Geology

La Brea Tar Pits

Los Angeles County, CA

Coordinate verified

Active asphalt seeps in Hancock Park, central Los Angeles, where natural bitumen has trapped and preserved Ice Age animals for tens of thousands of years. A National Natural Landmark and world-famous paleontological locality (saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, mammoths, ground sloths). Outdoor Lake Pit, observation pits, and park grounds are free; the Page Museum building is a research and exhibit hub (confirm renovation status). Distinct from Vasquez Rocks and Devils Punchbowl sandstone geology.

Field facts

RegionLos Angeles County, CA
Coordinates34.0628, -118.3560
CountyLos Angeles
FeatureNatural asphalt seeps / Pleistocene fossil locality
DesignationNational Natural Landmark (1964)
SettingHancock Park, urban Los Angeles

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