Joe Davies Heritage Airpark (cityofpalmdale.org/airpark) is an outdoor aviation museum featuring retired military and civilian aircraft that were designed, built or tested at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale. At the time of publication, the 17 historic aircraft on display at this site include the B-52 Stratofortress, the F-14D Tomcat, the F-4D Phantom II, and a scale model of the B-2 Spirit. The airpark is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the exception of major holidays. Admission is free.
Although it’s smaller than Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, Blackbird Airpark (no website; 2503 E. Avenue P; Palmdale; 661-274-0884) may be of even more interest to aviation and military buffs. The star attraction here is the Lockheed SR-71A reconnaissance aircraft, or “Blackbird,” which was capable of reaching the incredible speed of 2,100 miles per hour. This park -- which is an offshoot of the Air Force Flight Test Center Museum at Edwards Air Force Base – also houses an equally imposing collection of spy planes and drones deployed by the CIA. Blackbird Airpark is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Located in Agua Dulce, about 30 minutes southwest of downtown Palmdale, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area (no website; 10700 West Escondido Canyon Road; Agua Dulce; 661-268-0840) contains colorful, gnarled rock formations that frequently find their way into television shows and movies. If you’ve ever watched “Star Trek,” “The Lone Ranger,” “Bonanza,” or “Blazing Saddles,” you’re likely to experience déjà vu while clambering over these rocks. From May to September, the park is open 8 a.m to 8 p.m. From October to April, it’s open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
William S. Hart was an important star and director of silent-era western films. Located roughly 40 minutes southwest of Palmdale in Santa Clarita, the William S. Hart Ranch and Museum (hartmuseum.org) offers free 30-minute tours of Hart's attractive Spanish colonial-style mansion and its collection of Hollywood and Old West art, memorabilia and move props. The ranch’s animal barnyard includes a herd of American bison donated by Walt Disney Studios. The surrounding park is open for hiking or picnicking. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. During the rest of the year, the museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final tour begins 30 minutes before closing time.
Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area (devils-punchbowl.com) is a 1,300-acre park in the San Gabriel Mountains, about 40 minutes southeast of Palmdale. Its name refers to a colorful 300-foot-deep sandstone canyon that straddles the collision zone between multiple faults. Intense tectonic pressure has lifted, twisted and folded the canyon’s sedimentary rock into bizarre upright formations that tilt at various angles, creating one of California’s strangest landscapes. Hiking options range from a short scenic trail along the canyon rim to a strenuous hike into the canyon itself. As with any hike in the California desert, adequate water and sunscreen are essential. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk; the visitor center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
