Horseback riding in Los Angeles

The best horseback riding in Los Angeles

A 1-hour Mulholland Trail ride, a 2-hour Hollywood trail ride, sunset rides and the ranch under the Hollywood Sign: here is how to ride a horse in Los Angeles, with honest advice on rushed rides, waiting at the ranch, and whether one hour is enough.

By the Things to Do in Los Angeles editorial team 2 tours compared Prices checked 22 October 2026

A line of riders on horseback following a dirt trail through a forest

Short answer The best horseback riding in Los Angeles for visitors is the 1-hour Mulholland Trail ride from Sunset Ranch Hollywood, below the Hollywood Sign, from €67 and rated 4.7 from over 900 reviews. For longer views, the 2-hour Hollywood trail ride costs from €111. Both are guided, and a horse and helmet are included.

Our 2 picks for horseback riding in Los Angeles

Both rides start at Sunset Ranch Hollywood at the top of Beachwood Drive.

from €67 per person Our top pick

1 hour 4.7 (906) reviews on GetYourGuide

1-hour Mulholland Trail horseback ride

A guided 1-hour ride through the hills of Griffith Park, with views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and the city skyline. Horse and helmet are included.

Best for First-time riders and families
Check availability: 1-hour Mulholland Trail horseback ride on GetYourGuide
from €111 per person

2 hours 4.7 (372) reviews on GetYourGuide

2-hour Hollywood trail horseback ride

A 2-hour guided ride through the park hills, with the same ranch, horse and helmet. Not for children under 8 or people afraid of heights.

Best for Riders who want more time in the saddle
Check availability: 2-hour Hollywood trail horseback ride on GetYourGuide

Los Angeles horseback rides compared

Los Angeles horseback rides compared
Tour	From	Duration	Group size	Pickup	Free cancellation	Who it suits	Why we picked it
1-hour Mulholland Trail horseback ride 4.7 (906)	€67 per person	1 hour	Standard group: Up to 15 people	Meet on site	Yes, up to 24 hours in advance	First-time riders and families	The most-reviewed ride: 4.7 from over 900 reviews, at the lower price.
2-hour Hollywood trail horseback ride 4.7 (372)	€111 per person	2 hours	Standard group: Up to 25 people	Meet on site	Yes, up to 24 hours in advance	Riders who want more time in the saddle	Twice the ride for less than twice the price, rated 4.7 from over 370 reviews.

Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 22 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.

Horseback riding in Los Angeles' Griffith Park

Horseback riding in Griffith Park is the classic way to ride in Los Angeles. Both of our picks leave from Sunset Ranch Hollywood, at 3400 N Beachwood Drive in the Hollywood Hills, and ride into the hills of the park. The ranch has been family-owned since 1929.

After the ride, many visitors head down to Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive; our Hollywood tours guide compares the bus tours that go there.

Hollywood Sign horse ride: what you see

On a Hollywood Sign horse ride you see the sign from the trail, not up close. The ranch sits just below it. Along the way you also see Griffith Observatory and the city skyline.

Sunset horseback riding in Los Angeles

Sunset Ranch also runs evening sunset rides, listed on its own website. Book those directly with the ranch if you want the golden hour.

Lessons, the beach and other rides

Both of our picks are guided trail rides, not lessons. If you want horseback riding classes or lessons in Los Angeles, CA, look for a riding school; a trail ride is a gentle walk behind a guide.

Neither ride goes to the beach. Horseback riding on the beach in Los Angeles is not part of these tours.

Tips for your trail ride

Check who can ride
The rides are not suitable for pregnant women, people with recent surgery or with limited mobility. The 2-hour ride is not for children under 8.
Wear long trousers and closed shoes
You ride on dusty trails. Long trousers and closed shoes are more comfortable in the saddle.
Bring money for drinks and tips
Water and sports drinks are on sale at the ranch. Tips are not included.
Check the cancellation line
Both picks show free cancellation on their booking page. Check the exact cut-off there before you pay.

Horseback riding: questions and answers

How much is horseback riding in Los Angeles?

A guided 1-hour ride at Sunset Ranch Hollywood costs from €67 on GetYourGuide. The 2-hour ride costs from €111.

What is the 20% rule in horseback riding?

It is a guideline that a horse can comfortably carry about 20% of its own body weight, rider and saddle together. It comes from horse research, and university extension services pass it on. It is a rule of thumb, not a hard limit.

Where can I ride horses in Los Angeles?

The best-known place for visitors is Sunset Ranch Hollywood, at the top of Beachwood Drive, with trails into the hills of Griffith Park.

Can you legally ride a horse in California?

Yes. Under California Vehicle Code section 21050, a person riding a horse on a road has the same rights and duties as a driver, as far as they can apply.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for horses?

We found no agreed riding rule by this name. The closest use we found is from horse-adoption groups: check in on an adopted horse after 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months.

Can you drink alcohol while riding a horse in California?

Don't. Riders on roads have the duties of drivers, and news reports describe riders in California being arrested on suspicion of riding under the influence. On a guided ride, ride sober.

More horseback rides in Los Angeles, live

More options with live prices and availability, straight from GetYourGuide.

Live prices and availability from GetYourGuide load here.

Facts checked on 22 October 2026 against: Sunset Ranch Hollywood · California Vehicle Code 21050 (FindLaw) · University of Minnesota Extension: horse weight-carrying · ASPCA Pro: post-adoption tips for equine groups.

Written by the Things to Do in Los Angeles editorial team.