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Overview

Welcome to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) park page.  The MRCA manages over 75,000 acres of public parkland and open space that it owns or that is owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy zone covers an area from the edge of the Mojave Desert to the Pacific Ocean. The zone encompasses the whole of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Simi Hills, the Verdugo Mountains and significant portions of the Santa Susana and San Gabriel Mountains.

In addition, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority also owns or manages thousands of acres in the Sierra Pelona Mountains and in the Whittier-Puente Hills. From north to south, these areas drain into the Santa Clara River, Calleguas Creek, numerous smaller coastal watersheds in the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Los Angeles River and Rio Hondo.

Use this site to explore these areas, plan your trips, and enjoy the views!

Whether you are looking for a hiking or picnic area near your home or a natural place to celebrate a special event, our interactive map and park pages will introduce you to  many of the beautiful places that the MRCA has worked to protect in our Southern California region.






View Parks by Name

Interactive Map

MRCA Parkland Recreation Map

FAQs

FAQ

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Are all the parks and open space in Los Angeles and Ventura County in this listing?

 

No. The parks listed are only parks managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) that the MRCA owns or that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.



Who else owns public open space and parkland in this area?

There are many branches of federal, state and local government that own and manage parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains and Rim of the Valley Zone and the Los Angeles River Watershed. While not a complete listing, these include:
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area unit of the National Park Service (SAMO)
USDA Forest Service–Angeles National Forest
California State Parks, Angeles District
County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation
City of Los Angeles Recreation and Park District
Conejo Recreation and Park District
Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District
Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency



Can I get married or hold a special event in an MRCA park?

Yes. Many MRCA parks have beautiful areas and facilities to host a wedding or special event, but you must have a permit. For more information, visit our special event page or contact us.




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