King Gillette Ranch

A single storied and light colored building with red tiles

One of the most stunning locales in the Santa Monica Mountains, 588-acre King Gillette Ranch is situated in the heart of the Malibu Creek Watershed, by the confluence of some major tributaries, and adjacent to Malibu Creek State Park. Managed by Mountains, Recreation, and Conservation Authority, this scenic parkland at the lower end of the Las Virgenes Valley is a haven for large mammals of the Santa Monica Mountains. At the same time, it offers a rare unspoiled view of California’s rich cultural and historic resources, including some structures designed for razor magnate King C. Gillette in the 1920’s by Wallace Neff, architect of California’s Golden Age.

The broad meadows and low ridgelines serve as a wildlife corridor in the geographic center of the Santa Monica Mountains range. Several sensitive species are present. Raptors and other birds forage and nest among the plant communities of valley and coast live oak savannah, grassland, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, riparian woodland, and southern willow riparian vegetation. Park features include Gillette’s historic Spanish Colonial Revival style mansion and other structures that were part of the original landscape plan. These include a long tree-lined alleé and grand entry, a large constructed pond, a formal courtyard and terrace, bridges,and lawns.

A short, somewhat steep hike leads to a knoll, known as Inspiration Point, with 360-degree views—including the famous rock formations of Malibu Creek State Park. Public interpretive programs, including weekly campfires in the summer, are offered by park staff. Overnight accommodations, meeting rooms, auditorium, and park areas are available for special events, including weddings, by special use permit.

Activities

  • Picnicking
  • Hiking
  • Wildflower viewing
  • Bird watching

Directions
26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302
Ventura Fwy (101) Exit Las Virgenes Rd. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Rd to Mulholland Hwy intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Hwy. Park entrance is 0.1 mile on right.

Site Map

King Gillette Ranch

Good to Know

Parking Yes There is a 2­ hour free parking limit in the main parking lot by the Visitor Center. There is a second parking lot where a small fee is charged for all day use. Street parking might also be available, depending on the time of day/year.
Restrooms Yes There is a men’s and a women’s restroom with multiple flushable toilets inside the three-story building, that is adjacent to the parking lot.
Water Yes There is a water fountain by the restrooms.
Pets Yes Dogs are allowed on National Park Service property (adjacent to the visitor center). Dogs are not allowed on the rest of the property at King Gillette Ranch.
Accessibility Yes The parking lot is paved.
Cell Service Yes Cell service in the area is unreliable.
The street leading to the visitor center is to the right of the King Gillette Ranch sign
Learn more about the Santa Monica Mountains at the Visitor Center, stroll around the garden, and take a short hike to Inspiration Point.

This site is managed and operated by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority in partnership with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Last updated: December 5, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

26876 Mulholland Highway
Calabasas, CA 91302

Phone:

805 370-2301

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