In the early 1930s, Will Rogers was the most popular and highest paid actor in Hollywood. From his start in vaudeville theater with a trick roping act, he rose to world-wide fame as a columnist, philosopher, radio personality, and movie star. During the 1920s, he bought land in Santa Monica, where he developed a ranch. Eventually, Will Rogers owned 186 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in what is now known as Pacific Palisades.
The ranch became the place where Will Rogers could relax with his family and friends, pursuing his favorite pastimes of riding and roping. At his untimely death in a plane crash in 1935, Will Rogers' ranch consisted of a 31-room ranch house, a stable, corrals, riding ring, roping arena, polo field, golf course, and hiking trails. When his widow, Betty, died in 1944, the ranch became a state park.
The ranch became the place where Will Rogers could relax with his family and friends, pursuing his favorite pastimes of riding and roping. At his untimely death in a plane crash in 1935, Will Rogers' ranch consisted of a 31-room ranch house, a stable, corrals, riding ring, roping arena, polo field, golf course, and hiking trails. When his widow, Betty, died in 1944, the ranch became a state park.
Getting There
The park is located at 1501 Will Rogers Park Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is located at 1501 Will Rogers Park Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open daily, including holidays, from 8am - sunset.
There are no house tours on Holidays.
Ranch House Tours
Park staff and docents offer tours of the Ranch House Thursdays and Fridays, at 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. Ranch House tours on Saturday and Sunday are from 10am to 4pm, on the top of the hour.
School group tours and special group tours: Thursday and Friday at 10am. For more information, please contact the park.
Telephone: 310-454-8212, ext. 103
The park is open daily, including holidays, from 8am - sunset.
There are no house tours on Holidays.
Ranch House Tours
Park staff and docents offer tours of the Ranch House Thursdays and Fridays, at 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. Ranch House tours on Saturday and Sunday are from 10am to 4pm, on the top of the hour.
School group tours and special group tours: Thursday and Friday at 10am. For more information, please contact the park.
Telephone: 310-454-8212, ext. 103
Activities
Ranch House Tours
Park staff and docents offer tours of the Ranch House Thursdays and Fridays, at 11 am, 1 pm, and 2pm. Ranch House tours on Saturday and Sunday are from 10am to 4pm, on the top of the hour. School group tours and special group tours: Thursday and Fridays at 10am. For more information call the Park Interpretive Staff at 310-454-8212, ext. 103.
Equestrian Activities
The Will Rogers Polo Club plays polo every weekend from April to October. Riding Lessons are available on Monday through Saturday; please see our Horseback Riding Lessons Information Page. Equestrians are welcome to bring their horses to the park for day-use to enjoy the riding and roping arena, Sarah's Point, and the trail to Inspiration Point.
Will Rogers Trail Rides provide guided trail rides on safe, reliable horses on the beautiful trails of Will Rogers State Historic Park. You will experience the park in the way Will Rogers used to love to experience it, on horseback. Our wranglers are experienced and safety oriented, so you can relax and enjoy the trails of one of the most beloved parks in Los Angeles. Will Rogers guided trail rides are available every day except Mondays. Tuesday through Fridays you can book a private guided ride by calling 310-662-3707 or go online for more information.
Hiking Trails
Hikers can enjoy a moderate 3-mile loop to Inspiration Point. Adventurous hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can tackle the Backbone Trail into the Santa Monica Mountains, which can take you all the way to Point Mugu.
Ranch Tours
The Park Interpretive Staff offers tours of the ranch house and grounds. However, you and your family can enjoy many features of our Park on your own. Download our Self-Guided Ranch Tour Card.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is now open.
Ranch House Tours
Park staff and docents offer tours of the Ranch House Thursdays and Fridays, at 11 am, 1 pm, and 2pm. Ranch House tours on Saturday and Sunday are from 10am to 4pm, on the top of the hour. School group tours and special group tours: Thursday and Fridays at 10am. For more information call the Park Interpretive Staff at 310-454-8212, ext. 103.
Equestrian Activities
The Will Rogers Polo Club plays polo every weekend from April to October. Riding Lessons are available on Monday through Saturday; please see our Horseback Riding Lessons Information Page. Equestrians are welcome to bring their horses to the park for day-use to enjoy the riding and roping arena, Sarah's Point, and the trail to Inspiration Point.
Will Rogers Trail Rides provide guided trail rides on safe, reliable horses on the beautiful trails of Will Rogers State Historic Park. You will experience the park in the way Will Rogers used to love to experience it, on horseback. Our wranglers are experienced and safety oriented, so you can relax and enjoy the trails of one of the most beloved parks in Los Angeles. Will Rogers guided trail rides are available every day except Mondays. Tuesday through Fridays you can book a private guided ride by calling 310-662-3707 or go online for more information.
Hiking Trails
Hikers can enjoy a moderate 3-mile loop to Inspiration Point. Adventurous hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can tackle the Backbone Trail into the Santa Monica Mountains, which can take you all the way to Point Mugu.
Ranch Tours
The Park Interpretive Staff offers tours of the ranch house and grounds. However, you and your family can enjoy many features of our Park on your own. Download our Self-Guided Ranch Tour Card.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is now open.
Tips & Rules
• Smoking is not permitted on trails.
• Plants, animals and objects are protected and should not be disturbed.
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times. No dogs allowed on Backbone Trail.
• Parking lot closes at sunset.
• Bicycles not allowed on singletrack trails (except the Backbone Trail).
• No picnicking within 100 feet of the Will Rogers home. Sports, games, tables and chairs are permitted only on the upper lawn area.
• Use designated trails to avoid contact with poison oak, rattlesnakes and ticks.
• Always carry plenty of water to prevent dehydration— temperatures can reach 100 degrees.
• Don’t hike or bike alone. Inform friends or family of your plans and let them know when you will return.
• In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.
• Smoking is not permitted on trails.
• Plants, animals and objects are protected and should not be disturbed.
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times. No dogs allowed on Backbone Trail.
• Parking lot closes at sunset.
• Bicycles not allowed on singletrack trails (except the Backbone Trail).
• No picnicking within 100 feet of the Will Rogers home. Sports, games, tables and chairs are permitted only on the upper lawn area.
• Use designated trails to avoid contact with poison oak, rattlesnakes and ticks.
• Always carry plenty of water to prevent dehydration— temperatures can reach 100 degrees.
• Don’t hike or bike alone. Inform friends or family of your plans and let them know when you will return.
• In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.
Accessible Features
Picnic Area: Two accessibly designed picnic tables at the east end of the park, an accessible parking space and accessible portable restroom are nearby. The route of travel and area around the tables are usable.
Trails: The Inspiration Loop Trail begins at the riding arena and is accessible for nearly 1/2 mile. The trail offers excellent views of Santa Monica and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. Accessible parking is not available at the trailhead; contact the park for tram service to access the trail. The trail is constructed of compacted soil.
Exhibits/Programs: The Ranch House is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday) at 11am, and at 1pm and 2pm. You do not need a reservation to take a tour unless you have a group of 15 or more. Parking: Five designated accessible spaces are dispersed throughout the main lot. Restrooms: The restrooms are usable. Route of travel is usable. Some slopes may require assistance.
Picnic Area: Two accessibly designed picnic tables at the east end of the park, an accessible parking space and accessible portable restroom are nearby. The route of travel and area around the tables are usable.
Trails: The Inspiration Loop Trail begins at the riding arena and is accessible for nearly 1/2 mile. The trail offers excellent views of Santa Monica and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. Accessible parking is not available at the trailhead; contact the park for tram service to access the trail. The trail is constructed of compacted soil.
Exhibits/Programs: The Ranch House is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday) at 11am, and at 1pm and 2pm. You do not need a reservation to take a tour unless you have a group of 15 or more. Parking: Five designated accessible spaces are dispersed throughout the main lot. Restrooms: The restrooms are usable. Route of travel is usable. Some slopes may require assistance.
Community Trips
