Join us for an exciting, hour-long walking tour to the famous “Batcaves,” a hidden gem nestled in Griffith Park. Starting at the Brush Canyon parking lot, we’ll take a short, scenic walk to the entrance of the Batcaves, a former quarry tunnel that became iconic as the exterior location for the 1960s Batman TV series. Though the tunnel itself is closed to the public, the surrounding landscape holds stories about California’s rich geological and ecological history. On the tour, we’ll explore the many ways that the region’s culture and history spring from this ecology.

Along the way, we’ll make several stops to dive into the fascinating world of local flora, taking a hands-on approach to discovering their smells, uses, and the plant communities they thrive in. We’ll also reveal the history behind species’ and place names and what they can tell us about California’s diverse cultures, from Indigenous traditions to modern-day influences.

As we make our way to the Batcaves, we’ll see how the park’s diverse flora and fauna have shaped not only the local ecosystem but also the cultural and historical narratives of California. For example, we’ll uncover how laurel sumac is related to growing oranges in Orange County, the role fire plays in the landscape, and what western fence lizards can tell us about Lyme disease. From ancient Indigenous knowledge to the modern-day challenges of urbanization, the natural world has had as profound an influence on Los Angeles’ human history as it has on human history the world over. One of the most compelling stories is that of P-22, a mountain lion that made headlines when he was spotted in Griffith Park, earning the nickname “the Brad Pitt of Mountain Lions”, raising awareness about the challenges wildlife face in urban environments, and even inspiring the construction of a wildlife corridor.

When we arrive at the Batcaves entrance, we'll pause to reflect on the site’s intriguing past and its pop culture legacy—while taking in the dramatic landscape that surrounds this once-bustling quarry tunnel. Learning about what exactly was being quarried here and how it was used to build the city will lead to a discussion of California’s extraordinary geological history—from plate tectonics to vulcanism and mountain formation. Connecting geology, climate, and topography will reveal just how California’s status as a global biodiversity hotspot is related to the rise of the Hollywood film industry in the early 20th century. And to top it all off, we’ll unveil a hidden view of the iconic Hollywood Sign discussing the reason it was built and how it became an icon of the film industry—an unforgettable moment to cap off the tour.

This tour is a perfect blend of history, nature, and pop culture, offering a unique perspective on how ecology has influenced California’s past and present. And don’t forget: as we explore the Batcaves trail and the surrounding park, keep your eyes peeled for rattlesnakes, tarantulas, coyotes, bobcats, red-tailed hawks and the many other creatures that call Griffith Park home that may make an appearance!

Bring good shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and your curiosity! Come explore the Batcaves trail, uncover hidden stories of California’s past, and see Griffith Park from a whole new perspective—don’t miss this one-of-a-kind adventure!