- State: CA
- NPCA Region: Pacific
- Est. Date: 1978
Air Quality Conditions
View the Polluted Parks ReportVisibility
Unsatisfactory
Health
Significant Concern
Nature
Significant Concern
The world’s largest urban national park can be found in the backyard of Los Angeles. The park's 150,000 acres span lush Mediterranean and coastal marine ecosystems, providing habitat to more than 1,000 different plant and 500 animal species. Hike trails, enjoy city views, see spectacular beaches and waterfalls, learn about American Indian cultures, and tour a working film set.
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Blog Post
Your Guide to 3 Hikes Within the Rim of the Valley
Get out there and make a connection with this land in California that could one day be part of the National Park System.
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Blog Post
Jimmy Carter, An Icon of Conservation and Public Service
NPCA’s tribute to the former U.S. president and ardent national park advocate.
More about Santa Monica Mountains
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Read more about Support the Proposed Rim of the Valley Expansion
NPCA at Work Support the Proposed Rim of the Valley Expansion With more than 17 million people, the Los Angeles Metropolitan area is the second most populated area in the country, yet it has less open space than any other large urban area on the West Coast. The Rim of the Valley proposal, which would expand Santa Monica National Recreation Area, represents an opportunity for the National Park Service to protect some of the last wild lands and historic sites in the greater Los Angeles area.
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Read more about Park Talks
Park Talks Park Talks Join our NPCA community for virtual "Park Talks" to learn about our work and ways you can get involved.
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Read more about Park Explorers: Family Fun Adventure Guide
Resource Park Explorers: Family Fun Adventure Guide An activity booklet for your next trip to a national park or your favorite place in nature.
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Read more about The Charisma Premium
Magazine Article The Charisma Premium How much would you pay to see a celebrity critter?
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Read more about A Hiking Guide to the Rim of the Valley
Blog Post A Hiking Guide to the Rim of the Valley An insider’s guide to exploring this region of California that could soon become part of the National Park System.
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Read more about 5 Reasons the Rim of the Valley Should Be Protected
Blog Post 5 Reasons the Rim of the Valley Should Be Protected National Parks Conservation Association and Nature Valley are working together to protect places in nature for everyone to enjoy – including land that comprises the Rim of the Valley in Los Angeles, California.
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Read more about Killer on the Road
Magazine Article Killer on the Road Cars helped make national parks America’s most beloved landscapes — and wreaked havoc on wildlife. What will it take to repair the damage?
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Read more about Position on S. 593, S. 736, S. 776, S. 873 & S. 1146
Policy Update Position on S. 593, S. 736, S. 776, S. 873 & S. 1146 NPCA submitted the following positions to members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources ahead of a markup scheduled for May 17, 2023.
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Read more about Celebrating Places and Stories Within Nature: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Blog Post Celebrating Places and Stories Within Nature: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area The third video in a new series showcases community activist Araceli Hernandez and her work to increase access to outdoor spaces in her community.
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Read more about Court Upholds Ventura County Ordinances to Safeguard Wildlife Connectivity
Press Release Court Upholds Ventura County Ordinances to Safeguard Wildlife Connectivity Habitat connectivity is crucial for the survival of mountain lions, gray foxes, California red-legged frogs and other wildlife in and around Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area.
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Read more about Nearby Nature: 10 Easy Getaways
Blog Post Nearby Nature: 10 Easy Getaways Need more time outdoors? You might not have to travel as far as you think.
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Read more about From the Gold Rush to the COVID Pandemic: A History of Anti-Asian Violence
Blog Post From the Gold Rush to the COVID Pandemic: A History of Anti-Asian Violence The mass-shootings in Atlanta were shocking and tragic — yet this kind of horror is not new. Anti-Asian violence is deeply rooted in American culture.
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Read more about Grand Canyon and Santa Monica Mountains among beneficiaries of public lands act
Press Release Grand Canyon and Santa Monica Mountains among beneficiaries of public lands act The ambitious Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act will safeguard famous park sites while combatting climate change and addressing environmental justice priorities
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Read more about NPCA King Gillette Hike
Video NPCA King Gillette Hike For people to become protectors of our national parks, they must first have opportunities to know and love them. NPCA’s Los Angeles team including Young Leaders Council members recently explored Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area with San Fernando Valley community members, and reflected on our work to connect people with parks and help empower park advocates.
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Read more about Rim of the Valley Corridor Special Resource Study Area
Interactive Map Rim of the Valley Corridor Special Resource Study Area View a map of natural and cultural features.
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Read more about Community Support for Rim of the Valley
Talking Points Community Support for Rim of the Valley Community Comments on National Park Service, Rim of the Valley Study, April 2015
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Read more about Center for State of the Parks: Mediterranean Biome
Report Center for State of the Parks: Mediterranean Biome Recognizing the unique natural and cultural resources resident in the Mediterranean biome, the Center for State of the Parks has endeavored to determine the conditions of natural and cultural resources in Channel Islands National Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and Cabrillo National Monument.
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