From Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Sign, numerous interesting landmarks are worth discovering in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park. One of the most underrated spots is perhaps the Bronson Caves, a cluster of man-made caves and quarry remnants dating back to the early 20th century.
Originally formed during quarry operations by the Union Rock Company, the Bronson Caves eventually became a popular filming location for numerous Hollywood movies and TV shows, famously serving as the Batcave in the 1960s Batman television series.
Even better, you can reach the Bronson Caves via a short and easy hike in Griffith Park. Keep reading for everything to know about this often overlooked L.A. landmark.
Bronson Caves’ film legacy
The Bronson Caves have served as a filming location for over 100 Hollywood films, TV shows, and music videos, ranging from Sci-fi to Westerns. While the Batcave cameo is easily the most iconic, you may be familiar with these others.
- Batman (1966-68) – The cave’s tunnel served as the exterior of the Batcave in this TV series.
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) – The caves were used for suspenseful hideout scenes in this cult thriller.
- The Searchers (1958) – A dramatic rescue scene was filmed at the Bronson Caves in this revered Western starring John Wayne.
- Star Trek franchise (1960s-2000s) – Star Trek has used the Bronson Caves as a location for numerous alien planetary exteriors.
- The Lone Ranger, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Rawhide, Bat Masterson, and more Western shows between the 1950s-70s
Visiting the Bronson Caves
The Bronson Caves are man-made caves carved into a 100-foot-tall cliff in the southwest section of Griffith Park. There is one main tunnel that’s about 50 feet long, big enough for a person, a car, or even a Batmobile. Two smaller crawl-through openings extend from the tunnel on the other side.
From the parking area at the end of Canyon Drive, you can reach the Bronson Caves via a gentle 10-15 minute walk on a wide dirt road. The cave sits in a bowl-shaped quarry surrounded by low hills, and you can easily walk through the cave and its smaller openings with no need for a flashlight.
While weekends can be busy, the area is generally less crowded than Hollywood’s typical landmarks. You can climb above the caves for great views of the Hollywood sign, Downtown L.A., and the scenic Griffith Park surroundings.