Griffith Park Horseback Trail Ride with Hollywood Sign Views Los Angeles

Griffith Park and the Hollywood Hills

Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, with more than 4,000 acres of canyons, ridges and trails just north of central Los Angeles. The park holds Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee, the Greek Theatre and the Los Angeles Zoo, and this ride follows the quiet trails in the hills on its edge.

A horseback ride in the Hollywood Hills gives a very different view of the city from a bus or a car. The trails are wide, the pace is gentle, and you ride through scrub, sage and dry hillside with the city sprawling below. It is a popular answer to the question of how to see the Hollywood Sign from a different angle without a long hike.

Views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory

On the trail your guide stops at viewpoints where the Hollywood Sign is clearly in sight, and there is time to take photos from the saddle. The white domes of Griffith Observatory also stand out on the ridge, and on a clear day you can see the downtown Los Angeles skyline and the basin stretching towards the sea.

Morning departures often have cooler air and clearer views, while afternoon rides can catch warmer light. If you are wondering what is the best time for a horseback ride in Griffith Park, choose whichever suits your day, but avoid the hottest hours of summer when you can.

The guided ride and what to expect

The one-hour guided horseback ride starts at the stables, where staff match you with a horse and fit your helmet. One or more guides lead the group, and the horses walk in a line at a relaxed pace, so no previous experience is needed. The trails are wide, but horses instinctively walk near the edge, so anyone with a strong fear of heights should think twice.

Riders must be 8 or older, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There is a weight limit of 240 lb (109 kg) for safety. You may take a phone or a small camera on the trail, but not a bag, so wear pockets or a strap.

Getting to the stables and planning your visit

The stables are minutes from Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, and your voucher gives the exact address. Many visitors search for how to get to the horse ranch in Griffith Park, and the simplest options are a taxi or ride-hailing service from your hotel, since pick-up is not included.

Allow time to arrive before your ride, sign in and meet your guide. Wear long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel, and bring water. After the ride you can continue to Griffith Observatory or Hollywood for the rest of the day.