Pío Pico State Historic Park
The Park is currently OPEN.
Please check the hours of operation.Park Facilities
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Welcome to Pio Pico SHP
Pio Pico State Historic Park Whittier, CA El Ranchito, construction completed in 1854 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
Pío de Jesus Pico is one of California’s most remarkable historical figures. He was the governor of California in 1832 and again in 1846 before and during the Mexican American War. His adobe home at “El Ranchito” has been completely restored to how it appeared in the 1880s letting visitors experience and celebrate his life and times.
Born at the San Gabriel mission in 1801, his ancestry included a mixture of Spanish, African, Indian and Italian, and he lived in a time when the Spanish, Mexican and American flags flew over California. Former Governor Pico began to build his home here in about 1848, and it has seen several changes over the last 150 years. The “little ranch” and adobe home at Pio Pico State Historic Park is now surrounded by the communities of Whittier and Pico Rivera east of Los Angeles. Much has changed since Pico’s time, but for local and state-wide history, Pío Pico State Historic Park is a shining gem and testament to life in early California. Volunteers keep this fascinating heritage alive by preserving and protecting it with learning opportunities and service projects.
Site Overview
The five acre park encompasses historic gardens and the beautiful restored adobe home of Pío Pico. It is registered as California Historic Landmark NO. 127. A bell marks the original El Camino Real, which passed directly in front of the park during Pío Pico’s time. The park was once part of Pío Pico’s 9,000 acre ranch, Rancho Paso de Bartolo. Visitors can enjoy the park with picnics, bird watching and exploring the parks features including; a fifteen room adobe with interpretive displays, an horno (bread oven), and a dovecote. The park is located near the entrance to the Greenway Bike Trail.
Location/Directions
The park is located at 6003 Pioneer Boulevard in the city of Whittier, just west of the 605 freeway.
Accessibility
The adobe home is accessible for visitors with mobility impairments.
Park Activities
Guided tours of the adobe are offered by appointment only except on weekends. Groups of 10 or more need to reserve ahead of time.
Interested in a Guided Field Trip?
Explore the Mexican Period at Pio Pico State Historic Park.
On the grounds of Pio Pico State Historic Park stands the over 170-year-old adobe, home of the last governor of Mexican California. Don Pio Pico was one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the Wild West territory. Owning large amounts of land from San Diego to the San Fernando Valley, Don Pio Pico acquired his wealth through Cattle ranching. Students learn the history of Pio Pico, what life was like in the 1800s at the ‘Rancho’ and how he made his money and eventually lost it. Additionally, learning how the California Gold Rush and the American Civil War affected life for Pio Pico and his Ranchos.
Capacity 60, Grade 4 (but can be geared to any grade-level)
Interpretive school group programs aligned to California Education Content Standards are offered in virtual and in-person formats. Guided in-person programs are limited to 60 students. Virtual interpretive programs are offered Wednesdays and Thursdays, and in-person tours are offered on Fridays. Schools must make reservations by calling the park at 562-695-1217 or emailing piopico@parks.ca.gov.
Volunteers
Become part of our Volunteers in Parks program to help protect and preserve your heritage! We are seeking volunteers to assist with interpretive programs, special events and other special projects. We invite you to share your special talents, passion and enthusiasm. Being a volunteer, you work with State Parks rangers and park staff, participate in outstanding learning opportunities, and volunteer experience helps you when applying for all types of employment. Contact park staff at: piopico@parks.ca.gov.
Special Event and Filming Permits
If you would like to perform commercial or student filming or photography at the park, you need to obtain a filming permit from the State Park filming office: 818-880-0358 or angelesdistrict.filming@parks.ca.gov.
We are no longer hosting weddings or events at Pio Pico State Historic Park.
