Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour on Horseback

Exploring Los Angeles from the saddle of a horse offers a fresh way to see the city’s iconic sights. The Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour takes you through Griffith Park’s scenic terrain, culminating in panoramic views of LA, Hollywood Sign, and beyond. While this experience promises a serene ride with unbeatable vistas, it’s not without its quirks, particularly around booking and group size.

What we really like about this tour is the chance to combine outdoor adventure with the chance to see some of LA’s most famous landmarks from a different angle. The knowledgeable guides clearly know their stuff, providing helpful instruction even for beginners. However, a key consideration is the booking process—at the moment, it’s best to plan well in advance because of the popularity and some rigid policies. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful, scenic ride with a touch of Hollywood glamour.

Key Points

• Stunning panoramic views of LA, Hollywood Sign, Pacific Ocean, and Catalina Island from horseback.
• Ideal for beginners, with included riding instruction and friendly guides.
• Booking can be tricky; plan at least 13 days ahead to secure your spot.
• Weather-dependent, with full refunds or rescheduling options if the weather turns bad.
• Cost reflects a quality outdoor experience but includes essentials like helmet and guide.
• Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience.

A Scenic Ride Through Griffith Park’s Iconic Trails

The Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour begins at Sunset Ranch Hollywood, located at 3200 Beachwood Drive. From here, you meet your guide—most likely a seasoned rider with a knack for sharing local insights—and start your 2-hour adventure. The trail takes you through Griffith Park’s extensive landscape, which spans over 5,000 acres, making it one of LA’s largest green spaces in the city center.

The experience is designed to be accessible, even for those new to horseback riding. Guides provide a quick crash course on riding, helmet fitting, and safety tips, so you’ll feel comfortable before heading out. We loved the way the guides, like the friendly and knowledgeable staff of Sunset Ranch, made everyone feel at ease—an important factor for beginners or nervous riders.

The First Stop: Hollywood Sign

The highlight for many is the chance to see the Hollywood Sign close up, perched atop the hills. As you ascend along the Mulholland Trail, the views become increasingly spectacular. The guide will point out Griffith Observatory, Downtown LA, and the surrounding valleys, providing context and some fun facts along the way.

One reviewer, Remi, described the ride as “really good, peaceful, with great views and a great guide.” The horses, praised for being suitable for beginners, add to the relaxed atmosphere. Rob, another visitor, expressed frustration about the booking process, highlighting the importance of careful planning—an aspect worth noting if you’re traveling during peak seasons.

The Ride: Scenic and Peaceful

As you ride through the hills, the city noise fades away, replaced by the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves. This peaceful moment offers a chance to soak in the sweeping vistas, perhaps even snap some photos. The horses are described as “perfect for beginners,” which means you won’t need prior riding experience to enjoy the scenery.

The tour’s second stop offers a full 360-degree view of Los Angeles, which includes seeing the Pacific Ocean on clear days and spotting Catalina Island in the distance. For those interested in photography, this is a prime opportunity to capture the sprawling cityscape mixed with natural beauty.

Practical Details: What’s Included and Meeting Points

Your ticket includes a helmet, an experienced guide, and riding instruction—elements that add value for first-timers. The meeting point at Sunset Ranch is relatively straightforward to find, and the tour concludes back at the same spot, making logistics simple.

Booking in advance (around 13 days or more) is recommended because this experience is popular, especially during weekends or holiday periods. The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers, fostering a more personalized atmosphere than large group excursions.

Price and Value

At $165 per person, the tour offers a combination of scenic beauty, outdoor activity, and access to LA’s most famous sights. While it’s not cheap, the inclusion of guides, helmets, and training justifies the price for many, especially those looking for an authentic outdoor adventure rather than a typical sightseeing bus tour.

However, it’s worth considering that the experience is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or reschedulable, which adds some reassurance. Still, the non-refundable policy can be a downside if your plans are flexible.

Authentic Experiences and Challenges

Reviewers have noted both the high points and some pitfalls. One reviewer called the experience “a complete disaster,” citing issues with the booking process and weight restrictions. It’s crucial to double-check policies regarding weight limits (240 lbs max) and confirm your reservation well in advance to avoid disappointment.

On the positive side, many found the guides to be knowledgeable and the ride to be peaceful and scenic. Their expertise enhances the experience, ensuring visitors learn about the area while enjoying the ride.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This horseback tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate outdoor activities in scenic settings. It’s ideal for beginners or those seeking a relaxed, non-urban perspective of LA. It’s also perfect for anyone interested in seeing the Hollywood Sign from a unique vantage point, away from crowded viewpoints or tourist-heavy spots.

However, it’s less suitable for travelers who prefer fast-paced or urban sightseeing, or those with mobility or weight restrictions that may complicate riding. The requirement to book ahead and the limited group size mean it works best for those planning well in advance.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In short, the Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour on horseback offers a memorable way to see Los Angeles from a different perspective. The views of the Hollywood Sign, city skyline, and distant ocean are truly special, especially when experienced from the back of a horse. The experience’s relaxed pace, combined with friendly guides, makes it suitable for beginners and nature lovers alike.

While the cost might seem steep, it includes essentials like helmets and riding instruction, making it a reasonable value for a scenic outdoor adventure. However, be prepared to plan ahead and check the weather forecast, as cancellations for poor weather are possible.

This tour provides a peaceful escape into nature with a touch of Hollywood glamour and is best suited for those wanting a gentle, authentic riding experience in LA. If you’re after a unique perspective of the city and don’t mind the planning, it’s likely to be a highlight of your trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed with beginners in mind, offering riding instruction and friendly guides. The horses are described as perfect for those new to riding.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a helmet, an experienced guide, and riding instruction. The price is $165 per person, which covers the entire roughly 2-hour experience.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 13 days ahead of time. Planning early helps secure your spot, especially during busy seasons.

What are the weight restrictions?
The maximum weight allowed is 240 lbs (108 kg). This policy is strict, so make sure your reservation is confirmed and accurate.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is Sunset Ranch Hollywood at 3200 Beachwood Drive. The tour begins and ends at the same location.

Can I bring my own camera?
While not explicitly stated, most participants take photos during the stops, especially at the Hollywood Sign and scenic viewpoints.

In summary, the Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour offers a peaceful, scenic horseback ride with incredible views of Los Angeles. It’s perfect for those who want a calm outdoor experience, enjoy natural beauty, and are comfortable with the booking process. Just plan ahead, check the weather, and prepare for a memorable adventure in LA’s most iconic setting.