Old Zoo Loop Trail

The Old Zoo Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile loop that runs along the remains of the Old Zoo which only held 15 animals when it started so yeah, it’s small. It used to be easy to climb over a low fence and into each animal cage. A lot of zombie gorilla student films were shot here. However, the city has been putting up stronger and stronger fences to keep us humans out. Short and mostly flat, it’s stroller and grandma friendly with a difficulty of 1/10.

The Parking – You can park anywhere near the carousel in Griffith Park. The first lot above the tennis courts is closest but the second lot near the playground area will have more spots open. Even on a crowded day if you just keep circling something will open up. Have faith!…and some patience.

The Best Thing – The graffiti covered creek (Bee Rock Creek maybe?) is not as sketchy as it sounds and the three animal cages that are kept open for picnicking are not as animal poopy as they sound.

The Route – Get over to where your car first entered the parking lot. The pipe gate that stops cars let’s people through. A dozen yards uphill from there is the sign for the Fern Canyon Trailhead. Continue uphill and take the first right turn. It will have a sign that says “Old Zoo Trail.”

Now you are on mostly flat trail above the carousel and soon you will begin seeing old zoo cages. Old zoo cement boxes with bars and cages in the back. Most have been fenced up by the city, but people keep “reestablishing access.”  If you’re curious, tug on a fence. You might get in.

After about ½ mile you’ll see Trump’s metal border fence on the right that will keep you out of the coolest old zoo cages. If you continue around the fence to the right you will see the three legal cages set up as picnic areas. It’s fine, but let’s continue the loop uphill a little bit.

Another hundred yards and you will reach the mighty Bee Rock Creek. Cross it and follow it uphill to the upper old zoo trail. Turn left and you will be returning towards your car just uphill a bit. Surprisingly, it’s just enough to give you a pretty amazing view of the mountains beyond Glendale… smog permitting.

You will quickly dead end into the Fern Valley Trail where a left turn downhill will take you back to the parking lot. 1.4 miles. Boom.