Vasquez Rocks

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Vasquez Rocks

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a 745 acre (3 km²) northern Los Angeles County, California USA park acquired by LA County government in the 1970s. It is in the Agua Dulce vicinity between the Antelope Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley just north of Los Angeles and seen easily by motorists driving the Antelope Valley Freeway. Vasquez Rocks have been used innumerable times in motion pictures, various television series and in moving and still photography advertisements, and continues to be used in them today.

1 History
2 Role in entertainment
3 What to do at the rocks
4 Directions
5 See also
6 Sources/external links

[edit] History

The rocks' history began in prehistoric times when the sandstone rocks were uplifted at a picturesque angle, showing their jagged red features. The rock formations are part of the San Andreas Fault. In 1873 and 1874 Tiburcio Vasquez - one of California's most notorious bandits - used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement. His name has since been associated with this geologic feature.

Vasquez Rocks

[edit] Role in entertainment

[edit] In films

The Vasquez Rocks have been used as the setting for key scenes in a relatively large number of motion pictures produced by many Hollywood filmmakers, including:

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Bubble Boy (2001)
Very Bad Things (1998)
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Guns of El Chupacabra (1997)
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995)
The Flintstones (1994)
In the Army Now (1994)
Army of Darkness (1993)
Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991)
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
Hell Comes to Frogtown (1987)
Short Circuit (1986)
Blazing Saddles (1974)
Apache (1954)
Dracula (1931)

[edit] In television

Television series productions which have used the Vasquez Rocks include:

24
Airwolf
Bonanza
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Power Rangers
Roswell
Star Trek: The Original Series (notably the episodes "Arena", "The Alternative Factor", "Shore Leave", and "Friday's Child")
Star Trek: The Next Generation ("Who Watches the Watchers?")
The Wild Wild West
S Club 7:Back To The 50's (one off special for ITV)
The Outer Limits
Alias (episode #3.9, "Conscious")
Mr. Show with Bob and David (episode #203 "The Biggest Failure In Broadway History")
Hunter
Helltown
MacGyver
Space: Above and Beyond (episode #1x06 "Ray Butts")
Charmed
Friends
Fear Factor
Las Vegas
Logan's Run (Episode 1.13 - "Turnabout")
Zorro

[edit] In music videos

Music video production done at Vasquez Rocks include:

Black or White (song) by Michael Jackson
High and Dry (UK version) by Radiohead
S Club Party by S Club 7
Mind's Eye by Wolfmother
Heaven Is A Halfpipe by OPM

The Rocks were even drawn into the animated series Futurama, depicting various alien landscapes as they did in the other science fiction shows, and they were also animated in Shrek.

[edit] What to do at the rocks

Climbing the large sloped rocks is the most popular activity. Other activities include a history trail tour of its previous visitors, the Tatavian Indians and Spanish settlers. Additional activities include campfire nature talks, hiking (including a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail), horseback riding and other equestrian programs, an Easter sunrise service, and picnic lunching at picnic areas in the park. School tours and organized youth group campouts require a reservation from the park management, reachable by telephone at (661) 268-0840. Other uses the park allows are motion picture filming, weddings, and large picnic and party groups, which must be arranged in advance.

Star Trek fans sometimes recreate the events that transpired at Vasquez in the Original Series' episode "Arena", even going as far as donning masks of the reptilian creature in that episode, the Gorn.

Vasquez Rocks is a popular site for orienteering, where participants find locations within the park's rugged terrain using map and compass. The Los Angeles Orienteering Club sponsors several events each year at this location.

[edit] Directions

From Los Angeles, drive north on Interstate 5 (the Golden State Freeway) to California Route 14/Antelope Valley Freeway, which meanders northeast. After you leave the the Canyon Country portion of Santa Clarita take the exit at Agua Dulce Canyon Road. At the end of the offramp turn left. The road passes through the southern part of the rocks, then makes an abrupt right turn. A short distance further, Agua Dulce Canyon Road makes an abrupt left turn, but the park entrance is straight ahead on Escondido Canyon Road. The park entrance to the immediate right. Parking and use of the park is free.