1 / 3San Dimas Canyon Nature Center
📍 San Dimas, CA
Free admission nature centre featuring live rescued birds of prey — turkey vultures, peregrine falcons, great horned owls, barn owls — plus reptiles, educational ecology exhibits, taxidermy, and a one-mile trail with San Gabriel Mountain views.
A great nature center filled with great information on ecology and local wildlife! Clean facilities, and a pleasant adjacent trail with amazing views of the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children 4 and up who want a free, educationally rich outing combining live animals and easy hiking. The trail is manageable for young children — a four-year-old reviewer completed it without assistance. Arrive before midday to secure parking, which fills in the afternoon.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →250 Google reviews
Nash Holcomb
7 months ago
“A great nature center filled with great information on ecology and local wildlife! Clean facilities, and a pleasant adjacent trail with amazing views of the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly!”
Robert M.003
a year ago
“Really nice place. They have many animals on display, such as a turkey vulture, peregrine falcon, great horned owl, barn owl, california kingsnake, tortoises, and more! They also have a nice collection of taxidermy animals. The gift shop they have is only open on Saturdays. The Prickly Pear Trail takes you to some nice views and to a field of blooming sunflowers.”
Purity
3 months ago
“No tickets needed to enjoy thus beautiful place. The hiking trail is 1 mile and abit challenging if you have knee problems though my 4 year old was able to do it with ease. The park atound the playground is huge, green withe lots of trees for shade. Clean modern toilets.”
D Ryan
a year ago
“Many interesting birds saved by the raptor program here. Owls, hawks, eagles, kestrels and others. A nice educational walkthrough exhibit with life sized taxidermy animals and live reptiles/spiders. An enjoyable, quick, easy visit :) free and cool!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
San Dimas Canyon Nature Center is run by trained naturalists who care for rescued raptors and reptiles that cannot be released to the wild. Live animals include turkey vultures, peregrine falcons, great horned owls, barn owls, California kingsnakes, and tortoises. Indoor exhibits cover local ecology and wildlife with life-sized taxidermy and interpretive signage. The adjacent Prickly Pear Trail runs just over one mile with moderate elevation and clear mountain views.
