Old Los Angeles Zoo

Zoo · Griffith

Old Los Angeles Zoo

Zoo · Griffith

4801 Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Highlights

Explore the whimsical ruins of the Old LA Zoo, a quirky spot for picnics and hikes that blends history with stunning views in Griffith Park.

4801 Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Get directions

laparks.org

@lacityparks

@onthegrid

"Opened in 1912 with a total of 15 animals & then closed in 1966 to make way for the New LA Zoo a couple minutes nearby. The Old LA Zoo is now a hiking & picnic area with some beautiful views below it. Just don't go at night, it's rumored to be haunted!" - Sallie Harrison Design Studio

On the Grid : Old LA Zoo Trail

View Postcard for Old Los Angeles Zoo

@onthegrid

"Old LA Zoo Trail, Griffith Park. Opened in 1912 with a total of 15 animals & then closed in 1966 to make way for the New LA Zoo a couple minutes nearby. The Old LA Zoo is now a hiking & picnic area with some beautiful views below it. Just don't go at night, it's rumored to be haunted!"

Los Angeles

View Postcard for Old Los Angeles Zoo

Gary Standke

Google

Picnic tables in the area which was once a cage. You can see the places where the animals were kept as well as many different cages. Free parking near by with a short walk to the site. All very clean and well kept.

Chris McLaren

Google

I went to the zoo because I found it on 'hidden gems' in LA. I was a bit disappointed as most of it is fenced off but there is a lovely area next to it where dozens of people were having barbecues. There is quite a bit of information about the old zoo which explains the poor conditions the animals had and makes you happy that animal welfare has come a long way from those times.

Masked Mischief

Google

The old LA zoo is very wonderful. Cite, to look at the history of what zoo life used to be, and how far we have come from there that period in time. There is a lot of nature surrounding you. But with that comes the dangers of nature being around you, including things such as coyotes, remember to be safe when you're walking trails.Especially ones that are so close to wilderness areas.

Amber LaSane

Google

We love coming to the old zoo. You can see where they used to keep the animals. Some cages are open but most are locked. They're also great hiking trails going up the mountain. As well as a nice playground area with plenty of benches and grass. You can have a lovely picnic and lay out under the trees. There are so many great places to choose from.

Ying Liang

Google

A neat location to check out! Expansive park which is great to walk around during a nice day. We went during a weekday and didn’t have any trouble finding parking, which is extra nice considering the location. Plenty of trails nearby and you can even reach Griffith if you want to take a longer hike. Cool to check out old animal enclosures, and there’s some colorful graffiti. Recommend bringing friends if they like quirky finds, this was my friend’s favorite place when she visited LA!

charisma barriger

Google

pretty view on the hiking trail, the old cages are kind of cool but nothing super special, still neat tho.

Edgar Herrera

Google

A nice hiking spot with some history. There are several trails you can hike on. There's also the abandoned animal cages you can stop by and see. Some cages are open and others are locked. Poor animals had small cages, must be why they closed it. There's a lot of good photo opportunities here. It does get a little full on weekends so expect a crowd.

L X (Liz)

Google

Everything you need for hiking is here: toilets, paved or dirty roads, wild life, flora & fauna. Picnic tables and plenty of shaded areas. This is a landmark called Old LA Zoo so take plenty of pics to document your visit.