Secret Places to Find Nature in Los Angeles
The sprawling urban jungle of Los Angeles can sometimes feel like a concrete shell and other times feel like a garden of Eden. While you’re probably familiar with the beaches of Malibu and the snow-capped mountains of Big Bear, do you know about the hidden natural wonders that lie within the city’s walls? These are the secret places to find nature in Los Angeles, divided by category.
Animals
A visit to the LA Zoo is great, but can you pet a camel or converse with a parrot there? The Reptacular Ranch in Sylmar is an absolute oasis, with over 200 rescued animals, located in the Los Angeles National Forest, surrounded by rivers and forests.
When you book a tour, you and your group get to explore the ranch and interact with ALL the animals. They also do weddings and birthday parties if you’re looking for something a little bit different.
It’s by appointment only, so you’ll need to call or email before planning your visit to Tortoise Town and Lizard Land. The cost is currently $175 for up to 6 guests at a time.
Blooms
Everyone is all about the Superbloom in springtime, but the massive rain that Los Angeles has received over the last few months is going to make 2023 absolutely explosive with wildflowers from now until June.
So what’s the best way to see them, just an hour from Los Angeles? Try the Skull Canyon Ziplines in Corona!
Prices begin at $90, and reservations are required. Book through their website.
Snow
Visit Mt. Waterman any time of the year to see snow or just enjoy a scenic chair lift (summer). It can be reached using the Angeles Crest Highway, and it’s less than an hour from Los Angeles.
During winter, lift tickets cost $70 for adults and $30 for kids (under 6 are free). Scenic Ride tickets are just $25 for adults and $10 for kids. They do not rent equipment.
As of March, 2023 the lift is closed due to snowy conditions, so keep track of their website for updates.
Mt. Baldy Resort , also in the Angeles National Forest, is open for ski and scenic rides and is just a stone’s throw from Los Angeles. Ticket prices vary depending on the day, but a day pass plus ski rentals begin at $79 for adults and $62 for children under 12.
Waterfalls
One of the easiest waterfalls in Los Angeles to access is Eaton Canyon Falls, in the San Gabriel Mountains, located in Altadena. You can choose to hike 4 miles and end at the falls or if you visit during the week, you can actually park right next to the trail where you find the waterfall and begin there instead :).
The cost is free, and if you want to begin at the end, just put 2273 Pinecrest Drive into your GPS. No weekend parking.
The next waterfall that has to be on your radar is the seasonal 50-foot waterfall in Tujunga, accessed from the Switzer Falls Trail. While this is less of a secret place to find nature in Los Angeles, it’s popular because it’s a well marked hike (about 4 miles) with bathrooms.
Use the address 701 Angeles Crest Hwy, Tujunga, CA 91042, to access, and don’t forget your Adventure Pass, which costs $5 for the day.
Wow, I had no idea there were so many hidden natural gems in Los Angeles! The Reptacular Ranch sounds like a great place to visit, and I love that they rescue animals. I also can’t wait to check out the wildflower superbloom at Skull Canyon Ziplines and the scenic chair lift at Mt. Waterman. Thanks for sharing these secret places to find nature in Los Angeles!