Ocean views, city skyline, and Catalina Island — all from a moderate one-hour loop hike in Pacific Palisades.
🔥 Post-Palisades Fire Status — February 2025
The park reopened November 1, 2025 after the January 2025 Palisades Fire. The Inspiration Point loop, polo field, and picnic area are open. The Backbone Trail and Rivas Canyon Trail remain closed. Check parks.ca.gov for the latest before visiting.
Why Will Rogers
Will Rogers State Historic Park offers something rare in LA: ocean views, city skyline views, and Catalina Island views — all from a moderate 2.0-mile loop that takes about an hour. On a clear day from Inspiration Point, you can see from downtown LA to the Santa Monica Bay to the Channel Islands. It's one of the most rewarding views-per-effort ratios of any hike in the city.
The park is also the former ranch of Will Rogers — the 1930s cowboy philosopher, columnist, radio personality, and the highest-paid actor in Hollywood at the time of his death. The park preserves (and is rebuilding) his legacy on 186 acres of Pacific Palisades hillside.
Sunset at Inspiration Point is unmissable. Post a plan on WashedUp and find people to share the view with.
Who Was Will Rogers?
Will Rogers (1879‒1935) started in vaudeville with a trick roping act and became one of the most famous and beloved Americans of his era — simultaneously a movie star, newspaper columnist, radio personality, aviation enthusiast, and political commentator. His most famous quote: "I never met a man I didn't like."
During the 1920s, Rogers bought land in Santa Monica and developed it into a working ranch: a 31-room house, guest housing, stables, corrals, a polo field, a golf course, and riding trails. He died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935 (flying with pioneering aviator Wiley Post). His widow Betty donated the ranch to California State Parks in 1944. The park's ranch house and stables were destroyed in the January 2025 Palisades Fire.
The Trails
Inspiration Point Loop
2.0 miles · Easy-moderate · ~1‒1.5 hours · 350 ft elevation gain
The main attraction. A well-maintained trail from the parking lot up to Inspiration Point and back. Counterclockwise (recommended): climb through more shaded sections first, reach Inspiration Point, then descend with ocean views. At Inspiration Point: benches, 360-degree views of downtown LA, Century City, Santa Monica Bay, the Malibu coast, and Catalina Island. One of the best sunrise and sunset spots in the city.
Rivas Canyon Trail
Currently closed — fire damage
Connects Will Rogers to Temescal Gateway Park. Closed due to Palisades Fire damage as of early 2025. When it reopens, this creates a longer through-hike option.
Backbone Trail
Currently closed — fire damage
The famous 67-mile trail running the length of the Santa Monica Mountains starts (or ends) here. The first seven miles from Will Rogers burned in the Palisades Fire and remain closed as of early 2025.
A Note on the Fire
Visiting Will Rogers post-fire is a different experience than before — and arguably a more meaningful one. The charred remains of century-old trees stand alongside bright green new growth. The ranch house site is a void where history once stood. But the views from Inspiration Point are unchanged, the grass on the polo field has returned, and the community celebration when the park reopened in November 2025 was evidence that this place matters deeply to Los Angeles.
The park's future is being planned in collaboration with the Palisades community. The spirit of Will Rogers — optimistic, generous, welcoming — endures even without the physical structures.
Practical Details
Address: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Getting there: From Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades, turn north on Will Rogers Road. Follow it up the hill to the park entrance.
Parking: $12/hour or all-day. Very limited free street parking (about 10 spots, almost always full). No parking in surrounding residential neighborhoods without permit.
Hours: 8am to sunset, daily.
Cost: Parking fee only. No entrance fee.
Dogs: Allowed on leash in the historic zone and Inspiration Loop. NOT allowed on Backbone, Temescal, or Rustic Canyon trails.
Facilities: Currently limited due to fire restoration. Check current status before visiting.
Tips
- Sunset from Inspiration Point is exceptional — time your visit to reach the top 30 minutes before sunset.
- The trail has more shade than most Santa Monica Mountains hikes, but bring sun protection.
- The park is popular but rarely feels crowded the way Runyon Canyon does. Weekend mornings are busiest.
- Horse trail rides are available through Jigsaw Farms (inside the park). Book in advance.
- After your hike, drive west on Sunset to Pacific Palisades village for coffee or lunch.
- The regeneration post-fire is remarkable — burned trees alongside bright new growth create a powerful visual contrast.
Nearby
Santa Monica Beach 15 minutes downhill from the park
Getty Center 10 minutes east — the hilltop museum
Malibu 20 minutes north on PCH
Temescal Gateway Adjacent to Will Rogers, currently closed post-fire
Make It a WashedUp Plan
Will Rogers is the perfect after-work or weekend morning hike — an hour on the trail, incredible views, and a sense of history and resilience. Combine with sunset from Inspiration Point and dinner in Pacific Palisades or Santa Monica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Will Rogers State Historic Park free? Parking requires a day-use fee (currently $12), but you can walk or bike in for free. The park and trails are open to the public at no charge.
What is there to do at Will Rogers State Historic Park? The park offers hiking trails with ocean views, the historic Will Rogers Ranch House, polo fields where matches are held on weekends, and beautiful picnic areas.
Last verified: February 2025. Trail conditions are actively evolving post-fire. Check parks.ca.gov for current closures.
