Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop

Difficulty
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Very Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1-1.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.0 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
119 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

Walking the Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop is a fun family-friendly adventure in the heart of Los Angeles that will take you around some enclosures from a former zoo. While out on the trail, you will meander along paved paths and pass by the enclosures, all while having some nice views of the city. This is an extremely popular walking route that features a large volume of foot traffic, so make sure to arrive early if you are keen on exploring the old zoo.

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Route Description for Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop

If you don’t mind spending the afternoon outdoors with plenty of other people looking to enjoy the L.A. sunshine, then the Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop is a great option to explore when visiting the city.

Setting out from the parking lot near the merry-go-round, you will head to the southwest along the Fern Canyon Nature Trail, before turning to the northwest to climb further uphill. Here, you will loop around the park and pass by plenty of old animal enclosures that once held a variety of animals up until 1966 when the park closed.

Take your time here and enjoy the views that extend out to the city and surrounding hills, following the trail as it bends back to the southeast. Eventually, you will arrive back at the parking lot where you began your walk.

Getting to the Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop Trailhead

The starting point for this adventure can be found at the Griffith Park Merry Go Round Parking Lot One.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    Year-Round

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Extreme

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop Elevation Graph

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