Only a short thirty minute drive from Los Angeles and you enter into another world! The Vasquez Rocks are an amazing spot to hit for a day trip or a stop along your way up to North California. The area is an arid climate where temperatures can reach in excess of 105 degrees, so be careful to pick a day that isn’t too hot. Even with a high of 85 degrees and us going in the morning, King started to feeling it pretty quickly. Once you enter the park there are a total of three parking lots; one to the right at the visitor center, one half way down the road set near some smaller rock formations, and the last one at the main rock which is also Star Trek's Historic Film Site. If you are not a Trekkie/Trekker or into exploring and hiking, you are still in luck as you can drive to the base of each major rock formation. If you just want to get out of your car to grab a photo or two, or take the whole day to explore all the rock parks, this destination will suit your needs. King and I were looking to do some exploring, so we got strapped-up and started our hike!
King:
Life isn't always easy for a pup like me. I mean yeah, car rides can be fun, but sometimes I just wanna lay at home and enjoy a nice bone or a Kong filled with peanut butter, but I also wasn’t a sleepy head like Dad said I was!
King and I started at the last lot and climbed around on the smaller rock formations before we met up with a couple of friends. With so many different trails, Vasquez Rocks is sure to have something for everyone. Ranging from very short out-and-back hikes to a five-mile loop around the whole park, you will be able to experience this amazing California destination and get a great workout in. AllTrails has a few trails listed within the county park, and cell service for Verizon was great so you don’t have to be an AllTrails Pro member or worry about getting lost. Even with those set trails, the vegetation is so spars you can easily create your own path.
King:
Okay maybe the drive was worth it. I wish Dad would have asked me though, you know I am a big boy and should be able to make my own decisions... Not saying I would have not wanted to come, just that I like to have a choice, you know!
With King wearing his Summit Trex Ruffwear boots he is so much more confident in himself! He loves to jump around on the rocks and follow you everywhere you go. This was so important for me since King sometimes is fearful of climbing into the car... And just for clarification it's only a 26 inch step up. With his boots on and his GoPro chest harness set up and rolling he bounded around the rocks only stopping to make sure I was still following him. We have started a new King Kam where King will give you a tour of the places we go! I do not know if you will get the best views of the locations but he will make sure that you come along with him to smell all the trees!
King:
The rocks are so much fun to jump around on and climb! I still am not sure if Dad can always pick the places to go without talking to me but this place was perfect. I still am not sure how I feel about King Kam, on one paw I love to show you all the best spots to smell but now there is video evidence of anything bad I do... I need to figure out how to turn off the camera. Any pups with a solution let me know, how else am I suppose to human food?
Vasquez's main rock formation can be a tough climb if you don’t pick a good line to follow so definitely scout out your climb beforehand. Once you get to the top the views are spectacular as you can see 360 degrees around. In a few spots there are some trees that were able to root themselves and survive the sparse nutrients on top of the rock. If you have packed a lunch or at least some snacks there are a few places at the top that you are able to take a break with some shade and enjoy the views. After taking in the view we made our way to the other side of the rock formation and continued our way around the park. After about forty minutes or so you could tell the heat was getting to him. He started seeking out shade and this is when we decided to head back to the car.
King:
The climb was really treacherous for everyone but me. I don't know if it was my shoes or having four legs instead of two but I basically pulled my Dad up. I probably should have went back for the girls but there was so much going on at the top I totally forgot. Once at the top I could see in every direction, but it was a lot of the same. There is a small shaded area I laid down in while we waited for everyone to make it to the top.
After resting in the car with some music and grabbing some water and a snack we were back out on the trail! The group of us did three out and back trails making sure to take some time to cool off at the car between each as the temperature was rising. Make sure to bring a cooler with a ton of water for yourself and your pup! The park is open from 8am to 5pm and unless you are going to visit when the temps are lower I would make sure to be there first think in the morning. Vasquez rocks gets an 8/10 from me and a 3/4 🐾 from King. I do not think this is the best all year round spot to hit because of the temperatures but it is definitely a go to hike if you are in the area! Like always we want to hear from you and know where you have been traveling too!
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