The Abandoned Zoo Ruins of Griffith Park
Check local COVID-19 restrictions before booking
Experience hosted by Hadley
60 mins
Up to 9 people
Hosted in English
What you'll do
Roam the grounds and explore the abandoned animal haunts of the Old Zoo at Griffith Park, which closed over 50 years ago. Serving as the city zoo from 1912 to 1966, the L.A. Zoo contained thousands of animals and hosted tens of thousands of visitors each year at its peak. The site under Griffith Park's Bee Rock Trail is now filled with fascinating ruins, empty animal enclosures, "natural" habitats, secret stairways, and hidden paths. We'll recount tales of individual animals, such as the murderous polar bear, Ivan the Terrible, and Topsy, the camel with two broken humps, as we hike around the site, visiting the forgotten enclosures and breathing in fresh Griffith Park air!
Roam the grounds and explore the abandoned animal haunts of the Old Zoo at Griffith Park, which closed over 50 years ago. Serving as the city zoo from 1912 to 1966, the L.A. Zoo contained thousands of animals and hosted tens of thousands of visitors each year at its peak. The site under Griffith Park's Bee Rock Trail is now filled with fascinating ruins, empty animal enclosures, "natural" habitats, secret stairways, and hidden paths. We'll recoun…
Hadley's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
From $28
/ person
- 8 Reviews
- Identity verified
Hi. I’m Hadley, a member of the Atlas Obscura community.
I am a journalist based in Los Angeles. I primarily write about hidden and forgotten Los Angeles histories and consider myself an inquisitive urban explorer. I have a personal mission to make the past accessible to everyone. I have led tours for both Atlas Obscura and Cartwheel Art for many years.
I am a journalist based in Los Angeles. I primarily write about hidden and forgotten Los Angeles histories and consider myself an inquisitive urban explorer. I have a personal mission to make the past accessible to everyone. I have led tours for both Atlas Obscura and Cartwheel Art for many years.
In partnership with Atlas Obscura
Selected by Atlas Obscura
This experience is offered directly by a member of the Atlas Obscura community and has been selected by Atlas Obscura.
Founded in 2009, Atlas Obscura is a global community of explorers, who have together created a comprehensive database of the world’s most wondrous places and foods. Community members also host their own experiences, providing special access to the world’s hidden wonders, local marvels, and gastronomical wonders.
Where you'll be
We will be exploring the ruins of the old L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park, a beautiful, mysterious place filled with historic artifacts. We will walk approximately 3/4 of a mile.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 8 reviews.
We had so much fun! Brought a friend and we took soooo many photos and totally enjoyed it. Been wanting to do this for years and am glad we did. If you know where you are going (we didn't) the abandoned zoo isn't that hard to find. But Hadley had so much more with her stories of the zoo's dark history, the Griffith family, where the zoo was suppose to be located and more. I'm so glad I took the tour and didn't just look around on my own. The stories brought so much more to the adventure.
We had so much fun! Brought a friend and we took soooo many photos and totally enjoyed it. Been wanting to do this for years and am glad we did. If you know where you are going…
Choose from available dates
1 available
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 9 guests ages 18 and up can attend.
What to bring
Water bottle
Walking shoes
Walking shoes