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Vasquez Rocks

Vasquez Rocks
Vasquez Rocks County Park.jpg
Vasquez Rocks
Vasquez Rocks is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Vasquez Rocks
Vasquez Rocks is located in California
Vasquez Rocks
Vasquez Rocks is located in the US
Vasquez Rocks
Location Escondido Canyon Rd., Agua Dulce, California
Nearest city Agua Dulce, California
NRHP Reference # 72000228
Added to NRHP June 22, 1972

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a 932-acre (377 ha) park located in the Sierra Pelona Mountains, in northern Los Angeles County, California. It is located in the town of Agua Dulce between the suburbs of Santa Clarita and Palmdale. The area is also visible from the Antelope Valley Freeway (State Route 14).

The rock formations were formed by rapid erosion during uplift about 25 million years ago and later exposed by activity along the San Andreas Fault.

The Tataviam American Indians were living here when the Spanish arrived. Their language was probably a Takic Uto-Aztecan language. They lived in grass huts within villages. With the coming of the Spanish missions, some members of this people were forced to work there. They eventually began speaking Spanish and inter-marrying with other tribes. The last of the Tataviam died in 1916.

In 1873 and 1874, Tiburcio Vásquez, one of California's most notorious bandits, used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement. His name has since been associated with this geologic feature.

The land and rock formations were acquired piece-meal by Los Angeles County beginning with a donation of 40 acres in 1971 with more parcels being added through 2001. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the park.

Vasquez Rocks was added to the National Register of Historic Places (site #72000228) in 1972 because of its significance as a prehistoric site for the Shoshone and Tataviam peoples.


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