Paramount Ranch: The Ideal Getaway Spot
Hollywood is one of the most popular American sightseeing place. However, the real treasure of classic movies lies in the middle of Paramount Ranch.
Aside from incredible natural views, the Santa Monica mountains are home to 2,700 acres of land that attracted every star of the Hollywood golden age. In order to get there, visitors first need to get through the Western Town. There, the only thing needed is imagination, as you’ll find yourself in the middle of a flawless, Hollywood-worthy setting.
The Paramount Ranch had some of the biggest movie stars film key-scenes in the area. The versatility of the place allowed film-makers to design scenery similar to Morocco and even ancient Rome. If you’re familiar with The Sign of the Cross, it was in fact filmed there.
Sadly, the studio ended up selling the area due to financial reasons. However, part of it was immediately bought by a family who’s extremely passionate about Western movie culture. William and Robert Hertz, a father-son, took most of the leftovers nearby and re-designed a classical Western Town nearly from scratch.
It didn’t take long, until the family members got involved in advertising hoping, that some directors might be interested in the location. Things didn’t work out, so in 1980, the National Park Service purchased the land.
Although it can be visited by the public, Western Town still is used for Hollywood productions. The most recent one, for example, was the science-fiction Westworld.
Considering how easily reachable is the area, it is definitely worth the visit. Western Town and the rest of the Paramount Ranch area create an outstanding experience. Activities include: hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Location: 2903 Cornell Rd
Agoura Hills, California
United States
GPS Coordinates: N 34.1181 W -118.7525
Take Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) to Kanan Road exit. South on Kanan 0.5 mile. Left on Cornell Way and veer to the right. South 2.5 miles, entrance is on right side of the road.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, California, USA
- Coordinates
- 34.1181, -118.7525
- Access
- The National Park Service lists several miles of easy-to-moderate trails for hiking, plus multi-use trails for equestrians and mountain bikers. Dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet. Much of the historic Western Town was destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey Fire; follow current signs and trail closures rather than assuming every film-set structure is accessible. The backcountry has unreliable cell service and limited water.
- Admission
- No entrance fee is charged for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Special park-use activities, filming or events may require permits.
- Time needed
- No standard visit duration is published. The ranch has several miles of trails; allow time according to the route and activities chosen.
- Best season
- Open year-round in the mild Mediterranean climate, subject to closures. NPS says mountain visitation is highest in spring and lowest in summer; hot weather and wildfire conditions can affect trail use.
- Opening hours
- NPS lists trails as open 24 hours and parking lots as open 08:00–sunset. Temporary closures may apply after adverse weather or other hazards; check current alerts before setting out. Some specific park grounds have separate overnight restrictions.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-16
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-29
Location
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