I don’t know what it is, but I seem to be a lot more sentimental these days. Maybe it has to do with growing up or (shall I say it) getting older, but I’ve been big into revisiting places I used to go as a child, linking up with old friends and swinging by my old houses I used to live in. I was recently down south staying at my sister’s. She still lives where we grew up so when I’m there I find myself strolling down old streets and venturing to old familiar places. A little zone I hadn’t been to in years is Vasquez Rocks. I had maybe only been there a handful of times, but it’s one of the places I had always thought about checking out again.

Vasquez Rocks is a zone right off the 14 Freeway in the outskirts of L.A. that is proclaimed to be one of the most photographed and filmed locations in Hollywood history. The area is a rugged hilly rock area surrounded by desert and farmland. The rocks are said to have formed some 25 million years ago by a violent earthquake. Notable TV and movies that have been filmed here include “McGyver”, “Star Trek”, “The Flintstones”, “24″, “Roswell”, “Short Circuit”, and “The Lone Ranger”. The list is endless. While Hollywood has mad its mark, Vasquez remains preserved with hiking trails and picnic areas open to the public daily. For the pre-season I really get into hiking and exploring around. Not only is it great to get outside, it’s a good workout and great cross-training. The hiking is beginner to intermediate and there are also a ton of climbing zones.

My Mom and I meandered about as there are a ton of different trails, but the nice thing is you can’t really get lost because it’s such an open and visible area. There is also horse-back riding on the trails as well. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, Vasquez is a sweet spot to check out. Make your own memories and you’re sure to capture some scenic shots if you bring a camera. It was awesome to explore Vasquez again as an adult, with my Mom as well, on such a beautiful late summer day…and get fit while we were at it. —TS