When will the park reopen?
After 10 months of closure due to the Palisades Fire on Jan. 7, 2025, Will Rogers State Historic Park (SHP) reopened with limited access on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. The park will be open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Please note that parking is limited.
Can I hike, bike, or take my horses on the trails?
Yes. Select trails and open spaces are once again safe for public use. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access will be available in designated areas.Some trail segments and facilities remain closed as repairs and environmental restoration continue, so please check posted signs and obey all closures for your safety and the protection of sensitive resources.
Open:
- Polo Field
- Main Lawn
- Picnic Are
Partially open
- Inspiration Loop Trail
- Equestrian operations will be available on a smaller scale as restoration continues.
Remains Closed:
- Backbone Trail
- Rivas Canyon/Temescal Trail
What buildings and natural features were damaged or destroyed?
The Palisades Fire, which began on Jan. 7, 2025, caused extensive damage across the Santa Monica Mountains, impacting both Will Rogers SHP and Topanga State Park (SP).
At Will Rogers SHP:
- The historic 31-room Ranch House, horse stables, and several historic and non-historicpark facilities were destroyed.
- The historic guest house/visitor center and blacksmith/carpenter shop sustained damage.
- The gatehouse, foreman’s cottage (park offices), and polo field survived with minimal damage.
- Approximately 300 historic trees, fencing, and several miles of trails were also affected.
- Thanks to the swift actions of park staff, all horses and over 150 priceless artifacts, including Will Rogers’ typewriter, artwork, and family heirlooms, were safely evacuated before the fire reached the Ranch House.
At Topanga SP:
- 28 structures and more than 8,000 acres of natural resources were burned.
- This included the historic Topanga Ranch Motel and sensitive habitats for monarch butterflies, steelhead trout, and tidewater gobies
What role did State Parks play during recovery efforts?
Since the Palisades Fire first sparked, Will Rogers SHP and Topanga SP played a crucial role in support and recovery efforts. On Jan. 7, as the flames advanced, California State Parks staff acted with extraordinary courage, even putting their lives at risk to safeguard the public, equestrian operations, and staff. They also evacuated over 150 priceless artifacts – including Will Rogers’ typewriter, artwork, and family heirlooms. In total, California State Parks coordinated more than 400 law enforcement shifts and 60 resource specialists to protect people, property, and wildlife during and after the fire.
In the months after the fire, both parks played a critical role in recovery – processing debris, removing hazardous trees, and supporting thousands of affected families in the Pacific Palisades. At Will Rogers, State Parks entered into an agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Contracting Corporation to process non-hazardous concrete and vegetative debris onsite. This support operation resulted in 4,400 cleared parcels, 10,000 hazardous trees felled, and 1.2 million tons of debris removed within the affected Palisades community.
Since the Palisades Fire first sparked, both Will Rogers SHP and Topanga SP played a crucial role in support and recovery efforts.
- On Jan. 7, as the flames advanced, California State Parks staff acted with extraordinary courage, even putting their lives at risk to safeguard the public, equestrian operations, and staff.
- They also evacuated over 150 priceless artifacts – including Will Rogers’ typewriter, artwork, and family heirlooms.
- In total, California State Parks coordinated more than 400 law enforcement shifts and 60 resource specialists to protect people, property, and wildlife during and after the fire.
- In the months after the fire, both parks played a critical role in recovery – processing debris, removing hazardous trees, and supporting thousands of affected families in the Pacific Palisades.
- At Will Rogers, State Parks entered into an agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Contracting Corporation to process non-hazardous concrete and vegetative debris onsite. This support operation resulted in 4,400 cleared parcels, 10,000 hazardous trees felled, and 1.2 million tons of debris removed within the affected Palisades community.
- At the Topanga Ranch Motel site, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helped sort debris during the first phase of cleanup, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is now operating a center there to help residents restore utilities and rebuild. These actions have enabled residents to complete debris removal and return to their community faster.
What are the plans for reimagining this park, and what’s the timeline?
California State Parks is committed to restoring Will Rogers SHP as a place of public benefit and community pride in the spirit of the resilience Will Rogers would have carried forward.
The future of the park will be planned in collaboration with the public, stakeholders, and neighbors from fire-impacted communities. Beginning in 2026, State Parks will begin a public engagement process to help shape the parks' future.
Meanwhile, as restoration work continues, State Parkswill continue to share updates on the reopening of the remaining parts of the park on Facebook andInstagram.
Will you reconstruct the Will Rogers Ranch House and other historic buildings?
Any decisions about the park’s future will be made in collaboration with the community and guided by a comprehensive review process to ensure Will Rogers SHP remains safe, welcoming, and resilient in the face of potential wildfire risks – while preserving the legacy of Will Rogers himself.
In the meantime, visitors are encouraged to explore the park’s reopened trails and open spaces. Though the Palisades Fire claimed important pieces of history, the spirit of Will Rogers endures, and the park remains a cherished place to connect with history, nature, and community.
How can I support the recovery efforts?
You can support the park’s recovery by recreating responsibly and providing feedback on the park’s future. When visiting the impacted parks, stay on designated open trails, heed safety and closure signs, and follow the Leave No Trace principles. Following these simple guidelines, you can protect sensitive natural and cultural resources and help the park recover faster. For future volunteer opportunities and ways to support the park, continue visit the park webpage for updates.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to restore all of Will Rogers SHP!
Who can I contact for more information?
Visitors are encouraged to stay connected with Los Angeles area State Parks on Facebook and Instagram.
For additional questions or concerns, please reach out to angelesinfo@parks.ca.gov.