Nature, Friendship, and Shared Experiences

Our Mission

Nature Friends Los Angeles is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to connecting people with nature, community, and outdoor recreation in Southern California. We are part of Nature Friends California and the global Nature Friends International movement.

We help members explore and appreciate the natural landscape, learn about environmental science, and support the conservation of forests, wildlife, and open spaces.

Nature Friends Los Angeles operates two scenic properties: a rustic lodge and retreat center in Sierra Madre, near Pasadena and the Angeles National Forest, and a mountain cabin in the San Jacinto Mountains. These spaces support our mission while also serving as beautiful venues for events, retreats, and community gatherings.

Our History

Nature Friends Los Angeles is part of an international movement that began more than a century ago. Naturfreunde International was founded in Vienna, Austria, in 1895 by working-class citizens who believed that access to nature, education, recreation, and community should be available to everyone—not only the wealthy.

As the movement spread throughout Europe and later North America, local clubs created welcoming places where people could hike, gather, learn, celebrate, and enjoy the outdoors together. Members built rustic lodges, organized mountain outings, hosted cultural events, and promoted environmental stewardship long before those ideas became widely popular.

Nature Friends Los Angeles carries that tradition forward as part of Nature Friends California. Established in the early 20th century, our club has welcomed generations of people seeking a deeper connection to nature, community, and the San Gabriel Mountains.

Today, our historic retreat in the Sierra Madre foothills remains a peaceful gathering place near Pasadena, Los Angeles, and the Angeles National Forest. Whether guests come for an overnight stay, a weekend getaway, a wedding, a private event, or time outdoors, they become part of a tradition built around shared experiences and access to the natural world.

Our roots are international, but our purpose remains simple: to create a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, celebrate, and experience the beauty of nature together.

Our Global Network

Nature Friends California

Nature Friends Los Angeles is a member of the Nature Friends California (a non-profit private membership corporation). The other branches are:

San Francisco
Oakland

About Nature Friends International (NFI)

With over 500,000 members in 50 member and partner organizations, the Friends-of-Nature movement, founded in 1895, is one of the largest non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide.

Our work is focused on shaping the sustainable development of our societies and includes in particular

  • protecting, cultivating and making people aware of our natural and cultural heritage,

  • consciously engaging with nature and culture, the two pillars of a global, socially sound and fair societal development,

  • making the right to a healthy environment and living conditions a reality for all people,

  • treating people from diverse countries and regions with respect, irrespective of their gender, origin or color,

  • mediating between the interests of the visited and the visitors,

  • encouraging sustainable mobility,

  • ensuring that nature-based tourism is environmentally compatible.

Nature Friends International

FAQs

About the Club

  • Nature Friends Los Angeles is a nonprofit membership club in Sierra Madre, California, dedicated to nature, friendship, conservation, outdoor recreation, and community gatherings. We are part of Nature Friends California and the larger Nature Friends International movement.

  • Nature Friends LA operates a lodge and retreat property in Sierra Madre, near Pasadena and the Angeles National Forest, as well as a mountain cabin in the San Jacinto Mountains. Our Sierra Madre property includes outdoor gathering areas, event space, overnight accommodations, and access to a beautiful natural setting.

  • Nature Friends International is a global movement that began in Europe in the late 1800s. It brings together clubs and lodges around the world that promote outdoor recreation, environmental awareness, cultural exchange, and friendship through nature.

  • Yes. Nature Friends has other clubs and properties in California, including Nature Friends San Francisco in Muir Woods and Nature Friends Oakland. There are also Nature Friends groups and affiliated clubs in other parts of the United States and around the world.

Hosting an Event

  • To begin, fill out our event inquiry form or contact us to schedule a tour. We’ll review your date, guest count, event type, and basic needs, then help determine whether the property is a good fit.

  • Event pricing depends on the type of event, number of guests, time needed, and whether overnight accommodations or additional setup time are requested. Please contact us for current rates and availability.

  • Amenities may include outdoor event space, a bar and kitchen pavilion, restrooms, electricity, Wi-Fi, basic sound equipment, natural surroundings, and overnight accommodations upon request. Availability may vary depending on the event.

  • Guest capacity depends on the type of event, setup, parking needs, and use of the property. Contact us with your estimated guest count and we can let you know what is practical for your event.

  • Cancellation and postponement policies depend on the rental agreement and how close the event date is. Please review your agreement carefully and contact us as soon as possible if your plans change.

  • Please use the event inquiry form on our website. You may also contact the club directly with questions about availability, tours, and event rentals.

  • Parking is available on site, but space is limited and depends on the size and layout of your event. Larger events may require planning ahead for carpooling, rideshare, or additional parking arrangements.

  • No. Nature Friends LA provides the venue, but renters are responsible for planning, decorating, staffing, catering, vendors, setup, and cleanup unless otherwise arranged. We’re happy to answer venue-related questions and help you understand what is possible on the property.

Membership

  • Prospective members are encouraged to attend social gatherings, volunteer events, or club activities so they can get to know the community. Membership usually involves meeting current members, learning about the club, completing an application, and receiving approval.

  • Membership dues may change from year to year. Please see the membership page or contact the club for current dues and renewal information.

  • Members become part of a friendly nature-focused community and may receive access to club events, volunteer opportunities, member gatherings, rustic retreats, overnight stays, and other Nature Friends properties in California and abroad.

Overnight Stays

  • Overnight stays are available by reservation and may be open to members, guests, event renters, or approved visitors depending on availability and club policy. Contact us in advance to request a stay.

  • The Sierra Madre property includes overnight accommodations with two private rooms, each with a full bed and private bathroom, as well as a bunk room with multiple sleeping options. Overnight guests may also have access to a kitchen area for breakfast and lunch preparation.

  • Dogs are typically not allowed indoors. We do make exceptions for service animals.

  • Overnight rates depend on the room, number of guests, length of stay, and whether the stay is connected to an event. Please contact the club for current overnight rates.