Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour

Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour Review

If you’re looking for a way to see Los Angeles beyond the usual tourist spots, the Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour offers a fresh perspective. This guided ride takes you through Griffith Park, providing sweeping views of the city, mountains, and iconic Hollywood landmarks—all from the back of a well-trained horse. With a solid 4.5-star rating from over 130 reviews, this experience has become a favorite for travelers wanting a memorable, authentic adventure.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see LA from above, with breathtaking vistas of the Hollywood Sign, downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and snow-capped mountains on a clear day. The friendly guides make beginners feel comfortable, and the horses are described as adorable and well-behaved. Plus, the value at $75 per person is considered reasonable for such a unique activity. However, it’s worth mentioning that the timing might be a bit unpredictable—the prep and waiting time can extend the experience beyond the scheduled hour, so planning your day around this is helpful. This tour suits those who enjoy nature, are curious about LA’s scenic heights, and don’t mind a bit of dirt and movement.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Panoramic vistas of Hollywood, downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and mountains
• Experienced Guides: Friendly and helpful, making beginners feel comfortable
• Authentic Experience: Riding through Griffith Park with peaceful scenery and close-up views of landmarks
• Good Value: At $75, you get a memorable hour in the saddle with excellent photo opportunities
• Group Size: Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience
• Weather-Dependent: The tour requires good weather — cancellations due to rain are fully refunded or rescheduled

Overview of the Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour

This experience stands out for its location in Griffith Park, a sprawling 5,000-acre green space in the heart of LA. The tour begins at 3204 Beachwood Drive, where you’ll meet your guides and sign a waiver. From there, it’s a scenic one-hour ride along Mulholland Drive, offering a rare view of the city from above.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the combination of outdoor activity and city sightseeing. Many reviewers highlight the unmatched views of the Hollywood Sign and LA skyline, which are accessible directly from horseback. It’s a fantastic way to get a sense of the city’s geography without the hustle of city streets.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at 3204 Beachwood Dr: The meeting point is easy to find, and the process includes signing a waiver and getting helmeted—just safety essentials, no fuss. Most travelers appreciate the seamless check-in and friendly staff, as one reviewer mentioned, making the start of the experience stress-free.

The Guided Horseback Ride: Over approximately an hour, the guides will lead you through the hills of Griffith Park. The rides are walk-only, as per LA regulations, so no galloping or running—which most reviews found to be perfectly fine, given the leisurely pace and spectacular views. The horses are described as friendly and well-trained, with the guides taking care to match horses to rider comfort levels.

Scenic Highlights: Expect to see Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign up close, and the downtown LA skyline. One reviewer fondly described the ride as “very peaceful,” and noted that the horses walk nose-to-tail, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Ending back at the starting point: The tour concludes after an hour, leaving you with plenty of time to explore more of Griffith Park or head to your next destination.

The Group Experience and Guide Interaction

With a maximum of 20 riders, the group size allows for personalized attention from your guides. Multiple reviews praise the guides’ helpfulness and friendliness—some, like Carly and Anastasia, were singled out as “amazing” by happy travelers. The staff’s focus on ensuring everyone feels comfortable, especially first-timers, shines through in the positive feedback.

Practical Details and What to Expect

You should plan for most travelers to participate, with a weight limit of 240 lbs (108 kg). The tour is available most days and is typically booked about six days in advance, making it accessible for last-minute planners or those who prefer to plan ahead. The cost of $75 per person is considered good value considering photos of LA from horseback are hard to beat.

The tour operates with mobile ticketing, streamlining the booking process. Keep in mind that the experience is weather-dependent; if rain or poor conditions cause cancellation, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Authentic Experiences from Reviewers

“Great views and friendly staff,” summarized many reviews. Travelers often mention how the horses’ calm demeanor and the guides’ patience made the ride enjoyable even for nervous beginners. As one reviewer put it, “The horses walk so close to the edge, but I felt safe thanks to the guides,” highlighting the careful supervision.

Many people appreciated the flexibility and ease of the process. The check-in was described as seamless, and the staff were consistently praised for their helpfulness—especially helpful if you’re new to horseback riding.

Unique Aspects and Potential Drawbacks

While most reviews are glowing, some mention that preparation and waiting time can extend beyond the scheduled hour. For instance, the trip might start about an hour after the scheduled time because of safety checks, helmet fitting, and getting horses ready. This is worth keeping in mind for planning your day.

A few reviews also advise that the ride might not feel entirely safe or suitable for experienced riders, as the horses walk near steep edges. However, for beginners and those with a mild sense of adventure, this remains a highlight rather than a concern.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This horseback tour is a fantastic way to combine outdoor activity with sightseeing. It’s especially suited for travelers who want an authentic LA experience away from the city’s hustle. The stunning panoramic views make for memorable photos, and the friendly guides and well-behaved horses ensure a relaxed ride.

The tour offers great value for money and is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who love nature, animals, or simply want a break from typical LA attractions. Its popularity suggests it’s a highlight for many, yet it remains intimate enough to stand out as a special activity.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

Ideal for beginners and casual riders, this experience welcomes those comfortable with a gentle walk but not necessarily experienced horse riders. It suits outdoor lovers eager for scenic views, and those wanting a peaceful escape from urban LA. It’s also a good choice for families with kids (most reviewers had children with them) or groups celebrating special occasions like birthdays or holidays.

Travelers who appreciate friendly guides, personalized service, and stunning vistas will find this tour to be a highlight of their LA trip. Just remember to check the weather forecast and plan for the possible wait times at the start.

The Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour offers a unique and memorable way to see Los Angeles from a new vantage point. It’s a blend of nature, iconic sights, and gentle adventure that appeals to a wide range of travelers—from first-timers to nature lovers. The knowledgeable guides and beautiful, well-trained horses make the experience smooth and enjoyable, while the spectacular views of Hollywood, downtown LA, and the mountains are truly unforgettable.

For those seeking a relaxed, scenic activity that combines outdoor fun with iconic city views, this horseback ride is a solid choice. It delivers good value at an affordable price, especially considering the photo opportunities and the peaceful atmosphere.

If your idea of travel includes authentic outdoor experiences, friendly guides, and stunning natural scenery, then this tour is undoubtedly worth booking. Just be prepared for the possibility of a slight delay due to prep time, and come with an open mind ready to enjoy the gentle rhythm of horseback riding in the hills of LA.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, most reviews indicate that guides are very helpful and the horses are friendly, making it accessible even for those new to horseback riding.

What is the maximum weight allowed?
The maximum weight limit is 240 lbs (108 kg), ensuring safety and comfort for all riders.

How long is the tour?
The actual ride lasts about one hour, but some travelers report the entire process, including prep, can take longer—about an hour or more.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is 3204 Beachwood Drive, easily accessible in Los Angeles, and the activity ends back at the same spot.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity, and don’t forget to bring a face covering or hankerchief to avoid kicking up dirt from the horses.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so plan accordingly and check the weather forecast before confirming.

Whether you’re a first-time rider or just want a peaceful escape with fantastic views, the Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour offers a special glimpse of LA’s natural beauty from atop a gentle horse. It’s a memorable activity that combines outdoor adventure, stunning scenery, and local charm—making it a worthwhile addition to your Los Angeles itinerary.