Saddle up on a two-hour guided ride through Griffith Park to Mt. Hollywood for panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and the L.A. skyline. Practical for first-time riders, the tour pairs easy instruction with scenic, city-meets-wildland terrain.
Saddle up on a two-hour guided ride through Griffith Park to Mt. Hollywood for panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and the L.A. skyline. Practical for first-time riders, the tour pairs easy instruction with scenic, city-meets-wildland terrain.
You swing into the saddle at a weathered gate on Beachwood Drive, the ranch buckboard and the city already a distant hum below. The horses pick their way onto the Mulholland Trail and the hills begin to open—oak-studded ridgelines folding toward the Observatory, the Hollywood Sign knitting itself into the skyline, and the Pacific glittering on the western horizon.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sunset Ranch Hollywood · Los Angeles, California
You swing into the saddle at a weathered gate on Beachwood Drive, the ranch buckboard and the city already a distant hum below. The horses pick their way onto the Mulholland Trail and the hills begin to open—oak-studded ridgelines folding toward the Observatory, the Hollywood Sign knitting itself into the skyline, and the Pacific glittering on the western horizon.
This two-hour route follows trails cut through Griffith Park’s 5,000 acres, land shaped by sedimentary rocks and ancient streams that carved the hills you ride. Griffith Park has been public recreation land since the 1890s; the trails you traverse were used by ranchers, hikers, and, later, by the many Angelenos seeking relief from the city. From a cultural angle, the ride places you in a long Los Angeles tradition of outdoor access—an urban wilderness where film history, observatory science, and local hiking culture meet.
Expect a steady, moderate-grade trail—packed dirt, occasional rocky steps, and shaded stretches beneath live oak and eucalyptus. The guide gives basic riding instruction, helmets are supplied, and each horse is matched to rider ability and weight (240 lb max). Plan for sun, wind, and city dust: bring layered, sun-protective clothing, closed-toe shoes, and water.
Timing matters—late afternoon brings long shadows and better light for photos of the sign and skyline; mornings are quieter and cooler. Whether you’re a first-time rider or just short on trail time, this loop delivers panoramic payoff with practical pacing and experienced guidance.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; riders should be comfortable mounting and sitting for up to two hours and able to walk short distances.
This ride is rated easy and suitable for beginners; you should be able to mount, sit in the saddle for two hours, and walk short distances during mounting/dismounting.
Follow Beachwood Drive to the Sunset Ranch gate, tap the buzzer, and park in the dirt lots below the ranch—then walk up to check in.
Yes—maximum weight is 240 lbs (108 kg). The tour is not recommended for people with recent spinal injury, heart conditions, or pregnancy.
Yes—helmets and basic riding instruction are included, and guides match horses to rider ability for safety and comfort.
Griffith Park was donated to Los Angeles in the late 19th century and developed as public recreation land; the Mulholland-era trails reflect early conservation and city-planning efforts.
Griffith Park is an urban wildland under pressure from heavy use—stay on designated trails, pack out waste, and follow guide instructions to minimize erosion and disturbance.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You swing into the saddle at a weathered gate on Beachwood Drive, the ranch buckboard and the city already a distant hum below. The horses pick their way onto the Mulholland Trail and the hills begin to open—oak-studded ridgelines folding toward the Observatory, the Hollywood Sign knitting itself into the skyline, and the Pacific glittering on the western horizon.
You swing into the saddle at a weathered gate on Beachwood Drive, the ranch buckboard and the city already a distant hum below. The horses pick their way onto the Mulholland Trail and the hills begin to open—oak-studded ridgelines folding toward the Observatory, the Hollywood Sign knitting itself into the skyline, and the Pacific glittering on the western horizon.
This two-hour route follows trails cut through Griffith Park’s 5,000 acres, land shaped by sedimentary rocks and ancient streams that carved the hills you ride. Griffith Park has been public recreation land since the 1890s; the trails you traverse were used by ranchers, hikers, and, later, by the many Angelenos seeking relief from the city. From a cultural angle, the ride places you in a long Los Angeles tradition of outdoor access—an urban wilderness where film history, observatory science, and local hiking culture meet.
Expect a steady, moderate-grade trail—packed dirt, occasional rocky steps, and shaded stretches beneath live oak and eucalyptus. The guide gives basic riding instruction, helmets are supplied, and each horse is matched to rider ability and weight (240 lb max). Plan for sun, wind, and city dust: bring layered, sun-protective clothing, closed-toe shoes, and water.
Timing matters—late afternoon brings long shadows and better light for photos of the sign and skyline; mornings are quieter and cooler. Whether you’re a first-time rider or just short on trail time, this loop delivers panoramic payoff with practical pacing and experienced guidance.