Looking for the Gorn at Vasquez Rocks

Living in the Los Angeles area, as you might imagine, there are filming locations EVERYWHERE. I’ve seen film crews at a local church, a hospital that’s no longer in use, at our school, parks, and even houses around the neighborhood. It’s always a little exciting – especially when you get to see some filming “in action.”

However, there are a few iconic locations that have been used in lots of tv and movies that you get to recognize by sight. One of those places is Vasquez Rocks. If that name  doesn’t sound familiar, or if you’ve heard the name but don’t know where you’ve seen it, I’ll refresh your memory.

Here’s a good list to start with.

What you might know them best from is some Star Trek.

Kirk vs. the Gorn

In the episode “Arena” Captain Kirk fights the Gorn.

McCoy and an alien woman in “Friday’s Child”

It was also used in “Star Trek” the 2009 movie as Vulcan (with some added rocks for effect).

This is a deleted scene where Spock’s mother gives birth to him.

It was also used in this movie…

The Flintstones lived here.

So, we decided to take a Trek out to the rocks yesterday. Do some hiking. Soak in some local color and California and Hollywood History.

We recognized the rocks when we pulled up.

And of course, had to pose the kids.

Let’s go climb some rocks!

We found a trail up and through the rocks and worked our big muscles. Sean and Wayne made it to this peak first.

Overlook from the peak.

Captain Fearless, leading us through the rocks.

 

It was getting pretty warm, so we stopped for water breaks every so often.

Halfway through our trek, before finding our way back, the girls and I stopped to sit for a minute.

Posers.

Pretty rocks. Pretty bird making a funny sound before taking flight.

We saw Tatavian petroglyphs.

Found little nooks and crannies.

Cool kids on rocks.

Set phaser to stun!

Oh no! Falling Rock! (not really)

The boys reenacted the fight between Kirk and the Gorn.

Pink-faced and ready for lunch!

Before heading out to eat, we checked out their information center, where they had some local animals.

They were fascinated by each other.

If you live in the L.A. area and like hiking and movie history, I say go check it out. It’s only about 45 minutes to an hour outside Los Angeles and is pretty easy hiking and great photo opportunities. There are clean restrooms at the center, but you need to bring your own water to drink. It’s a great, FREE way to enjoy some of the industry’s rich history.