Vasquez Rocks ~ Ride Your Horse On Another Planet
Tucked away in the little city of Agua Dulce, just off the 14 freeway in Southern California, are Vasquez Rocks. Vasquez Rocks got its name from the bandit Tiburcio Vasquez. Some have characterized Vasquez as a Robin Hood, while others have made him out as a womanizer. Most agree he lived outside the law. When he allegedly killed some men near Hollister, California, his gang rode to Southern Cal to escape capture. For a time he hid in the area that now bears his name. He eluded capture by using the rock formations and caves to hide.
In the 1930’s, a movie director suggested Vasquez Rocks as a shooting location for Tibet. This was the beginning of a new relationship with Hollywood. Og course it was a favorite setting for Westerns. The Texas Ranger (1931) and the Gambler (1939) used the rocky back drop to simulate the Old West.
When television arrived, Vasquez Rocks’ popularity grew. The Lone Ranger, Cheyenne, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Big Valley, The Wild Wild West, and Hondo used the rocks at least once.
In 1967, Vasquez Rocks got its big break in Hollywood. The crew of the Enterprise landed right in its backyard. It was used to fight the Gorns. They also used the rocks in the movie production of Star Trek IV as the planet Vulcan.
Our Ride to Vasquez Rocks
It has shortened the park hours because of COVID. But, because the Pacific Crest Trail runs through the park, you can get in through those entrances. There’s parking on Escondido Canyon Road. They charge no admission to get into the park.
Pertinent Information
10700 West Escondido Canyon Road
Agua Dulce, CA 9139
Park Telephone: (661) 268-0840
If you go in the summer, it can get warm so leave early. It wouldn’t hurt to take water and a light snack. There are some trail maps to follow. For most of our ride you could often see the 14 Fwy. on one side or the houses on the other. It really helped with orientation. The terrain can be rock in places. If your horse has tender feet, I would suggest boots.
Enjoy!
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In my world, equine transportation means loading up my horse in the trailer and driving for a few hours. But I’ve often wondered what it was like for a horse being transported across the country or even around the world. What is equine transportation mean to them? What is it like for horses that qualify to get to the Olympics to compete, racehorses, or perhaps even a prize bull who moves from one ranch to another country? I remembered the first time I flew in a plane. It was kind of scary. The power you feel on takeoff, the pressure changes, and the bumpy landings are unnerving. I had an adult to explain everything was all right, but what about an animal?
Carmalee Scarpitti loves learning. In 2003, it turned her world upside down when she was in an accident with a drunk driver. Badly injured, Carmalee was in a wheelchair for months. Therapy worked to a point, but she need more help. She found a therapeutic riding center, Horses for Hope, and began with one therapeutic riding session a week. Her legs got stronger, her core strength improved too. Her progress was so impressive, she took the leap and got her own horse, Macy.
