Exploring Vazquez Rocks With Your Family Is A Great (Free) Way To Spend An Afternoon

This set of unique rocks darting up out of the ground were named after a notorious bandit who used them to elude capture in 1874. Tiburcio Vasquez was able to escape law enforcement by hiding out in this geological feature and today, we get to explore them the same as he did, presumably. Minus the ‘running from the law’ part.

Vasquez Rocks are located in the high desert near Agua Dulce Springs. They are 932 acres of stunning rock formations, and a seasonal stream. They were formed when sandstone rocks were uplifted at a unique angle, showing their jagged red features. The park is a popular hiking, picnicking, and equestrian area and has been used in many hit movies, television shows and commercials. Here’s a list of Films and Television that have used it as a backdrop. 

These rocks are free to explore and there is no fee to park your vehicle, but there is an ‘Interpretive Center’  and the hours are Tuesday – Sunday 8:00am to 4:00 pm. The center is closed Mondays. The center has information and small area to shop.

Make sure you drive all the way in to the rocks and park there, unless you’d like to add almost a mile of extra walking to the rocks, which is fine too.

And every time we’ve gone, it’s been very hot while climbing. There is no shade, really. Wear hats, sunscreen and be sure to have closed toe shoes on. I’ve seen many a tourist stop in their flip flops only to have a very difficult time maneuvering the steep slopes. It makes for great entertainment for others, if that’s your goal.

And I’ve had big kids and little kids go explore…there are more flat areas for the smaller children to explore, while the bigger kids make your mom alert go into hyperdrive.

Vasquez Rocks National Park is located at

10700 West Escondido Canyon Road
Agua Dulce, CA  91390
(661) 268-0840

Driving Directions

For reservations please contact the park.

Please Note: There is a water fountain available in the Vasquez Rocks Interpretive Center during business hours only. Bring plenty of water with you!    

Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
March 12, 2017 – November 4, 2017: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
November 5, 2017 – March 10, 2018: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.