Los Angeles: 2-Hour Hollywood Trail Horseback Riding Tour

Planning to see Los Angeles from a new angle? This 2-hour horseback riding tour at Griffith Park promises an outdoor adventure that combines the thrill of riding with some of the most iconic views in LA. It’s a chance to take a break from the busy streets and enjoy panoramic sights of the city, Hollywood Sign, and Griffith Observatory—all from the back of a calm, well-cared-for horse.

What makes this experience stand out? For one, the expert guides really know their stuff—they’re friendly, informative, and help you relax whether you’re a seasoned rider or a complete beginner. Plus, the views are genuinely stunning, giving you a fresh perspective on the sprawling cityscape below. On the flip side, some travelers note that if you’re afraid of heights or have mobility concerns, the trail’s edge might be a little unnerving.

This tour is especially suited for those who love outdoor activities, want a memorable photo op, or are simply curious about LA’s natural beauty away from tourist crowds. It’s not the best fit if you’re pregnant or have recent surgeries, but if you’re comfortable on a horse, this can be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: You’ll get a 360° vista of Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Sign and downtown skyline.
• Accessible for Beginners: No prior horseback riding experience needed, and horses walk at a relaxed pace.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are friendly, informative, and ensure safety and comfort throughout.
• Great Value: For $125, you get a meaningful, scenic experience that’s quite different from typical city tours.
• Location Convenience: Sunset Ranch is just minutes from Hollywood Blvd, making it easy to fit into your day.
• Safety & Restrictions: The tour enforces a 240 lb weight limit, and is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 8, or those afraid of heights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

When we think about LA, images of Hollywood, sprawling urban streets, and star-studded sights come to mind. But this horseback riding tour offers a chance to see a different side of the city—one that features rolling hills, lush greenery, and stunning views over the city’s skyline. It’s a peaceful escape that combines nature with the excitement of being on horseback.

The starting point at Sunset Ranch is convenient, just a short drive from Hollywood Boulevard. Once you arrive, you’ll meet your guide, who will introduce you to the horses and gear up with helmets. The staff here clearly cares about the animals and safety, which adds to the overall positive vibe. Several reviews mention that the horses are calm and well-trained, making the ride suitable even for those without experience.

The ride itself takes you along well-maintained trails through Griffith Park, a sprawling 5,000-acre area that’s full of scenic spots. The pace is relaxed, with the horses walking near the edges of the trail, so if you have a mild fear of heights, it’s worth noting that the edges may be slightly exposed. The guide will walk alongside, sharing interesting tidbits about LA, Griffith Park, and the Hollywood Sign.

What you’ll see includes the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and sweeping views of Downtown LA. The scenery is picture-perfect, especially if you’re lucky with clear weather. Several reviewers mention that the “great horses” and “friendly tour guides” helped make their experience memorable, with one noting it “felt like a Western movie.”

The duration is perfect—two hours is enough to enjoy the views without feeling rushed. The tour includes water and Gatorade for purchase, but make sure to bring your own camera (small phones are fine, but no bags). The group size tends to be small, which enhances the feeling of a personalized experience.

Cost-wise, $125 per person might seem a little steep for some, but considering the unique views and the professional guides, many agree that it’s good value. Several reviews highlight the quality of the experience, praising the knowledgeable guides and the calm, happy horses.

What to Expect During Your Ride

Once you arrive at Sunset Ranch, you’ll meet your guide and the other riders. The staff ensures everyone is fitted with a helmet and comfortable with their horse. You’ll then set out on trails that wind through Griffith Park’s hills, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing.

Throughout the ride, your guide will share stories about LA, the Hollywood Sign, and the park’s history. They’ll also pay close attention to riders’ comfort, helping beginners feel more at ease. The horses walk at a leisurely pace, which makes this suitable for most people, including those new to horseback riding.

The trail itself is wide, but horses naturally walk near the edges. While this offers exciting views, it’s worth mentioning that if you have a severe fear of heights, you might find this part a little unnerving. Several reviews emphasize the calmness of the horses and the friendly attitude of the guides, which helps alleviate concerns.

The highlight is reaching the top of Mount Hollywood, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Los Angeles. It’s the perfect spot for photos, selfies, or just soaking in the scenery. Many reviewers mention how these views are especially stunning during sunset, adding a magical touch to the ride.

The Guides and Safety Measures

Safety and comfort are clear priorities here. The guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. They walk alongside the line of horses, making sure everyone is doing well, and sharing interesting facts about the city and park.

The tour enforces a 240 lb weight limit, which helps ensure safety for riders and horses alike. Children aged 8 and up are allowed to participate, but everyone must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with recent surgeries or injuries, so it’s best to be honest about your physical condition before booking.

Riders are allowed to bring a phone or small camera but should leave larger bags at the ranch office for safety. The relaxed pace and friendly environment make it a perfect introduction to horseback riding, even for beginners.

Practical Details and Tips

The meeting point is straightforward—there’s a gate and call box at the top of Beachwood Drive, with designated parking on the right after passing through. Make sure to arrive a bit early to find parking and get checked in.

The tour offers flexibility—you can choose to ride in the morning, afternoon, or evening. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and riding. Although no prior experience is needed, if you’re nervous about heights or riding, you should consider that the trail edges may be slightly exposed.

The tour lasts two hours, which includes some time for preparation and the actual riding. It’s a relaxing experience with plenty of opportunities for photos and enjoying the scenery. Since the ride is at a relaxed pace, it’s suitable for most fitness levels, provided you meet the age and weight requirements.

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Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Many reviews highlight how much people loved the friendly guides and beautiful scenery. Donna from the United States says, “Great horses and tour guides. We really enjoyed the ride,” which captures the overall positive vibe. Another reviewer from France mentioned that the guide was “very friendly,” and the experience “felt like a Western movie.”

Several travelers also appreciated the unparalleled views—“to be above Los Angeles for a ride was beautiful,” as one person wrote. The horses are described as “super calm,” making it a relaxing, enjoyable experience even for beginners. The combination of scenic vistas and the joy of riding makes this a memorable outing for many.

Some mention the value for money, especially considering the size of the group and the quality of the horses and guides. The two-hour duration is often praised as a good length—long enough to enjoy the scenery but not so long as to be tiring.

The Not-So-Great Aspects

While most reviews are glowing, a few travelers note minor inconveniences. For example, the need for some refurbishment in the facilities was mentioned, and some found the horse’s proximity to the trail edges a little unnerving if they have a fear of heights. The strict weight limit could be a limitation for some, and the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or children under 8.

The price point might seem high for those on a tight budget, but many agree that the experience and views justify the cost. Also, it’s worth noting that transportation to Sunset Ranch isn’t included, so plan your logistics accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves outdoor adventures, enjoys scenic vistas, or has always wanted to see Los Angeles from above, this horseback tour offers a unique and memorable experience. It’s particularly suited for beginners, families with children over 8, or anyone looking for a relaxing way to explore Griffith Park with a bit of added excitement.

However, if heights make you nervous or you’re pregnant, this might not be the best choice. Also, those with recent surgeries or mobility issues should consider their physical condition before booking.

Final Thoughts

This 2-hour horseback riding tour at Griffith Park is a great way to see Los Angeles from a different perspective. You’ll enjoy the company of calm, friendly horses, learn from knowledgeable guides, and snap some fantastic photos of the Hollywood Sign and city skyline. The experience is well-suited for beginners and families, offering a relaxed pace combined with breathtaking views.

While the price might be on the higher side for some, the quality of the scenery, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall atmosphere make it worth considering. It’s a memorable outing that combines adventure, nature, and iconic sights in a friendly, accessible way.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a unique way to explore LA’s outdoors, this horseback tour is worth your time and money.

FAQ

Is prior horseback riding experience required? No, the tour is suitable for beginners, and horses walk at a relaxed pace.

What is the age limit? Children must be 8 years or older and accompanied by an adult.

How much does it cost? The tour costs $125 per person, which includes a guide, horse, and helmet.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women? No, horseback riding is not recommended for pregnant women.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and riding are best; no need for special riding gear.

How long is the tour? The guided ride lasts two hours.

Is transportation included? No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Sunset Ranch.

Can I bring my phone or camera? Yes, small cameras or phones are allowed, but no large bags.

What if I have a fear of heights? The trail edges are near the edge of the trail, so if you have a severe fear of heights, this might not be ideal.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

If you’re looking for a fun, scenic, and different way to experience LA, this horseback riding adventure offers a lovely escape into nature with a city view. It’s authentic, relaxed, and undoubtedly memorable—just remember to check the restrictions and prepare accordingly!

You can check availability for your dates here: