Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour on Horseback

If you’re considering a horseback ride through Los Angeles’s iconic Griffith Park with views of the Hollywood Sign and beyond, the Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour offers a chance to see the city from a different angle. While it’s a popular experience, especially among those craving a peaceful escape with a touch of adventure, it’s worth weighing the details before booking.

What we appreciate about this tour is how it combines stunning panoramic views of LA with the chance to ride through Griffith Park’s scenic hills. Plus, the guides are experienced and provide helpful instruction, which makes it more accessible for beginners. On the flip side, there’s a notable concern about the booking process and restrictions—notably, the strict weight limit that caught some travelers off guard.

This experience suits those who love the outdoors and are comfortable around horses, but it might not be the best fit if you’re on a tight schedule or have specific physical constraints. Still, if you’re looking for a relaxed yet memorable way to see LA’s famous sights from horseback, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Breathtaking views of Hollywood Sign, Downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and Catalina Island from horseback.
• Guides are knowledgeable and provide helpful riding instruction, making it accessible for beginners.
• The price of $165 offers a unique perspective of LA, but weigh it against how much you’ll value the views and the experience.
• Strict weight limit of 240 lbs can be a surprise for some travelers, so check your weight beforehand.
• The tour is designed as a 2-hour guided ride through Griffith Park’s hills, offering a balance of adventure and relaxation.
• Weather dependency means your plans can be canceled with little notice if weather conditions are poor, so flexibility is key.

What to Expect from the Mt. Hollywood Trail Horseback Tour

This tour is a balance of scenic riding and sightseeing, making it a good choice for those who want a break from urban exploration but still enjoy the LA skyline. It begins at Sunset Ranch Hollywood, located at 3200 Beachwood Drive, in the heart of Griffith Park. The meeting point is straightforward, and most travelers book about 13 days in advance, which suggests it’s in demand but not so popular that you can’t get a spot.

The Itinerary

Start at the Meeting Point
You’ll meet your guides at Sunset Ranch Hollywood, where they’ll provide helmets and a brief riding instruction. This part is reassuring for those new to horseback riding, as guides are experienced and ready to help beginners get comfortable.

Ride through Griffith Park’s Hills
The core of the experience is the ride through Mulholland Trail and other scenic paths that wind through Griffith Park’s 5,000 acres. You’ll ride past the Hollywood Sign—a bucket list sight for many—along with views of Griffith Observatory and Downtown LA. As one reviewer put it, the ride is “really good,” peaceful, and offers great views in the morning light.

Reach the summit of Mount Hollywood
The highlight is riding to the top of Mount Hollywood for 360° views of Los Angeles, Catalina Island, the Pacific Ocean, and the Valley. This spot offers an unbeatable backdrop for photos and a chance to truly appreciate the sprawling cityscape from a horse’s back.

Return to the Meeting Point
After enjoying the views, the ride circles back to Sunset Ranch, ending the roughly two-hour experience. It’s a laid-back outing that balances sightseeing with a gentle ride, making it suitable for those new to horseback riding or looking for a relaxed outdoor activity.

Stunning Vistas and Guides

What really shines in most reviews is the quality of the guides and the views. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making even beginners feel comfortable. We loved the way the guide’s insights add depth to the experience, highlighting the history and geography of LA’s iconic sights.

The Small Caveats

One of the main issues is the strict weight restriction of 240 lbs—a detail that caused frustration for some travelers. As Rob_T mentioned, they drove 1.5 hours expecting to do the ride but were turned away due to the weight limit. There’s no prior communication about this, which can be disappointing.

Plus, since the experience is weather-dependent, cancellations due to poor weather are possible. If this happens, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund—but it’s worth planning with some flexibility.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $165 per person, this tour isn’t exactly cheap, especially for a two-hour session. However, considering the unique views and the chance to see LA from a different perspective, many will find it worthwhile. The combination of scenic beauty, gentle riding, and expert guides makes it a memorable outing—though it’s worth comparing this to other local attractions if budget is a concern.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable around horses. It could also appeal to those wanting a peaceful, scenic break from LA’s busy streets. It’s not ideal if you’re pressed for time, sensitive to weather cancellations, or have physical constraints outside the weight limit.

Final Thoughts

The Mt. Hollywood Trail Horseback Tour offers a unique way to see Los Angeles, especially if you’ve always wanted a different view of the Hollywood Sign and the city skyline. The stunning vistas and friendly guides truly enhance the experience, making it worth considering if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure with a great payoff.

However, keep in mind the weight restrictions and weather concerns. If you’re comfortable around horses and can plan ahead, this tour will likely deliver a peaceful, scenic, and memorable experience. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace and want to incorporate a touch of nature into their LA trip.

For travelers who prioritize natural beauty and a guided approach, this horseback tour can be a highlight of your visit—just double-check the details before booking to ensure it’s the right fit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides provide riding instruction and training, making it accessible for those new to horseback riding.

What are the main sights I’ll see?
You’ll see the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Downtown LA, and from the top of Mount Hollywood, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and the LA valleys.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes helmets, an experienced guide, and riding instruction. It’s a guided, two-hour ride through Griffith Park.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 13 days ahead, which suggests they fill up reasonably in advance but still have availability.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Yes, there’s a maximum weight limit of 240 lbs (108 kg). No mention of height restrictions, but be aware of this limit before booking.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour relies on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

Where do I meet the tour?
At Sunset Ranch Hollywood, 3200 Beachwood Drive in Los Angeles.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as family-oriented, the guide’s instruction and the gentle ride make it suitable for most beginners and older children comfortable with horses.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately two hours, including meeting, riding, and returning.

If you’re after a unique LA experience that combines scenic views with a relaxed horseback ride, the Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour could be a good pick. Just be sure you’re aware of the restrictions and weather considerations, and you’ll have a memorable outing in this vibrant city.