Entry No. 34 — the Los Angeles file — filed under: outdoor-weird

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

Tilted slabs of sandstone jut from the desert floor at a dramatic 45-degree angle, up to 150 feet high, exposed by movement along the San Andreas Fault system. The otherworldly formations have stood in for alien planets in countless productions, most famously as the backdrop to Captain Kirk's fight with the lizard-like Gorn in the original Star Trek. The Pacific Crest Trail runs right through the park, and you can scramble straight up the iconic angled rock faces.

The move: Scramble up the famous tilted slab together for a photo, then follow the trail loop through the rock maze the aliens fought in.

📍 Before you go About 30 miles north of central LA. Very exposed and hot in summer; wear sturdy shoes for rock scrambling and bring water.

• 📍 Agua Dulce
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23