
By Tequila Mockingbird
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 1/30/25 – Los Angeles has always been a city of myths and legends, stretching back long before Hollywood’s bright lights. Among the most enduring tales is that of the Lizard People—a mysterious, advanced civilization said to have built a vast underground city beneath the streets of L.A.
The Legend
According to the story, thousands of years ago, an advanced race of humans—not actual lizards, despite the name—created a sprawling network of tunnels and chambers beneath what is now Los Angeles. These ancient builders supposedly sought refuge underground to escape a catastrophic meteor shower, using sophisticated technology far beyond what we know today.
Origins of the Story
The legend gained traction in the 1930s when geophysicist and mining engineer G. Warren Shufelt claimed he had discovered evidence of the tunnels using a so-called “radio X-ray machine.” He was allegedly tipped off by a Hopi Indian named Little Chief Greenleaf, who shared ancient stories of the Lizard People and their subterranean cities.
Who Were the Lizard People?
Despite their reptilian moniker, the Lizard People were never described as actual lizards. Some versions of the legend suggest they were descendants of the Mayans or another lost civilization, possessing intelligence and technology surpassing that of modern humans. Stories claim they used a mysterious chemical solution to melt through rock, allowing them to carve out their underground dwellings with ease.
The Search for the Tunnels
Shufelt’s claims sparked intrigue and speculation. He even secured a permit to excavate a site near downtown Los Angeles, convinced he was on the verge of uncovering an ancient underground city. But despite his efforts, no physical evidence of the tunnels—or the Lizard People—was ever found.
Why the Legend Endures
Even without proof, the story of the Lizard People remains a fixture in L.A. folklore. It taps into our collective fascination with lost civilizations, hidden worlds, and the possibility that something incredible might be buried just beneath our feet.
In Pop Culture & Beyond
The legend has found its way into books, television, and movies, often as a tongue-in-cheek reference to secret societies and hidden histories. Whether as conspiracy theory fuel or pure entertainment, the myth of the Lizard People continues to intrigue and inspire.
While the Lizard People’s existence is likely nothing more than an urban legend, it serves as a testament to the power of storytelling—something the indigenous people of Los Angeles knew well. And as with any great myth, the most unbelievable stories often stem from something that was, at some point, seen to be believed.