California State Parks and Palisades Community Celebrate Reopening of Will Rogers State Historic Park
Contact:
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov
Will Rogers State Historic Park welcomed visitors on Saturday, Nov. 8, as they enjoyed guided hikes and historical walks along the accessible trails, polo demonstrations, lawn games and witnessed the incredible resilience and recovery of the historic park. Photos from California State Parks.
PACIFIC PALISADES – California State Parks, the Palisades community and park partners celebrated a major milestone over the weekend at Will Rogers State Historic Park (SHP) – the beloved park’s reopening 10 months after the devastating Palisades Fire. For the first time since early January, the park welcomed visitors on Saturday, Nov. 8, as they enjoyed guided hikes and historical walks along the accessible trails, polo demonstrations, lawn games and witnessed the incredible resilience and recovery of the historic park.
“While the fire claimed important pieces of history, it was unable to extinguish the spirit of this park or community,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “The remarkable resilience of this land, Will Rogers’ enduring legacy and the community’s support is a symbol of hope as the park remains a cherished place of gathering and recreation, with trails and open spaces now once again ready for the public to enjoy. We are deeply thankful to the community, our partners and our incredible staff who made this day possible, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back safely.”
“With immense gratitude for our California State Parks staff and the resilient Pacific Palisades community, I am delighted to celebrate the reopening of Will Rogers State Historic Park,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “This park holds a very special place in my and my family’s heart and the reopening is an incredible milestone in recovery efforts after the devastating Palisades Fire. Our stunning state parks – especially one as historic as Will Rogers – illustrate the importance of preserving California’s natural beauty and rich history. Thank you to everyone who persevered amidst grief and wreckage to reopen this outdoor hub for our community.”
“As the future of the ranch is still uncertain, the Rogers family is pleased to see the park once again open to the public – a place that has long been and will continue to serve as a living tribute to Will Rogers himself,” said Jennifer Rogers, Rogers Family representative.
“We are thrilled to help welcome people back to Will Rogers State Historic Park and are eager to share this moment with the entire Pacific Palisades community and all of Will’s fans beyond,” said Will Rogers Ranch Foundation President Larry Nemecek. “As we look to the future of the ranch now, our guiding tenet remains unchanged: We are committed to helping perpetuate the memory of Will and Betty Rogers, and to continue bringing Will’s timeless spirit alive for a world that still hungers for a thoughtful laugh and a plain-spoken conscience.”
Complimentary public parking was provided during reopening weekend on behalf of park partners the Santa Monica Mountains Fund (SAMO Fund).
What is open:
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset with limited access to trails and areas as ongoing repairs are completed. Parking is limited, and visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or rideshare services.
State Parks has reopened the following areas:
- Polo Field
- Main Lawn
- Picnic Area
Partially Open:
- Inspiration Loop Trail (Prior to the fire, the trail was on track for a major trail project, which will require intermittent closures through the year.)
- Equestrian operations will be available on a smaller scale as restoration work continues.
Currently Closed:
- Backbone Trail
- Rivas Canyon/Temescal Trail
- Rustic Canyon Trail
Following the Palisades Fire:
In the months following the fire, State Parks staff worked tirelessly to safely reopen the park and played a critical role in the recovery of the Pacific Palisades. State Parks entered into an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their contractor, Environmental Contracting Corporation (ECC), to process non-hazardous concrete and vegetative debris at Will Rogers SHP. This support operation resulted in 4,400 cleared parcels, 10,000 hazardous trees felled, and 1.2 million tons of debris removed within the Palisades community. These actions have enabled residents to complete debris removal and return to their community faster. During the fire, State Parks coordinated more than 400 law enforcement shifts and over 60 natural and cultural resource experts to protect the park and support the surrounding community.
What Was Lost:
At Will Rogers SHP, flames destroyed the historic 31-room ranch house, horse stables, and other historic and non-historic park facilities, while damaging approximately 300 historic trees, fencing and miles of trails.
In the mid-1930s, Will Rogers was one of the most popular and highest-paid actors in Hollywood and “America’s most beloved citizen.” From his start in vaudeville theaters with a trick roping act, he rose to worldwide fame as a columnist, “cowboy philosopher,” aviation enthusiast, philanthropist, radio personality and movie star. During the 1920s, he bought land in Santa Monica where he developed a ranch. Eventually, Will Rogers owned about 359 acres in what is now known as Pacific Palisades, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. At the time of his death in a plane crash in 1935, his ranch consisted of a 31-room ranch house with neighboring guest housing, a stable, corrals, golf course and riding trails. His widow, Betty, donated the ranch to State Parks in 1944 and it became a historic park.
What Was Saved:
As the fire progressed, 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. The historic gatehouse, foreman’s cottage (park offices) and polo field survived with minimal damage.
Beyond the Flames:
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. State Parks will begin a public engagement process in 2026 to help shape the park’s future.
For future volunteer opportunities, ways to support the park and to provide feedback, please email Angelesinfo@parks.ca.gov. Stay up to date on Will Rogers planning efforts by visiting: Will Rogers State Historic Park - Feedback Form.
For updates, the public can visit parks.ca.gov/WillRogers.
Will Rogers State Historic Park’s reopening on Saturday, Nov. 8, marked the first time the beloved park has welcomed visitors since early January. Photos from California State Parks.
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