Travel Guide

LAX Airport Parking and Bronson Caves

Imagine that you're walking through the back trails of Los Angeles' famous Griffith Park. As you round a corner you come face to face with a large collection of caves. Unsure of their purpose, you take a step closer. Suddenly there's a flash of light and a squeal of tires -wait a minute, was that the Batmobile? If you thought that the Batcave was nothing more than a Hollywood soundstage, think again! Welcome to the Bronson Caves, or the Batcave as they're better known. Located in the southwest corner of Griffith Park, these man-made caves are commonly used as a filming location for major motion pictures and television productions. Made sometime in the early 1900's, the Bronson Caves consist of an abandoned rock quarry and deteriorated LA stone company. Customers of Johnny Parks LAX Airport Parking are invited the visit this innovative Hollywood filming location, but be forewarned. This is not an area that is easy to access. Curious clients will have to hike to the area as none of the roads in Griffith Park stretch to the quarry's entrance. If you're feeling adventurous the trek is well worth you're while. Who wouldn't want to pretend they're Bruce Wayne, saving the city from the evils of the Joker or Penguin?

It's All about the Location

Hundreds of production companies have filmed thousands of shots at the Bronson Caves, providing customers of Johnny Parks LAX Airport Parking with a handful of exciting movies and television series. Since they're rediscovery in 1922, the caves have been used for all sorts of cinematic purposes including television shows like Bonanza, Star Trek Voyager, Fantasy Island and The Lone Ranger. The Little House on the Prairie even filmed a few episodes here, as well as Gunsmoke, Wild Wild West and the original Batman series. A number of movies have also been set in the caves including 2002's Scorpion King, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Last Horizon and the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Before staring in the movies, the Bronson Caves were used as part of the Los Angeles Stone Company. Stone from this area was used as a source to construct the rail lines for the famous Red Cars of the 1930's and 40's. Customers of Johnny Parks LAX Airport Parking may also be interested to note that rock from the tall cliffs also helped to pave roads like Sunset Boulevard, Highland Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard.

A Little Exercise Never Hurt Anyone

Think you've got what it takes to make the hike to Bronson Caves? If so, simply follow Hollywood boulevard and turn north up either Canyon Drive or Bronson Avenue (this merges with Canyon Drive later). Follow Canyon Drive up north through the gates of Griffith Park to where the road ends. Just south of the top parking and locked gate you'll see a turnout with a locked gate leading to fire road #49. Hike past the gate. At the top of the rise the road will veer to the left and you'll come across the caves. Customers of Johnny Parks LAX Airport Parking can continue to the top of the quarry by following a trail on the far right of the caves. But customers of Johnny Parks LAX Airport Parking are advised to be careful: the first section of this trail is very steep. If you can persevere to the top you'll be rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding Hollywood and LA basin. If you hike long enough you'll also meet up with Mt. Hollywood Drive which intersects with yet another hiking path.

Although this area is one of Griffith Park's least visited, the Bronson Caves are one of Hollywood's most iconic locations. The hike to the cliffs and caves is little more than 1.75 miles (round trip) so strap on some shoes and get ready for an adventure unlike any other. Who knows, you may even run into the original caped-crusader during your visit!