One of the most stunning locales in the Santa Monica Mountains, 588 acre King Gillette Ranch offers a rare unspoiled view of California’s rich archaeological, cultural, and historic resources. The property features a Chumash settlement, nationally significant structures designed for the tycoon of the Gillette razor blade, and an expansive landscape that includes a grand entry, serene pond, sweeping lawns, bridges and a historic Spanish Colonial Revival mansion, all set against a backdrop of the majestic Santa Monica Mountains.
The King Gillette Ranch is a popular destination for local residents and visitors. The scenic parkland is a haven for native wildlife and offers scenic hiking, birding, camping, picnicking and fishing.
Its 588 acres are a conservation area, and the ranch is managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) as part of its overall management of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. MRCA collaborates with the National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and the State of California to manage and preserve the lands of this important conservation area.
Among the many attractions on the Ranch is a visitor center which has a great collection of exhibits and information on local, regional and national parks and recreation areas. The visitor center also hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Nights of the Jack Halloween event that takes place every fall.
There is also a hiking trail that leads up to Inspiration Point, which has a breathtaking view of the Santa Monica Mountains. The trail is an easy 1.5 mile loop hike that can be done in just a few minutes.
The visitor center is also home to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy’s art gallery. The organization, which promotes environmental awareness and education through the visual arts, organizes several art shows a year in both local and natural settings within the conservation area.
This art gallery has an extensive selection of paintings by artists who work in the surrounding area. The works of these artists have a wide range of styles and subject matter, from local landscapes to scenes of national parks.
You can also learn about the history of the conservation area and see what is being done to protect it from development. The conservation area is a protected natural resource and it is vital that the community understands and respects the area so that it can continue to flourish.
In addition to the museum and art gallery, the visitor center has a large library of books on the conservation area. It also provides information on local and national parks, conservation, and other related topics.
If you are interested in exploring the Santa Monica Mountains there is a great free map available that includes trails and other places of interest on the mountain. The map can be picked up at the visitor center.
There is a small path behind the visitor center that you can take to get a quick look at some of the surrounding parkland. There is also a hiking trail that connects the visitor center and the mansion which makes it a very fun day trip.