that you have seen in countless films and television shows. Sorry to ruin any movie magic for you, but now you know that certain films were not shot in space, hell, or the badlands, but in sunny Southern California.
The features Vasquez Rocks are actually more majestic in real life than on the screen. These huge sheets of sandstone come shooting out of the earth giving the landscape a disjointed feel. While out among the rocks you get the impression that eons ago two worlds crashed together and formed this jagged terrain. In a sense, that is exactly what happened, (now I’m not talking about any extraterrestrial business), Vasquez Rocks happens to be part of the San Andreas fault network. Because of the spectacular terrain these rocks have been an interest to many people throughout history. From as early as 2000 BC to the 1700s the Tataviam people used the outcroppings of rock for shelter in the hot desert sun. Tataviam. In the late 1800s it was a hideout by the bandit Tribucio Vasquez, after whom the rocks were named after. Presently, Vasquez Rocks is a county park that is enjoyed by hikers, rock climbers, equestrians, and uniformed Trekkies recreating their favorite Kirk and Spock moments.
Vasquez Rocks is a great place for hikers of all experience levels. It’s a bit nostalgic, crawling all over rocks, seeing how high you can go, it brings back memories of reckless childhood adventures. The rocks are a lot of fun for you and your friends to hike around, do some orienteering, or be a total nerd and reenact your favorite big screen moments. The area is the nicest early in the morning or close to dusk, at those times you have the best light for photography and the cooler temperatures. You don’t need any heavy duty hiking gear to explore off the trails, all you need is a good pair of sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, a hat or bandana, and bring lots of water because it get sunny and hot; remember you are in the desert. Watch out for rattlesnakes, although there are few incidents a year, nevertheless watch where you put your hands and feet. Be sure to make some noise by stomping your feet periodically and the snakes should avoid you. There are picnic tables and barbeques in the park. Parking and entrance is free, so it’s a pretty popular spot. There are not a lot of trashcans around so take your own trash bags if you plan to picnic. Also, dogs are welcome, but please pick up after them. Unfortunately, not everyone picks up after themselves in the park, be an awesome person and pick up some of what others may have left behind.. The rocks are easily accessible, just take the 5 northbound to the 14, after passing through Canyon Country, that the exit at Agua Dulce Canyon Road. Turn left at the bottom of the off ramp. The road passes through the southern part of the rocks, then it makes sharp right turn. A short distance further, the road makes an abrupt left turn, but the park entrance is straight ahead on Escondido Canyon Road. The park entrance to the immediate right.
Happy Adventures!
Information on Vasquez Rocks:
http://www.lacountyparks.org/Parkinfo.asp?URL=cms1_033383.asp&Title=Vasquez%20%20Rocks%20Natural%20Area%20and%20Center
http://aeve.com/digitaldesert/vasquezrocks/
http://santaclaritaguide.com/VasquezRocks.html
For Films and Television:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasquez_Rocks
