Griffith Park : Wild Backside 3hr e-bike tour small group

Griffith Park : Wild Backside 3hr e-bike tour small group – A Detailed Review

If you’re looking to explore Los Angeles beyond its famous Hollywood sights, the Griffith Park Wild Backside e-bike tour offers a fresh, active way to see the city’s natural side. This 3-hour guided ride takes you deep into the less-traveled areas of one of LA’s largest urban parks, combined with scenic routes along the LA River and through charming neighborhoods. It’s perfect for confident cyclists who want to combine a bit of adventure with cultural sights.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see hidden natural terrain and less-visited landmarks that most travelers never encounter. The upgraded electric bikes make tackling hills and rougher terrain easier, opening up opportunities to enjoy more remote spots without breaking a sweat. And the small-group setting ensures a personalized, engaging experience.

On the downside, this tour doesn’t include some of LA’s most iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign or Griffith Observatory—so if those are your main targets, you might need to look elsewhere. But for those eager to explore LA’s urban wilderness and local neighborhoods in a relaxed, fun way, this ride hits the sweet spot.

This tour is ideal for active travelers, couple groups, or small groups of friends who want a deeper, more authentic experience of LA’s natural beauty and vibrant neighborhoods. It’s best suited for ages 16 and older, and those comfortable with cycling on a step-through, upgraded e-bike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Deep exploration of Griffith Park’s less-visited backside with natural terrain and scenic viewpoints.
• Upgraded electric bikes with fat tires, front shocks, and comfort features make riding on varied terrain smooth.
• Includes scenic stops like Beehive Rock, Travel Town, the LA River, and local neighborhoods.
• Small-group tours enhance the experience with personalized attention and expert local guides.
• No Hollywood Sign or Observatory included, but plenty of other interesting sights.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary: A Balance of Nature and Neighborhoods

This tour begins at the E Bike Tours LA office, conveniently located next to Hugo’s Tacos. From there, your journey quickly shifts from city streets into the natural landscape of Griffith Park. Unlike the more traditional Griffith Park tours, which often stick to the main roads and popular spots, this ride ventures into the “wild backside”—a phrase that hints at the feeling of being far removed from LA’s hustle.

The first highlight is Cathy’s Corner, famous for its dance scene in LA LA Land. It’s the perfect photo op and adds a bit of Hollywood sparkle to the adventure. From there, the route veers into chaparral-covered terrain, where you’ll enjoy a gentle climb to Beehive Rock. The payoff is spectacular views of the San Gabriel Mountains—a reminder that LA is surrounded by impressive peaks even if they’re often overshadowed by city life.

Next, your guide takes you to Travel Town, a lesser-known but charming train museum that’s perfect for a quick pause. Following that, you’ll pass the Ranger’s Station and Autry Museum, giving you a taste of local history and culture. The route then glides along the LA River, where the architecture of bridges and tunnels makes for striking contrasts of urban engineering and natural scenery.

Finally, the tour explores the vibrant neighborhoods of Los Feliz and Atwater Village, ending with a look at the largest avocado tree in the USA—a quirky, memorable highlight. Along the way, you’ll get insights from your guide, who is CPR/First Aid Certified and vaccinated, ensuring safety and professionalism.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The combination of natural features and local neighborhoods is what we love about this tour. Many visitors stick to the usual Hollywood sightseeing, but this route reveals a more authentic LA experience, filled with quiet natural spots and lesser-visited corners. The inclusion of scenic viewpoints like Beehive Rock offers chances for spectacular photos, while the glide along the LA River provides a refreshing change of urban scenery.

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The E-Bikes: Comfort and Capability

The luxury 750-watt e-bikes are a standout feature. They come equipped with torque sensors, fat tires, and front shocks, making the ride comfortable even on uneven terrain. The step-through design makes mounting and dismounting easier, especially for those who may be less confident cyclists. The bikes also have secure rear racks with personal pouches, perfect for stashing small belongings or snacks.

You’ll appreciate the additional comforts like cushioned seats, upgraded handlebars, and phone mounts. The no-flat fat tires mean less worry about punctures, and the added suspension helps smooth out bumps, making this suitable even for those new to e-biking but comfortable on a bicycle.

The Guide: Local, Professional, and Friendly

Your guide is local and experienced, providing insights into LA’s history, geography, and culture. With CPR/First Aid certification and a vaccination, you can relax knowing safety is prioritized. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge help make the three-hour ride not just fun but also educational.

Practical Details: Logistics and Value

The tour lasts around 3 hours, usually scheduled in the morning or afternoon, aligning well with typical sightseeing days. Pricing at $150 per person is reasonable considering the high-quality bikes, guide expertise, and the unique itinerary. For those who love active experiences and want a richer, more authentic look at LA’s natural and local sides, this is a good value.

The meeting point is straightforward—a double-story gray building next door to Hugo’s Tacos with clear signage. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and options for private bookings make it flexible for families or groups.

What To Bring and What to Know

Be sure to wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bring sunglasses for sun protection. Since the ride covers natural terrain, expect some uneven surfaces—so suitable footwear is key. The tour expressly prohibits intoxication, open-toed shoes, or bare feet, emphasizing safety.

It’s not suitable for children under 16 or those shorter than 5 ft 1 in (155 cm), which is worth noting. Advance booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour provides peace of mind if your plans change.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for active travelers who want to see more than just the tourist highlights. It appeals to those interested in outdoor adventure, local neighborhoods, and scenic views. It’s particularly suited for confident cyclists comfortable on an electric bike, and for travelers who appreciate a small-group, personalized experience.

If your goal is to get a behind-the-scenes look at LA’s less-visited natural areas and neighborhoods, rather than just taking photos from afar, this tour hits the mark. However, if you’re mainly after iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign or Griffith Observatory, you’ll want to supplement this tour with other visits.

The Sum Up

The Griffith Park Wild Backside e-bike tour offers a refreshing perspective on Los Angeles, blending natural beauty, local culture, and outdoor activity into a single three-hour adventure. With high-quality bikes, expert guides, and a thoughtfully curated route, it provides excellent value for those wanting to explore LA’s lesser-known sides comfortably and confidently.

This tour is best suited for active travelers eager to combine sightseeing with a bit of exercise, and for anyone who enjoys discovering hidden corners and scenic views away from the crowds. It’s a memorable way to see a different side of LA that’s often missed on traditional sightseeing routes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is recommended for those aged 16 and older. Children under 16 are not suitable due to safety and comfort considerations.

What kind of bikes are used?
The tour provides luxury 750-watt e-bikes with fat tires, front shocks, and comfortable step-through frames. These are designed for ease and comfort on varied terrain.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including stops for sightseeing and photos.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bring sunglasses. The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

Does the tour include the Hollywood Sign?
No, the route does not include the Hollywood Sign or Griffith Observatory but focuses on other scenic and cultural sites.

Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is a gray, double-story building next door to Hugo’s Tacos, with signage reading “E Bike Tours LA” at building number 3306.

Is this tour private or in small groups?
Both options are available, but the standard experience is with small groups, ensuring a more personalized guide.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price includes high-quality e-bikes, safety helmets, high-visibility vests, phone mounts, snacks, water, and a knowledgeable guide.

Exploring LA on an e-bike through Griffith Park’s wild backside offers a blend of adventure, scenery, and local flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a fun way to see the city’s natural side, this tour delivers a memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby