Stars, Sun and Secrets.

In the heart of Santa Monica Canyon, where the Pacific Ocean meets towering cliffs and bohemian spirits linger, lies a secret society of a bygone era: Uplifters Ranch.

Once a playground for Hollywood's elite, this hidden gem tucked amidst eucalyptus trees and secret trails was more than just a rustic retreat – it was a sanctuary for dreamers and doers, where Charlie Chaplin and L. Frank Baum sought respite from the silver screen's glare.

Today, the lodge and sprawling meadows of Uplifters Ranch are now Rustic Canyon park. Inviting those seeking a taste of vintage California magic and a glimpse into a world where creativity thrives. Venture beyond the beaten path and discover this enchanting enclave in the 90402 zip code, where the spirit of Uplifters Club lives on.

Stars: Where legends found sanctuary.

As Los Angeles grew, Rustic Canyon & Santa Canyon became a magnet for Hollywood royalty, artists and outcasts. Dolores Del Rio, Will Rogers, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and literary giants like Christopher Isherwood, and Tennessee Williams found inspiration here. Through the years, artists like Ray and Charles Eames, Luchita Hurtado and Lee Mullican, August Sander, and Don Bachardy have called the Canyon home.

But before these stars, the the land held another legend: Leo Carillo, a beloved actor and conservationist who spent his youth exploring these canyons and later fought to preserve them.

Leo Carillo at his home on East Channel Rd

Secrets: Hidden Stairs Leading to Untold Tales

Beneath the veil of lush foliage lie Santa Monica Canyon's secret stairs. Winding pathways, known only to locals, snake through the hills, offering glimpses of hidden vistas and whispers of forgotten stories. Uncover the hidden gems tucked away from the crowds, climb these clandestine steps, and unlock the secret heart of this captivating canyon.

Rustic Canyon: A place Alex’s family

has called home for five generations.

  • Santa Monica Canyon

    The Canyon 1850

    1850. Notice the cows sitting in the sand.

  • Santa Monica Canyon 1923

    Santa Monica Canyon

    1923, looking South.

  • State Beach

    Alex’s great grandparents and grandmother on right

  • Canyon School, 1894

    In it’s original location on Sycamore Road.

  • Canyon School Students

    Canyon School Kids

    Alex’s Grandma, Virginia, in a sailor suit. in the middle.

  • Rancho Boca de Santa Monica. 1851

    Early Map

    Rancho Boca de Santa Monica, 1851

  • Historic photo of workers on the Santa Monica Wharf

    Canyon Locals

    Unloading a ship on the Long Warf, 1900

  • 420 Mesa Rd.

    420 Mesa Rd

    Built by Alex’s great-grandfather, William Benton.

  • The Long Warf, 1896

    The Long Warf 1896

    Located where the Baywatch Lifeguard Tower stands today.

  • “Their utopian dream was of a sub-tropical English village with Montmarte manners: a Little Good Place where you could paint a bit, write a bit, and drink lots... They were tacky and cheerful and defiantly bohemian, tirelessly inquisitive about each other’s doings, and boundlessly tolerant.“

    -Chistopher Isherwood