Great Outdoors Orange County/Long Beach Chapter
presents
Urban Walk in the Ballona Wetlands
Contact: Frederick Brown E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 562-754-1838
Update as of Sunday March 9, 2025:
Please be aware of changes made to this trip as a result of a scouting walk on March 9, 2025 as follows: As the trip leader, I scouted the walk today. What I found is that a half to two thirds of the trail is closed because of restoration. The viewing stands are not available. We can still do an out and back walk around what is open. I saw a number of water birds, some songbirds and a lizard. My exploratory walk took about an hour.
Also, the parking as described in the trip notes is not available because of the restoration. There is parking on Playa Vistra Drive a block northeast of Lincoln Blvd. We will meet up at the entrance at the corner of Lincoln Blvd. and Jefferson.Blvd.
If you are not able to attend please cancel so a person on the waitlist can attend or notify the trip leader to cancel for you. If you are on the waitlist or not registered, please do not attend.
The estimated time for this outing is one to two hours, depending on how much time participants spend at each of the sites.
In Los Angeles a hidden gem exists which makes a wondrous urban walk. The Ballona Wetlands trails expose us to biodiversity and tranquility. The wetlands cover over 600 acres and include 3 miles of mostly level trails that appear to all ages and abilities.
We will most likely see a variety of birds, ranging from herons and egrets to small warblers.
Among land and marine animals that may spotted are racoons, western pond turtles, pacific chorus frog and red-legged frog.
Plant life includes tall cattails, bullrushes and wildflowers.
Strategically placed platforms are placed along the trails for better viewing of the wetlands and the life that is happening there.
We may see a garter snake (not poisonous) and a western fence lizard (rare) besides other common lizards running across the trails.
From some of the viewing platforms, we can view the expanse of the wetlands, with the coastal interface and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.
Rules include staying on the trails, keeping pets quiet and on a leash, hiking out with litter and leaving the wildlife undisturbed.
Click here for a map of the Ballona Wetlands.
From the 405 South: Take the 90 Freeway west towards Marina del Rey. Get off at Culver Blvd and turn LEFT. When you get to Lincoln Blvd, turn LEFT. At Jefferson Blvd turn LEFT and look for parking on Playa Vista Drive.
From the 405 North: Take the Jefferson Blvd exit (50B). Turn RIGHT onto Jefferson. Just before Lincoln Blvd, find parking on Playa Vista Drive.
We will meet up at the entrance to the Wetlands on the corner of Lincoln and Jefferson Blvds.
For those wanting lunch, Senor G's Fresh & Healthy Mexican Food, 343 Culver Boulevard, Los Angelesis nearby and has a vegetarian option.
Contact: Frederick Brown E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 562-754-1838
