Will Rogers State Historic Park

Unfortunately, effective immediately, the Polo field is closed to all activities except for weekend concessionaire polo matches. The area will no longer be open for any recreation. Please remember when visiting the park that COVID-19 public health regulations must be followed the entire duration of your visit at the park. Following these simple regulations allows us to remain open during these unprecedented times.

The Cherokee Nation is a wonderful group working in collaboration to preserve their heritage. https://tulsaworld.com//article_e0ae284e-1e30-11eb-8bea-d7

Will Rogers had a lot to say about elections and although he never seriously ran, he would have won in a heartbeat. I think everyone would like to have a few more people like Will Rogers around.

Smell fire in the air? Our wonderful local firefighters knocked down a .5 acre blaze in rustic canyon on Sullivan road. All is contained, no injuries or structures threatened. https://www.lafd.org/alerts

Taken at 5 pm today. In my short time at the park, I have never seen the smoke this bad. Stay safe and healthy.

Backbone trail at WRSHP has reopened. Sep 12-13 looks to be warm so bring plenty of water and wear your mask. No picnicking as polo field and big lawn are still closed to the public. Stay safe this weekend!

ALL TRAILS in the Santa Monica Mountains and in the following state parks are closed due to extreme heat until 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7: Leo Carrillo Malib...u Creek Pt. Mugu Topanga Will Rogers This includes National Park Service (NPS), Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) and Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority (MRCA) properties. Please stay safe. The extreme hot weather conditions can put your health at risk. Unfortunately, a hiker lost her life from the heat and there were a number of heat-related rescues yesterday. #StaySafe #LAHeat #Heatwave #LaborDay Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency L.A. Mountains

It’s hard work to keep the Will Rogers Ranch Museum clean!

Staff from all over the state is rushing to assist those affected by the wildfires. We have reports of large sections of parks on fire and structures and homes destroyed. Please take a moment to send positive thought to those affected. If you have travel plans please look over this list to see which parks are closed because of the fires: https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/967

It was on this day, August 19, 1944 that the Will Rogers property became the first State Historic Park! 76 years later we are still going strong, celebrating Will's life and the wonderful property Betty left to Californians.

Over the past weekend, our Rangers were busy on rescues for lost & dehydrated hikers. Always good advice, but especially during a heatwave, never hike without water. Inspiration loop at 2 miles may not seem like much, but the hike is in full sun and the chaparral is hotter than you might think. Also, make sure you read up about the trails before you hike. 90% of our rescues come out of Rustic Canyon. Go for a canyon hike, sounds shaded you might think. Rustic Canyon is an un...maintained trail that is full of poison oak and stinging nettle. Look down at your shoes. Are they sneakers? Hiking boots are highly recommended because during parts of Rustic Canyon you will need to cling to rock cliff edges and climb up steep loose dirt cliff sides. The trail makes a loop that is 4+ hours with Backbone trail. It's a ruthless trail and only for experienced hikers who bring proper food, water and hiking equipment. If you want to visit the area, try up Sullivan rd. Remember, if you are in an emergency, call 9-1-1. Stay hydrated and cool this week. -Your staff at Will Rogers See more

With the lake fire to the north, there has been a decline in air quality. The face covering you wear to the park will have a dual purpose. Stay cool and hydrated this weekend with the heat wave. https://ktla.com//stay-indoors-as-much-as-possible-smoke-/

Yesterday was a busy day with fire and two helicopters. For those of you who wondered, https://www.lafd.org/alert/hiker-rescue-08102020-inc0419 Our polo field is occasionally used as a convienient helicopter pad by the local fire department. Big shout out and thanks to those who worked on the medical call yesterday.

A short 30 second video I snapped of a beautiful king snake. Another one of our nonvenomous snakes at the park, the California Kingsnake. These snakes get their name because they have been known to regularly eat rattlesnakes and other venomous snakes. They come in a wide array of different patterns and colors called 'morphs'. This one looks to be the cream or pale yellow morph. What color do you think it is? Learn the Latin: Lampropeltis - Greek - lampros - shiny and pelta - shield - referring to the smooth, shiny dorsal scales characteristic of this genus. californiae - of the state of California - which includes most of the range of this subspecies. http://www.californiaherps.com/sna/pages/l.californiae.html

With the heat coming out, so have the snakes! Although this Pacific gopher snake looks similar to a rattlesnake, it is only practicing mimicry. It is not venomous and is harmless as long as you leave it alone. It is beneficial to the environment as they help keep the rodent population down. Gopher snakes are one of the most common Learn the Latin- Pituophis - Greek - pitys- pine and ophis - snake - possibly referring to habitat of nominate subspecies on U.S. east coast (the ...Pine Snake) catenifer - Latin - catena - chain and -ifera - bearing - referring to the dorsal color pattern annectens - Latin - joining or connecting http://www.californiaherps.com/sna/pages/p.c.annectens.html