Old Los Angeles Zoo

About

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

Visitors rate it highly — 4.6 out of 5 across 1,513 Google reviews.

It keeps the same hours every day — 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM — which makes planning simple. Parking is the easy part: a free lot and free street parking. And if it does not suit, 20 more hiking trails in Los Angeles are listed further down this page.

The quick take

Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other hiking trails in Los Angeles.

What works

Consistently well reviewed
4.6 stars held across 1,513 reviews is not a fluke — people keep going back.
A genuine local landmark
1,513 reviews is the kind of number a place only reaches when the whole city knows it.
Open every day
The same hours all week (5:30 AM – 10:30 PM), so there is no schedule to memorise.
Works with kids
Flagged as family-friendly, which usually means room to run and somewhere for the adults to sit.
Free parking
A free lot and free street parking — one less thing to pay for.

Worth knowing first

Popular enough to be busy
1,513 reviews cuts both ways. Weekend afternoons draw a crowd, so go early or go midweek if you want it quiet.

Planning a visit

General guidance for hiking trails, adjusted for what this listing records.

What to expect

Marked trails that can run from a short loop to a half-day out, with the trailhead as the only real commitment.

A good fit for hikers and trail runners looking for a route close to town.

When to go

Start early — trailhead parking is the first thing to disappear on a good weekend. The gates are open 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM.

What to bring

More water than feels necessary
Shoes with grip
A downloaded map — signal thins out

Hours

Monday: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Amenities

Family Friendly

Parking Available

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Common questions about Old Los Angeles Zoo

What is Old Los Angeles Zoo?

Founded in 1912, this now-abandoned zoo offers past enclosure ruins, picnic space & hiking trails. It is a hiking trail in Los Angeles, CA, at 4801 Griffith Park Dr.

What are the opening hours at Old Los Angeles Zoo?

Old Los Angeles Zoo is open 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM every day of the week.

Is there parking at Old Los Angeles Zoo?

Parking options here include a free lot and free street parking.

Is Old Los Angeles Zoo good for kids?

Yes — Old Los Angeles Zoo is flagged as family-friendly.

How is Old Los Angeles Zoo rated?

Old Los Angeles Zoo holds 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,513 Google reviews.

What else is nearby?

Los Angeles has 20 other hiking trails listed on AllParx, including Culver City Stairs, Griffith Park Trails and Innsdale Trailhead.