About Old Los Angeles Zoo

Abandoned zoo with ruins & hiking trails. Founded in 1912, this now-abandoned zoo offers past enclosure ruins, picnic space & hiking trails.

💬 What Parents Say

• 💡Bring water, a camera, and a flashlight - the walk to old enclosures is only 10-15 minutes from parking with minimal elevation gain, making it very accessible, but some darker stone caves and enclosed areas benefit from a flashlight to explore safely
• 💡This is a self-guided exploration site without traditional museum signage or plaques, so come prepared to discover history on your own rather than expecting interpretive exhibits - researching the 1930s-era zoo layout beforehand enhances the experience
• 💡The site is completely free with ample parking available in Griffith Park, making it an excellent budget-friendly alternative to traditional paid attractions in Los Angeles
• 💡Kids love exploring the open animal cages they can walk inside and climb through - combine this with the nearby picnic areas, playground, and open grassy spaces for an easy, full afternoon activity that lets children burn energy while learning about early 20th-century animal care practices
• 🕐Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds that gather on sunny weekends, and arrive early to have the atmospheric ruins more to yourself before the site gets busier with picnickers and photographers

Hours