Pacific Palisades, CA invites you to explore the enduring legacy of Will Rogers at his former ranch, now preserved as the Will Rogers State Historic Park. This remarkable site combines scenic beauty, historical significance, and a wide range of outdoor activities to offer visitors a meaningful experience rooted in California heritage.
A Beloved Cowboy Philosopher’s Legacy
Will Rogers, one of America’s most celebrated humorists and film stars of the early 20th century, purchased this scenic property in the 1920s. His estate eventually spanned approximately 186 to 359 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The ranch featured a Spanish Colonial Revival-style 31-room ranch house complete with eleven bathrooms, seven fireplaces, stables, corrals, a roping arena, polo field, golf course, and miles of horse and hiking trails. In 1944, Rogers’s widow, Betty, donated the property to California State Parks to preserve his memory.
You can step back in time by joining guided tours of the ranch house most weekends. Docents share personal stories, original furnishings, artworks, and memorabilia, giving insight into Rogers’s life off‑screen.
Nature, Trails, and Equestrian Heritage
Set within the Santa Monica Mountains, the park offers a blend of gentle and moderate hiking trails. The popular Inspiration Point Loop spans about two miles and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the valley and coastline. For longer excursions, trails link to the Backbone Trail, which stretches over 67 miles across the region.
Horseback riding remains at the heart of the ranch’s spirit. Guided trail rides are available through local providers, taking you through the very paths Will Rogers once rode. The park also hosts a polo field where matches take place on weekends from April to September.
Trail maps are available at the visitor center, which also features interpretive exhibits on Rogers’s life, local ecology, and ranch history.
A Community Resource Through Time
The park is a cherished community space open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, restroom facilities, drinking water, parking, and electric vehicle charging stations. Events such as ranch tours, seasonal gatherings, and horseback lessons reinforce the park’s role as both a cultural and recreational hub.
Tragically, in January 2025, a wildfire destroyed the historic ranch house and several outbuildings, leaving only two chimneys standing. Despite the loss, many artifacts were saved, and restoration efforts are underway—reflecting the enduring value and community commitment to this landmark.
Stepping into Will Rogers State Historic Park means walking through the life of a beloved American icon while enjoying scenic trails, horseback adventures, and rich cultural history. Whether you’re driven by nostalgia, a love for nature, or family outings, this Pacific Palisades,CA gem invites you to connect with the past and appreciate the beauty of today. Visit soon to experience resilience, remembrance, and the spirit of the cowboy philosopher.
