5 Rattlesnake Hotspots In California

California’s sheer size and ecological diversity make it prime territory for rattlesnakes, from its rolling coastal hills and inland valleys to deserts and remote grasslands. With warm climates, abundant prey, and long summer seasons to match, the Golden State in fact supports more rattlesnake species than most other states in the country.

Many of the places where California's tens of millions of residents and annual visitors like to hike, camp, boat, or explore also overlap with prime snake habitat, making encounters with snakes highly common. Knowing that, understanding where these venomous reptiles prefer to live may help you move around throughout these landscapes more confidently and responsibly. Read on to learn about several local destinations where rattlesnake activity is well documented, along with other info about each area to better inform you on general outdoor travel and safety tips.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is one of California’s most reliable locales for seeing a variety of hardy reptiles, but especially during warm spring and fall days when resident rattlesnakes are active along its many washes, rocky slopes, and hiking trails. The park’s vast size, encompassing over 650,000 acres, and minimal human development, create the ideal habitat for multiple rattlesnake species, actually, making encounters more likely than in heavily urbanized areas. Expect to see sidewinders, red diamond rattlesnakes, speckled rattlesnakes, and Mojave rattlers, so always be sure to watch your step!

Beyond snakes, Anza-Borrego is known for its picturesque desert scenery, including badlands, slot canyons, and sweeping views of the Carrizo Badlands, all just a short road trip east of San Diego. With more than 500 miles of dirt roads, it is particularly popular with off-road vehicle users. Each spring, seasonal rains can also trigger rare desert wildflower blooms that draw landscape photographers from across the country.

Note that summer temperatures routinely exceed 110 degrees, reinforcing the need for caution, preparation, and respect here, regardless of whether you're snake watching or doing whatever else. Bring lots of water and sun protection!

Santa Monica Mountains

The Santa Monica Mountains are another well-known snake hotspot in Southern California, with 14 known species calling them home, largely because the range combines warm coastal weather and dense chaparral full of prey. Run-ins here are frequent due to the sheer amount of human foot traffic the area sees coming from nearby cities like Los Angeles, Malibu, and Oxnard.

One rattlesnake species is commonly spotted along busy hiking routes, the Southern Pacific rattlesnake, mainly during spring and early summer when temperatures are moderate and live food sources are most active.

The range's reputation with outdoor adventures can be attributed to the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean it offers, historic ranching sites, remnants of old film locations from early Hollywood westerns, and other landmarks. Malibu Creek State Park, within the range, is especially famous for its volcanic rock formations and creek-fed swimming holes. The area also supports a surprising amount of other wildlife to look out for, despite being almost surrounded by the concrete jungle of L.A., including mule deer, coyotes, and even bobcats.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a consistent rattlesnake habitat zone, with its mix of rocky terrain and regularly warm temperatures that favor these cold-blooded predators for much of the year. Rattlesnakes in Joshua Tree are most often seen near trails, in boulder piles, and around shaded crevices, making it vital to know exactly where you're placing your hands and feet at all times.

Furthermore, the park’s transition zone between the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert supports a range of reptile species, not just its speckled, Mojave green, red diamond, and western diamondback rattlesnakes, increasing overall wildlife appeal for nature lovers of all kinds.

Outside of animal activity, however, Joshua Tree is renowned for its massive granite formations and, of course, the distinctive Joshua trees that give the park its name. With that, the area has long been popular with rock climbers and desert hikers, and its clear night skies make it a designated Dark Sky Park. But despite its popularity, much of this beloved parkland remains quite remote. Limited water sources and extreme temperature swings demand all-around caution from visitors, wherever they may be in the area.

Lake Berryessa

Lake Berryessa in Napa County is a highly sought-after destination for hiking, camping, and simple sightseeing, but around its rocky shorelines, dry hillsides, and less-developed coves lie a variety of equally lively snake habitats. As a major recreational reservoir used for boating, fishing, and swimming, too, Lake Berryessa brings heavy seasonal foot traffic.

Rattlesnakes are most active on local trails, campsites, and sun-warmed roads, unfortunately, where most visitors tend to encounter them. The surrounding oak woodlands and grasslands also provide cover and hunting grounds for these often elusive reptiles, increasing the likelihood of sightings for anyone venturing off the beaten path. Nearby public lands, which also house numerous snakes, further attract hikers and anglers to this beautiful region year-round.

Its mix of recreation, abundant wildlife, and scenic terrain makes Lake Berryessa a highly recommended weekend getaway, yet it is also important to protect the natural integrity of the area.

Carrizo Plain National Monument

The Carrizo Plain National Monument stands out as a significant rattlesnake hotspot because of its expansive grasslands and other long stretches of undisturbed terrain sitting between Bakersfield and the Pacific Coast. Western diamondback and Mojave rattlesnakes are most often spotted along the region's web of dirt roads, fence lines near farms, and the edges of seasonal creeks. The area’s relative isolation also means local snakes are rarely displaced due to human activity, allowing populations to remain remarkably stable and visible to the few people who do decide to explore in depth.

In wetter years, the normally dry Soda Lake nearby fills with shallow water, attracting avians that are not only alluring to bird watchers, but serve as tasty meals for snakes and other predators. Moreover, Carrizo Plain is also one of California’s best places to see the San Andreas Fault, which cuts directly through the monument and creates subtle but interesting landforms to look at while hiking the area.

Look out for Snakes in these Wonderful Californian Spaces

Rattlesnakes are a natural and long-established part of California’s ecosystems, especially in arid, undeveloped areas that regularly attract outdoor recreation. Knowing which locations see higher activity allows visitors like you to adjust their behavior without needing to avoid these places altogether. The rules are usually pretty simple: wear proper footwear, clean up after yourself, and keep an eye on where exactly you are walking/climbing; steps that go far in reducing risk while exploring the state's diverse and often snake-friendly environments.