Vasquez Rocks Natural Park Area view of Kirk's Rock

If you're coming from Los Angeles, take exit 14N at Aqua Dulce Canyon Rd. Follow for 2 miles until it becomes Escondido Canyon Rd. The Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park will be on your right-hand side. Street parking on Escondido Canyon Rd is available by the park entrance. This is helpful if you plan to stay long after sunset and don't want your car getting locked in when they close the park's gate. If you park inside the gate during normal business hours in the designated lots, you will be closer to the best rock formations. Once parked, make your way down the dirt road until you see the massive rock ridges and make your way to the south side of the tallest formation. Access the gradually sloping rock that leads up to the highest peak.

The weather doesn't change too much in this area and is generally pleasant year round. It can be very hot in the summer time!

I photographed this shot in the morning. The park is only open from sunrise to sunset. Both of these times are fun to shoot here because you can catch the light and shadows on either side of the rock formations, depending where you're standing. Mid-day harsh light is not as pleasant.

You may want to use a variety of lenses at this location, depending on the scale and zoom you're looking for.

There are lots of different angles to work with, but I recommend shooting and exploring around the most prominent rock formation (nicknamed "Kirk's Rock" due to being featured in several Star Trek episodes) as seen in this photo.

Having a subject in the shot helps to add a sense of scale.

Try getting low to the surface of the rocks to capture the textures and emphasize depth.

This park has equestrian areas, picnic areas, hiking trails and rock climbing.

The Pacific Crest Trail passes through this park and can be used for short or lengthy hikes.

Camp grounds are also available near the park entrance.