With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A Park a Day: Will Rogers State Historic Park, Pacific Palisades
Entrance to Will Rogers State Park (Photo by Peggy Archer / LAist)
()
July is National Parks & Recreation Month, and all month long LAist will be featuring a hand-selected park a day to showcase just a few of the wonderful recreation spaces--big or small--in the Los Angeles area.
Deeded to the city of Los Angeles upon his widow's death in 1944, Will Rogers Historic State Park sits on 186 acres in the Pacific Palisades just north of Sunset Blvd.
The park offers guided tours of the historic ranch house (Thursday and Friday 11 am, 1 pm and 2pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm), and a self guided tour of the exterior grounds can be downloaded from the park's website. The grounds and the ranch building are maintained as they were when Rogers and his family lived there.
()
Support for LAist comes from
Will Rogers Historic Ranch Home (Photo by Peggy Archer / LAist)
The park features well-maintained hiking trails, with an easy two mile loop to amazing views at the aptly-named Inspiration Point or access to the Backbone Trail for those who want to really explore the local mountains. There is a large picnic area with grills and a nature center for those who prefer not to hike. Dogs are allowed on the Inspiration Point trail, but they must be kept on leash.
()
Henry walks the wide, level trail to Inspiration Point (Photo by Peggy Archer / LAist)
The park still shows Rogers' passion for horses with it's equestrian facilities. The Will Rogers Polo Club plays on the only outdoor polo field in Los Angeles county every weekend during the summer.
Guided horseback trail rides are available, and park users who own horses are encouraged to bring them along to enjoy the park with their people.
()
Horses at Will Rogers State Park (Photo by Peggy Archer / LAist)
For those who prefer two-wheeled steeds, the park allows mountain biking on some of the trails, but not all. Be sure to check signs before pedaling.
Support for LAist comes from
Parking is $12 per day entry. Polo matches are free for spectators and well worth the time to see.
Even if you don't like polo, dogs, or horses, LAist recommends hiking the Inspiration Point Loop just for the views, which are spectacular.
()
Will Rogers State Park (Photo by Peggy Archer / LAist)
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist