Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Among the many scenic crest line and canyon roads within the recreation area are Decker, Encinal Canyon, Potrero and Yerba Buena roads. Tuna Canyon and Saddle Peak roads provide coastal views, while Corral Canyon Road offers a view of the interior canyons and rugged crests.
Paralleling the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1) and the Ventura Freeway (US 101), the Mulholland Highway traverses the Santa Monica Mountains from the Hollywood Freeway (US 101) on the east to the Pacific Ocean at Leo Carrillo State Park on the west. Cheeseboro Palo Comado Canyons in Agoura, has more than 4,000 acres of rolling oak woodland that is suitable for hiking, picnicking and horseback riding.
Note: A 10-mile section of Mulholland Highway from the San Diego Freeway (I-405) west to Topanga Canyon Boulevard is a graded dirt road that is closed to the public.
Area open daily 24 hours. The Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center, at 26876 Mulholland Hwy. in Calabasas, is open daily 9-5; closed Jan. 1, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Recreation includes hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, camping, bicycling, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, surfing and riding equestrian trails. Rangers conduct nature hikes and educational programs; check with the park service for schedules. Reservations are required for some activities. For information contact the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, 401 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360; phone (805) 370-2301. Phone ahead to confirm all schedules.