LACityParks Archives

Circa Hits the Trail: Explore LA’s Scenic Nature Hikes

Summer is officially here, and now is the perfect time to get out and commune with nature. According to recent research, experiencing the natural world has a powerful effect on our well-being, including reducing stress, improving cognitive abilities, and boosting creativity. And you don’t have to travel far to explore the great outdoors. LA is home to a wealth of scenic trails and nature preserves that are easily accessible from Circa, where you’ll discover everything from lush flower blooms to rugged woodlands, refreshing waterfalls, and a wide variety of wildlife. Bring plenty of water and snacks, wear sturdy shoes and protective hiking attire, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Fern Dell Trails Cafe LA’s scenic hikes near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Griffith Park 4730 Crystal Springs Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027

With over 4,210 acres of both natural chapparal-covered terrain and landscaped parkland and picnic areas, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and more. The park is also home to numerous iconic attractions including the Greek Theatre, Autry Museum of the American West, Griffith Observatory, L.A. Zoo, and L.A. Equestrian Center. Within the park, you’ll also discover hidden gems, such as Fern Dell and Amir’s Garden.

Amir's Garden LA Trail Hikers LA’s scenic hikes near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Amir’s Garden 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

After a fire destroyed this Griffith Park hillside in 1971, hiker and Iranian immigrant Amir Dialameh spent more than three decades transforming it by hand, planting pine, jacaranda trees, geraniums, oleander, rose bushes, and other flowers and plants. The roughly 5-acre garden features enclaves with picnic tables and benches, as well as meandering wooden staircases that wind down the hillside. Amir Dialameh passed away unexpectedly in late 2003, leaving behind a verdant gift to the citizens of Los Angeles. Today, his garden is maintained by volunteers and volunteer groups, with assistance, when possible, from the City of Los Angeles Park Rangers and park maintenance workers.

Hollywood Sign Hollywood Sign Trust LA’s scenic hikes near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Hollywood Sign Hiking Trails

Have you ever hiked up to the Hollywood Sign? There are several routes to choose from, ranked from easy to difficult. The Mt Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail offer options for intrepid seekers, stragglers, dreamers, beginners, children, and the moderately well-conditioned. ‍Authorized hiking trails are open the same hours as Griffith Park, from Sunrise to Sunset, 365 days a year. Please note that trespassing is illegal and the sign is protected by a fence and security cameras.

Earnest E. Debs Regional Park LA’s scenic hikes near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Earnest E. Debs Regional Park 4235 Monterey Road, Los Angeles, CA 90032

Ernest E. Debs Regional Park is 300 acre urban oasis on old ranch land in the Arroyo Seco neighborhood just northeast of downtown L.A. The fourth largest park in Los Angeles, the area is home to walnut-oak woodland, grassland, coastal sage scrub, and over 140 species of birds. A five mile loop meanders through almost every section of this dog-friendly park. Along the way, you’ll discover a pond where you can actually go fishing.

Audubon Center at Debs Park near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Audubon Center at Debs Park 4700 Griffin Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90031

The Audubon Center at Debs Park is a natural jewel in the heart of Los Angeles with something for everyone. They are a community hub located in Montecito Heights, less than 5 miles from Downtown LA. Nestled within the 282-acre Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, the Center has inspired a love of nature in over a quarter of a million residents of Los Angeles. The park is home to over 140 species of birds, including American Kestrels, Great-horned Owls, Northern Flickers and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Look for birds, but not sure where to start? Check out their birding tips or attend a Community Bird Walk.

Elyria Canyon Park LA’s scenic hikes near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Elyria Canyon Park 1550 Bridgeport Drive, Los Angeles 90065

Nestled on the southwestern slopes of Mount Washington, Elyria Canyon Park is a 35-acre nature park that provides a glimpse into the native habitat that once thrived in the hills near downtown Los Angeles. The park boasts one of the finest examples of California black walnut woodland in Southern California, with lovely trails that lead to vistas of the Los Angeles River, Griffith Observatory, and DTLA. The main entrance is located off Wollam Street in Glassell Park. Leave the paved road for a dirt path through thickets of sumac and bay laurel trees. Keep zigging and zagging until you reach a grassy bowl, where you’ll find a bench and a welcoming drinking fountain. Walk a bit farther and to see a totally unexpected little red farmhouse.

Eaton Canyon Fall Wikipedia Scott Medling LA’s scenic hikes near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Eaton Canyon Falls Eaton Canyon 1750 N Altadena Dr. Pasadena, CA 91107

Eaton Canyon Trail is a scenic hike to the 40-foot Eaton Canyon Falls, with beautiful views of the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains. The trail has only a few hundred feet of elevation gain, but there are several stream crossings and areas of boulder-hopping and rock climbing on the way to the falls. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve situated at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, seasonal stream, rocks and minerals, various natural habitats, native plants, and wildlife.

Bridge to Nowhere Instagram @lahikes LA’s Scenic Hikes near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Bridge to Nowhere East Fork Trailhead, Camp Bonita Rd, La Verne, CA 91750

The Bridge to Nowhere is a 120-foot high concrete arch bridge that was built in 1936, located north of Azusa in the San Gabriel Mountains. The bridge spans the East Fork of the San Gabriel River and was meant to be part of a road connecting the San Gabriel Valley with Wrightwood. The East Fork Road was still under construction when it was washed out during the great flood of 1938 and the project was abandoned, leaving the bridge forever stranded in the middle of what is now the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. The hike starts at the East Fork Trailhead in Angeles National Forest, about an hour away from central Los Angeles. The trail features multiple river crossings, plenty of opportunities to swim, and historic sections of visible roads and tunnels.

Will Rogers State Historic Park LA’s Scenic Hikes near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Will Rogers State Historic Park 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Will Rogers was one of the most popular and highest paid actors in Hollywood and “America’s most beloved citizen.” During the 1920s, he bought land in Santa Monica, where he developed a ranch. Eventually, Rogers owned about 359 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in what is now Pacific Palisades. After Rogers passed away, his widow Betty donated the ranch to California State Parks in 1944. Casual hikers can enjoy a moderate 2-mile loop to and from Inspiration Point, and more adventurous hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can tackle the Backbone Trail National Trail into the Santa Monica Mountains, which can take you all the way to Point Mugu.

Escondido Canyon Park LA’s Scenic Hikes near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Escondido Canyon Park 27200 Winding Way, Malibu, CA 90265

At 150 feet, Escondido Canyon Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains, accessed by a lovely and shaded trail through beautiful sage scrub. Starting from Pacific Coast Highway about a mile south of Kanan Road in Malibu, take the Edward Albert Trail through Escondido Canyon Natural Area. The trail leads hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians 4.2 miles through oak woodland, riparian woodland, and coastal sage scrub to the spectacular, multi-tiered waterfall.

Malibu Creek Rock Pool LA’s Scenic Hikes near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Malibu Creek Rock Pool Malibu Creek State Park 1925 Las Virgenes Rd. Calabasas, CA 91302

Malibu Creek State Park, just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, features hiking, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding opportunities. A beautiful oasis hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Malibu Creek Rock Pool is a fairly large body of water surrounded by green trees and tall rocky, porous cliffs. The rocks are situated above and around the pool, hence the name, the Rock Pool. You can also roam the surrounding area of the Rock Pool to see other parts of Malibu Creek, where you’ll find some good spots to relax and enjoy the tranquil sounds of the water as it flows by.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center Instagram @vasquez.rocks near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Rd. Agua Dulce, CA 91390

Located in the high desert near Agua Dulce Springs, Vasquez Rocks features 932 acres of spectacular rock formations and a seasonal stream. The rocks’ history began in prehistoric times when the sandstone rocks were uplifted at a picturesque angle, showing their jagged red features. In 1874 Tiburcio Vasquez, one of California’s most notorious bandits, used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement. His name has since been associated with this geologic feature. The park is a popular hiking, picnicking, and equestrian area, and has been seen in many hit movies, commercials and television shows, including Star Trek and Star Trek: Picard.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Bridge to Nowhere / Instagram @lahikes

Photo #2: LA Parks / Griffith Park

Photo #3: LA Trail Hikers

Photo #4: Hollywood Sign Trust

Photo #5: Earnest E. Debs Regional Park

Photo #6: Earnest E. Debs Regional Park

Photo #7: Santa Monica Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

Photo #8: Wikipedia / Scott Medling

Photo #9: Bridge to Nowhere / Instagram @lahikes

Photo #10: California State Parks

Photo #11: Santa Monica Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

Photo #12: California State Parks

Photo #13: Instagram @vasquez.rocks

Celebrate Spring By Communing with Nature

The 2021 Vernal Equinox is March 20, marking the first day of Spring. Now is the perfect time to get out and commune with nature. According to recent research, experiencing awe in nature has a powerful effect on emotional well-being, including less stress in our daily lives and boosting healthy feelings of compassion and gratitude. One of the most coveted features at Circa is the two-acre private rooftop park and amenity collection, offering residents plenty of greenery and spaces to retreat, gather and entertain. But beyond the comfort of home, we’ve rounded up some wonderful ways to add some awe to your routine, including bird watching trails, a butterfly pavilion, outdoor art installations, and a bounty of spring blooms. We even found some apps to enhance your experience of nature. Check websites for hours, advance ticket sales, and health guidelines.

Descanso Gardens Cherry Blossoms near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens Bloom Boom 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Experience Descanso’s bloom boom! Descanso Gardens celebrates all nature has to offer in the late winter and early spring. Currently blooming you’ll find Descanso’s iconic cherry blossoms, camellias, crabapples, daffodils, tulips, California poppies, and lilacs. Colorful flowers are a sure sign of spring, but not the only one. The birds of Descanso mark spring by making their homes in the garden. As you explore Descanso, look for special areas from the Promenade to the Oak Woodland marked with the Signs of Spring logo. There you will find displays both educational and artistic, including works by artist David Lovejoy. They’ll invite you to explore birds, nests, blooms, and all the signs of spring. Advance tickets required for non-members.

NHM Butterfly Pavilion near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Butterfly Pavilion at NHMLA 900 W Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Butterflies are taking flight at the Natural History Museum. Walk among beautiful butterflies in the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion. This springtime exhibition features hundreds of butterflies, colorful native plants, and plenty of natural light to help you see these creatures shimmer. With lots of flight space and a variety of resting spots, you’ll have one of the best views in Los Angeles of these amazing insects. Enter through the North Entrance and enjoy a stroll through the beautiful Nature Gardens on the way to the Butterfly Pavilion. All guests are required to reserve all tickets in advance for the Butterfly Pavilion and parking.

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens 3500 W Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018

Need to unwind your mind? Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens was established by the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness as a non-profit center dedicated to peace and spirituality. Called a “Spiritual Oasis in the City,” its purpose is to provide a place for people to take time out of their busy lives to visit, reflect, and be rejuvenated by the peace and solace of nature. The centerpiece of the property is an outdoor stone labyrinth, using the same design as the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. The spectacular Asian-themed meditation garden presents sixteen water features, a koi pond, and intimate seating areas tucked away to reflect, repose, meditate, while a pergola and courtyard gardens offer additional areas to enjoy.

Griffith Park Bird Sanctuary near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Griffith Park Bird Sanctuary 2900 N Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027

Nestled in a wooded canyon with a small stream, the Griffith Park Bird Sanctuary and Trail offers views of many species of birds in their natural habitat. This short hike offers great views and connects to a wider system of trails. The bird community represents most of the rich diversity found in the Santa Monica Mountains. More than 200 species have been recorded over the years, and around 150 are seen every year. From March through June, nearly 70 species may nest, particularly in the many small canyons that drain off the slopes into the Los Angeles River.

Ellen Reid SOUNDWALK near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Ellen Reid SOUNDWALK Featuring Kronos Quartet in Griffith Park

Ellen Reid SOUNDWALK is a free, GPS-enabled work of public art that uses music to illuminate the natural environment of L.A.’s Griffith Park. Created by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and sound artist Ellen Reid, the experience is guided by the listener: the path you choose dictates the music you hear, and no two visits will be exactly the same. After downloading the free app and putting on your headphones, you can explore the park, triggering musical cells that are carefully crafted to harmonize with the park’s landscape and attractions. SOUNDWALK can be experienced while following social distancing guidelines and will be available free of charge to park visitors through 2023. Get the free app HERE

South Coast Botanic Garden near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Hide & Seek Art: Meets Nature South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Embark on an artful adventure at South Coast Botanic Garden and explore 87 acres of lush habitat and manicured gardens. Hiding amid colorful blooms and luscious flowering trees are eight exquisite works of sculpture just waiting to be found at the Garden’s newest exhibit: Hide and Seek: Art Meets Nature. The exhibition features two contemporary pieces owned by South Coast Botanic Garden and six modern works from the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The sculptures have been carefully placed throughout the Garden as a way to encourage nature exploration with an artful game of hide and seek. The Garden’s vast nature space provides an exquisite opportunity for each sculpture to express its own artistic character. The interplay of nature and art will add a whole new level of appreciation for the Garden’s botanical collections.

Desert X near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Desert X DX 2021 Coachella Valley, CA

Ready for a road trip? Desert X is a site-specific exhibition that first took place in Spring 2017. Artists from different parts of the world are invited to create work in response to the unique conditions of the Coachella Valley and project their vision based on the extraordinary natural and social history, matchless spectacle of the geologic epic, radical abstraction of the surrounds, and the singular incursions of humans into the seemingly barren landscape. Free and open to the public, but health and safety guidelines apply. Timed tickets are required at select sites. Download the Desert X app HERE

The Living Desert WildLights of Spring near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Living Desert WildLights of Spring 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is excited to announce that WildLights is returning to the Zoo – with a spring twist! WildLights of Spring will take guests on an illuminated journey around the Zoo with vantages of select animal habitats including the emus of the new Australian Adventures, and new for Spring, a portion of the African Safari loop will be open for guests to see cheetahs, zebras, African wild dogs, and more. Plus, there will be new music for the light zones – including the Tunnel of Lights, Dazzling Gift, and Discovery Center. Guests can take a spin on the carousel and make s’mores around a fire, for an additional fee. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Advance reservations required.

iNaturalist App

Do you want to contribute to science? The iNaturalist app allows you to connect with nature and record your observations of the natural world, such as birds, plants, forests, butterflies, marine life, and wild bees. You can share your observations with fellow naturalists, discuss your findings, and create your own projects. Every observation can contribute to biodiversity science, from the rarest butterfly to the most common backyard weed. iNaturalist shares your findings with scientific data repositories like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data. All you have to do is observe. iNaturalist is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.

Picture This app nature near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Picture This – Plant Identifier App

Have you ever encountered a beautiful, unknown flower during your walk and wondered what it was? Or do you need advice on how to care for your plants? Simply take a photo of the plant and PictureThis answers all the questions for you. PictureThis® identifies 1,000,000+ plants every day with 98% accuracy – better than most human experts. The app’s revolutionary artificial intelligence engine is constantly learning from experts and specialists – and now it’s all at your fingertips. Picture this plant, and discover a new appreciation for nature.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

Photo #2: Descanso Gardens

Photo #3: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Photo #4: Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

Photo #5: Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

Photo #6: Ellen Reid SOUNDWALK

Photo #7: South Coast Botanic Garden

Photo #8: Desert X

Photo #9: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Photo #10: iNaturalist App

Photo #11: Picture This – Plant Identifier App

Staycation! Fun Things To Do Without Ever Leaving LA!

Time for a staycation! This summer, kick back, relax, and be a tourist in your own town! A vacation can be fabulous, but between all the crazy planning, logistics, and untethering from work, a staycation can be just as much fun, minus the stress – and certainly more affordable. Did you know in 2018 tourism in LA generated a record $36.6 billion boost to the Los Angeles economy? This means that folks from around the world spent beaucoup bucks to experience what we lucky Angelenos have right in our own backyard. Your staycation adventure awaits! Get ready to explore all the fun things to do without ever leaving LA!.

LA River Kayak Safari

Whitewater and wildlife meet urban culture when you paddle the LA River in Frogtown! LA River Kayak Safari is an urban-nature adventure that combines bikes, kayaks, instruction and conversation about the Los Angeles River. This unique trip offers you the chance to paddle with river locals, manage small rapids, and experience nature in the middle of the City. The route passes through Elysian Valley (Frogtown,) home to an emerging river culture of restaurants, coffee shops and art, next to the future parklands of the former train yards. New to paddling? Kayak Safari employs time-tuned techniques to teach you fast. By the end of the tour, you will be an accomplished urban kayaker!

Getty Villa Garden Tour 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Discover the rich mythological and cultural connections of ancient gardens in this 40-minute tour of the Getty Villa’s four Roman gardens. The Getty Villa has four gardens that blend Roman architecture with open air spaces and Mediterranean plants. In ancient times, gardens served both practical and aesthetic purposes at Roman country homes. They let fresh air and light enter the home, and also acted as gathering places to have conversations or to escape the heat. You’ll find about 300 varieties of plants are used in the landscaping of the Getty Villa, many of which can also be found in the Mediterranean region. Explore the Roman gardens at the Getty Villa through a 40-minute tour Monday, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108

When Henry and Arabella Huntington drafted the trust document in the summer of 1919 that would transform their private estate into an institution for the “advancement of learning, the arts and sciences, and to promote the public welfare,” they had no way of knowing what an intellectual and cultural powerhouse it would become. Fast forward and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Huntington with a cornucopia of curated art collections, cultivated gardens, and cultural programs that would do this amazing, visionary couple proud!

Summer Nights at Descanso 1418 Descanso Dr.La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. Summer Nights at Descanso Gardens presents a late hours program of fun events to celebrate the season. Hoist a brewsky at Beer Garden Nights (Five Thursdays from Aug. 1–29). Chill out in the Courtyard where fine brews and food are available for purchase, then wander the Gardens as the sun starts to set. Don’t miss the End of Summer Celebration (Wed Aug. 28). Grab a cold drink and relax to the tunes of the The Flashdance DJs, wander through the gardens to the sounds of live music, enjoy the sunset, then end the night with some stargazing in the Oak Woodland.

Arboretum Summer Nights 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007

LA Arboretum presents an eclectic program of music, movies and garden tours throughout August. Mark your calendars for the Arboretum Summer Nights concert program featuring the Pasadena Pops with Michael Feinstein, The Route 66 Band, and more. Enjoy live music, crafts and lawn games. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas and wine to go with your picnic-style dinner. Food will also be available for purchase from local food trucks.

LA Zoo Roaring Nights 5333 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027

The L.A. Zoo’s Roaring Nights summer series is back and wilder than ever – offering fun, fascinating explorations at the intersection of music, culture, and nature. These adults-only (21+) adventures feature live bands, DJs, pop-up Zoo Talks, animal close-ups, L.A.’s best food trucks, full bars, and more. Featuring:The Watering Hole open-air glamping lounge with specialty cocktails; an immersive silent disco experience powered by dueling DJs; three multi-genre dance areas, for an eclectic musical safari; interactive art activities; classic backyard games; and more.

La Brea Tar Pits Second Home Pavilion 5801 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Explore the rainbow tunnels of this immersive, temporary structure where art and science meet. Second Home Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano at La Brea Tar Pits is a standout architectural creation. Each of the rainbow tunnels takes you on different journey. There are multiple ways to wander, and many entrances and exits, but they all emanate from a center area where you’ll be immersed in stained glass light. The pavilion experience shifts from day to night—natural light seeps through translucent walls by day, and glowing lights illuminate its colors and surfaces once the sun goes down.

World of Light Pop Up Museum 233 S Beaudry Ave 11th Fl. Los Angeles, CA 90012

World of Light is a collective of forward-thinking global artists, commissioned to create boundless installations inspired by individuality and background diversity. The exhibition promises an engaging experience – fusing art with technology through a collection of sophisticated installations and visual compositions. A truly unique experience that promises to deliver a highly personalized immersive experience.

Los Angeles Conservancy Last Remaining Seats Various locations

Experience classic films as they were meant to be seen! Last Remaining Seats is the LA Conservancy’s annual series of classic films screened in historic theatres, such as Los Angeles Theatre, Million Dollar Theatre, Theatre at Ace Hotel, Orpheum Theatre, and The Wiltern. The Los Angeles Conservancy is a membership-based nonprofit organization that works through advocacy and education to recognize, preserve, and revitalize the historic architectural and cultural resources of Los Angeles County.

Explore LA’s Urban Parks

Our city has a bounty of beautiful places to experience nature – many right in the sight of the LA skyline! Here’s a guide to the great urban outdoors from DoLA.

Trails LA County Mobile App

Take the trail with you using the Trails LA County Mobile App! Did you know it is estimated that there are more than 2,000 miles of public trails in Los Angeles County? From the Mojave Desert and Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains down to the Pacific Ocean, these trails belong to all of us. And there’s never been a single official source for trail maps, planning and information – before now. The Trails LA County app has offline mapping and navigation built right in – which means you won’t have to worry about what happens to your map when you hike out of cell phone range. Trails LA County currently hosts more than 550 miles of trails…and counting! Their goal s to partner with all the trail managing agencies in LA County to have all 2,000 miles of public trails featured on Trails LA County in the near future. Download the Trail LA County app on the App Store or get it on Google Play.