Earth City Wonder
Los Angeles Walking Tours
The Nature of California History
Walking Tours
Our tours offer the perfect blend of history, nature, and pop culture, providing a unique perspective on how ecology and geology have shaped California's past and present. Each tour takes a hands-on approach, inviting you to engage your senses and explore Southern California through the lens of a naturalist.
Holy Biodiversity, Batman! A Naturalist’s “Batcaves” Tour
Join us for an exciting, hour-long walking tour to Griffith Park’s famous “Batcaves”! Starting at the Brush Canyon parking lot, we’ll take a short, scenic walk to this former quarry tunnel, made iconic as the exterior location for the 1960s Batman TV series. While the tunnel itself is closed to the public, the surrounding landscape tells fascinating stories of California’s rich geology and ecology—and how they’ve shaped its history, culture, and pop-culture legacy.
Hidden History: From Statehood to Hollywood - A Naturalist’s Hollywood Sign Tour
Explore the hidden history of Los Angeles on a fascinating two-hour walking tour from the Innsdale Trailhead to the Hollywood Sign. You'll learn how the city's development was shaped by key resources like water and oil and how local geology and ecology influenced the growth of both LA and Hollywood. From the early days of statehood to the rise of the film industry, this tour reveals the natural forces and waves of migration that helped shape the history and pop-culture of the 20th century.
The Story of the Land: Indigenous California - A Naturalist’s Hollywood Sign Tour
Embark on a 3.5-hour adventure through Brush Canyon to the Hollywood Sign, where we’ll dive into the fascinating history of California’s Indigenous peoples. As we hike, you’ll discover how local native cultures thrived on the land, using their deep knowledge of local plants, animals, and ecology to live in harmony with the environment. Along the way, we’ll explore stories, traditions, and wisdom that can inspire us today as we work to reshape our relationship with the world of nature all around us.
Bring good shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and your curiosity! Come explore the urban wild, uncover hidden stories of California’s past, and see megalopolis Los Angeles from a whole new perspective—don’t miss this one-of-a-kind adventure!
Reviews
FAQs
-
Whether you’re visiting Los Angeles from far away or live here, there are a lot of ways to enjoy Griffith Park. You can explore the park on your own, take a horseback riding tour, sign up for another walking tour, hire a private guide. We encourage you to do them all! Taking advantage of all these options will allow you to enjoy the park from a variety of perspectives. What makes Earth City Wonder unique is that we tell the stories that make Los Angeles what it is today in the context of the natural environment that shaped those stories encouraging our guests to experience the park with all their senses.
-
Jeremiah is founder and primary tour guide. You can learn more about him and Earth City Wonder here. All the tour guides are Certified California Naturalists. You too can become a Certified California Naturalist and a Climate Steward. Learn more about the University of California Naturalist and Climate Steward Programs here.
-
For all our walking tours, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain or natural trails. It’s important to dress according to the weather, so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Bring your signed waiver and have the email with the QR for check-in ready.
-
Our tours typically last between 1 to 3.5 hours, depending on the tour. Workshops, on the other hand, generally last between 2 to 3 hours, with options for longer-term engagement depending on your interest. Whether you're joining for a short outdoor experience or diving deeper into nature with an educational workshop, you’ll find opportunities to connect with nature and expand your knowledge.
-
Yes, our tours are suitable for families, though some involve more walking or more advanced content that might be better suited to older children or teens. We recommend our tours for ages 12 and up, but if you're planning to bring younger children, please feel free to contact us in advance to discuss what’s best for your group. Our nature workshops, however, are designed for adults and older teens (16+), providing a deeper, hands-on exploration of nature and ecology.
-
Our walking tours and workshops are priced individually. Visit our booking page to see specific pricing for each experience, including any special offers, group discounts, or package deals. We strive to offer affordable access to nature-based learning and experiences for all.
-
Booking your tour or workshop is simple! You can reserve your spot directly through our website. Just select the experience, date, and time that works best for you, and follow the easy online registration process. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially for popular walking tours or workshops.
-
Yes, we strongly recommend booking in advance to ensure availability. While we do accept walk-ins when space permits, our tours and workshops often fill up quickly. Booking online ahead of time guarantees your spot and helps us plan for a more personalized experience.
-
In the event of severe weather, such as heavy rain and wind, extreme heat, air quality, or wildfire, we may need to reschedule your tour or workshop for safety reasons. We’ll notify you in advance if a cancellation is necessary, and we’ll work with you to reschedule at a convenient time. For regular overcast or light rain, the tour may still proceed, so please come prepared for all weather conditions.
-
Absolutely! Our nature workshops are designed for people of all experience levels, from those who are just starting to explore nature to seasoned naturalists looking to deepen their understanding of our local ecology. Whether you’re new to outdoor activities or looking to refine your skills, our tours and workshops are tailored to meet you where you are. You’ll be guided through activities that help you connect with nature and engage your senses observing local ecosystems more closely, regardless of your background.
-
During our walking tours, you’ll enjoy scenic outdoor exploration, learning about the local flora, fauna, and how the histories of Los Angeles and California are shaped by this ecology. Our knowledgeable guides will help you engage with nature through fun, informative narratives that connect you to the environment in a meaningful way. In our nature workshops, you can expect hands-on activities like plant identification, nature journaling, and using tools such as binoculars and nature apps to enhance your learning. You’ll be actively involved in the experience, fostering a personal connection to nature.
-
The Bronson Caves tour is only .5 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation gain and therefore suitable for most participants with minor mobility limitations. Our other walking tours involve moderate hiking on natural terrain, so they may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges or those who have difficulty walking long distances. However, we can discuss accommodations or alternative arrangements if needed to ensure everyone can participate. Please contact us in advance if you have specific accessibility concerns.
-
If you need to cancel or reschedule, you must do so at least 24 hours before your tour or workshop. Follow the link in your confirmation email to cancel. We understand that plans change, so we will do our best to accommodate your needs if you need to adjust your booking.
-
Yes! We offer private walking tours and group bookings for those looking to organize an exclusive experience for friends, family, or colleagues-just get in touch!. Whether you're planning a corporate event, a school outing, or a special gathering, we can tailor the tour or workshop to fit your group's interests. Please reach out to us directly for more information and pricing for private bookings.
-
For the comfort of all participants, pets are generally not allowed on the tours and workshops. However, we would consider a service animal on a private tour if you contact us in advance.
-
We do not provide food or snacks during the walking tours or workshops. We recommend bringing your own snacks or packed lunch, especially for longer tours or workshop sessions. Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated while you explore.
-
Yes, parking is available near all of our tour locations, but we recommend arriving early to ensure a spot, especially during peak hours. For more detailed parking instructions, please refer to the specific tour or workshop details on our tours page.
-
We offer tours and workshops year-round. Los Angeles has a mediterranean climate, making it a great destination for outdoor activities any time of year. We recommend checking the weather forecast before your visit and dressing accordingly.