Benedict Canyon has a mix of vegetation and growth that is peculiar to Southern California - oaks and grasses on the lower slopes, and chaparral and lupine on the higher hillsides. Along nearby Franklin's Creek can be found sycamores, ferns and vines. Evergreens, such as pines, cypresses, deodars and eucalyptus, were planted as settlers moved in, and built homes and parks.

The animal population is pretty much the same as it was 10,000 years ago, with the exception of bears which were killed off by early Mexican and Spanish settlers. There are mule deer, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and several species of birds, rodents and reptiles.