Los Angeles: Mulholland Trail Horseback Ride & Hollywood Views

Summary

Ride horseback above LA for Hollywood Sign views and city stories

You’ll ride gentle horses along Griffith Park’s Mulholland Trail with a local guide, catching close-up views of the Hollywood Sign and downtown LA. Expect sun on your face, eucalyptus in the air, and moments of real quiet above the city. The tour includes your helmet—just show up ready for something different.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d see Los Angeles from the back of a horse — but there I was, helmet slightly askew, following our guide up the dusty Mulholland Trail in Griffith Park. The city felt miles away even though you could still hear the faint hum of traffic somewhere below. Our guide, Miguel, pointed out where the trail curved to show off the Hollywood Sign (it’s bigger up close than you’d think) and told us how these hills have been used in old Western films. I didn’t expect to smell eucalyptus this strong or feel so much sun on my arms even in February.

The horses seemed to know every twist in the path better than we did. Mine was called Bandit — he stopped once to sniff at some dry grass and Miguel just laughed, said he always does that when it’s about to rain (it didn’t). You get these wild little glimpses: downtown LA poking through haze, snow on mountains way off behind glassy skyscrapers. At one point we all went quiet except for hoofbeats and birds somewhere overhead. That silence sticks with me more than any photo.

It’s only an hour or so but you see a side of LA that’s not all freeways and movie sets — more like faded hillsides and breezy open space. The tour includes your helmet (which is good because mine wobbled a bit), and they keep things relaxed even if you’ve never ridden before. I still think about that view over the city at the top — kind of makes everything else shrink for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided horseback tour in Griffith Park

• Start Mulholland Trail horseback tour
• Ride through Griffith Park hills
• View Hollywood Sign and Observatory
• See Downtown Los Angeles from horseback
• Enjoy views of Pacific Ocean and mountains

Top questions

How long is the Mulholland Trail horseback tour?

The guided horseback ride lasts about 1 hour through Griffith Park.

Do I need riding experience for this tour?

No prior horseback riding experience is needed; it’s suitable for beginners.

What will I see during the ride?

You’ll see the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, downtown Los Angeles, and distant mountains.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, there’s a maximum weight limit of 240 lbs (108 kg).

Is a helmet provided?

Yes, helmets are included for all riders as part of the tour.

Are pregnant travelers allowed on this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Is pickup included in this horseback riding tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Griffith Park for the ride.

Is this activity suitable for people with health issues?

It’s not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your ride includes a safety helmet provided by staff at Griffith Park before heading out on horseback along Mulholland Trail with your local guide leading the way past LA landmarks and hillside scenery.