Hours of Visitation

8AM – 8PM

One of the most “LA” things you can do is visit an old movie set. Paramount Ranch is definitely one you’ll want to check out. Tons of classic movies and popular TV shows were shot in this Western Town, such as Westworld!

Paramount Ranch Loop Trail is a 2.1-mile hike located in Agoura Hills, within the Santa Monica Mountains. It features a Western Town movie set and multiple hiking trails. It’s open from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. Parking and visitation are free. 

Map of Paramount Ranch Loop Trail

Fun Fact: Some of the trails are named after one of the shows or movies shot here!

Directions & Parking

Paramount Ranch is located at 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, CA.

For directions to Paramount Ranch, click here.

There is a parking lot with plenty of spaces. Parking and visitation are free!

Want to see more unique places LA has to offer? Check these out!

• Old LA Zoo: Exploring the Abandoned Ruins at Griffith Park
• Big Horn Mine & Vincent’s Cabin: Explore Abandoned Ruins

Other hikes in LA you’ll like!

• Old LA Zoo: Explore Abandoned Zoo at Griffith Park
• Big Horn Mine: Best Abandoned Mine in LA
• Mount Lowe Hike: Swing Above the Clouds

Western Town

Paramount Ranch’s Western Town used to have tons of buildings and “saloons” Unfortunately, a majority of it was burned down back in 2018 by the Woolsey Fire.

There are now two buildings left- the church and train station. Rumor has it that this place is going to be rebuilt!

As soon as you enter the ranch, you’re greeted by the old church.

It’s perfect for photos and really looks like you’re on a prairie.

Here’s the back of the church. Do you spot the train station from the picture below?

Here’s how the inside of the church looks. It’s not accessible, but you can peek through the windows.

The second and last stop- the train station. All aboard!

I can picture some cowboys sitting on the chairs chewing on wheat stalk.

Here’s the inside of the ticket booth.

There are some picnic tables here and plenty of shade from the hot sun if you choose to take a break.

Can you imagine what this place looks like during filming? I wish I could see that in action!

Although these last two buildings remain, it’s an awesome opportunity to visit such a set that has been around for decades.

The movies and shows that have been shot here bring a warm feeling of nostalgia!

Just be sure to bring your cowboy boots and hat for a “hog-killin’ time”, as the cowboys used to say.

Movies & TV Shows Shot at Paramount Ranch

Movies:

• American Sniper
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
• Norbit
• Van Helsing
• The Lake House
• The Great Outdoors
• Reds

TV Shows

• Westworld
• Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
• The Cisco Kid 
• Gunsmoke
• X-Files
• The Dukes of Hazzard

These are just some of the hundreds of shows and movies that have been shot at this location. 

History of Paramount Ranch

Paramount Pictures first leased the land back in 1923. Since then, it has undergone so many changes and given the illusion of time traveling to various locations and eras.

In its early days, this was a place where Hollywood stars practiced their acting and where popular films were made at the time.

There was a halt in filmmaking at the location during the 1930s when they were forced to sell the ranch.

A western fanatic by the name of William Hertz bought the property and revived it. he essentially built the permanent Western Town.

The property was sold and bought a few more times until it was bought by the National Park Service in 1980. 

From there many hit T.V. series and movies, such as Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and Westworld made good use of the land. 

Sadly, a majority of the buildings burned back in the 2018 Woolsey Fire. Not to worry, they plan on rebuilding the old Western Town very soon!

Dark Rumor

I was told that this place was rumored to have been a “hangout” spot for the infamous criminal known by the name of Charles Manson.

There isn’t any evidence to confirm this, but it isn’t hard to believe since the Charles Manson family resided on another movie ranch known as Spahn Ranch.

I guess he had a thing for movie sets…?

Restaurant Spotlight

The Old Place

What used to be a general store is now a full-on restaurant and dining experience. They offer classic American food in a rustic and western environment. It’s an absolute MUST to eat here after visiting Paramount Ranch.