American Cinema plays a starring role in the cultural life of the United States and the world. Since before the advent of "talking pictures," Paramount Ranch has served as a setting for hundreds of cinematic productions.

Lights! Camera! Action!... In 1927 Paramount Pictures purchased 2,400 acres of the old Rancho Las Virgenes for use as a "movie ranch." For 25 years a veritable who's who of Hollywood practiced their craft at Paramount Ranch including director Cecil B. Demille and actors Clara Bow, Gary Cooper and Mae West. The diverse landscape was the real star of the show. It offered film makers the freedom to create distant locales such as colonial Massachusetts in "The Maid of Salem," ancient China in "The Adventures of Marco Polo" and numerous western locations including San Francisco in "Wells Fargo." The art of illusion was mastered in these films.

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch... The "golden age" of movie at Paramount Ranch came to an end when changes to the studio system prompted Paramount Pictures to sell the ranch. In 1953 the southeast portion was leased by William Hertz, an ardent fan of movie westerns. As a tribute to the history of the ranch, he built a permanent western town on the site utilizing the old prop storage sheds left behind by Paramount Pictures. As a result of his efforts, the area found renewed life as a film location when television companies began producing westerns such as "The Cisco Kid" and "Zane Grey Theatre." In 1955 Bill Hertz sold the ranch.

Ride Off Into the Sunset...The area was subdivided and sold several times during subsequent years but the tradition of film making continued. After purchasing the property in 1980, the National Parks Service took steps to revitalize the old movie ranch. In its current incarnation, the western town appears as a Colorado mining town in the television show "Dr. Quinn. Medicine Woman." We encourage you to explore the living tradition of film making in "Hollywood's backyard" and experience for yourself the drama and grandeur that the Santa Monica Mountains have to offer.

Water from streams is not safe to contact or drink due to possible contamination or the presence of the giardia protozoan.

Natural and historic features are protected by law and may not be collected.

Dogs on lease are allowed on designated trails, access roads and developed areas.

Fire is a constant danger. Campfires are prohibited. Smoking is not permited while traveling on trails.

Bicyclists must ride courteously and yield to hikers and horseback riders. Hikers must yield to horseback riders. The meadow area is closed to bicycle and horse traffic.

Trail closures will be in effect during and following significant rainfall to protect park resources. Trails will be re-opened when dry enough to sustain public use.

Stay on established trails and avoid rattlesnakes, ticks and poison oak.

Wasps and bees are plentiful during the summer months. Please cover foods and sweet beverages while picnicking.

Firearms are not allowed in National Park Service areas.

Vehicles are restricted to designated roads and parking areas.

National Park Service
Santa Monica Mountains
National Recreation Area
30401 Agoura Rd, Ste 100
Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Visitor Center 818-597-9192 x201

Try this site for more information on the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.