Best Places To Go Horseback Riding In Los Angeles
Don't let poor service or improper horse care put a damper on your tour of the city or backcountry horseback riding experience. Choose from any of these five local venues for excellent views, reasonable prices and experienced, friendly staff.
Griffith Park Horse Rentals
480 Riverside Dr.
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 840-8401
www.griffithparkhorserental.com
Price: $25 per hour, per person
Hours: Mon to Sun – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed at 5 p.m. from November to March)
Cash only
Riders must be 6 years old and 4 feet tall
Additional fees for riders heavier than 200 pounds
Click here for driving instructions
All levels of riders are welcome with private, semi-private and group lessons offered. Riders of every age will appreciate the family friendly staff. Griffith Park is a top choice for horseback riding in LA, and sunset rides to a Mexican restaurant are a huge hit for groups and families.
Related: Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables
3400 N. Beachwood Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 469-5450
www.sunsetranchhollywood.com
Price: $40 per person for a one-hour ride/$60per person for a two-hour ride
Hours: Mon to Sun – 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (two-hour rides offered until 2:30 p.m.)
To make reservations, click here
Sunset Ranch's trails are guided so riders see some of the best views in Hollywood, including Griffith Park and the Hollywood sign. Sunset rides for couples may include dinner arrangements and are available by reservation only. The typical two-hour ride takes you to the top of Mount Hollywood, where views encompass downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica, and reach all the way to the ocean. On a clear day, riders can see Catalina Island.
Diamond Bar Horse Rentals
1850 Riverside Dr.
Glendale, CA 91201
(818) 242-8443
www.diamondbarstables.com
Price: $20 per hour, per person/$15 for each additional hour
Cash only
Hours: Mon to Sun – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 p.m. winter)
Click here for reservations
Experienced and knowledgeable guides will take you through trails that offer breathtaking views of Los Angeles. Night and dinner rides are also available (and affordable) with reservations. The two-hour night ride takes riders to the hilltops to view the twinkling city lights of Burbank and Glendale. Horses may also be rented for daily or long-term use.
Circle K Riding Stables
910 S Mariposa St.
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 843-9890
Price: $25 per person, first hour/$20 each additional hour
Hours: daily – 8 a.m. to sunset
Cash only
Circle K's trails take riders to views of Burbank, Hollywood and Los Angeles. After filling out a waiver, riders don't wait long to get saddled. The scenery and affordable price make this location quite attractive. Helmets are not required, but the trail does stir up dust, so don't wear your best threads. Guides accompany riders for safety, and keep a steady pace depending on riders' experience with horseback riding.
Wagon Wheel Ranch
4057 Via Opata
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
(310) 567-3582
www.pvhorses.com
Price: $50 per person, per hour
Hours: Mon to Sun – 9 a.m. to dark
For night ride reservations, click here
See the ocean and downtown Long Beach, canyons, nature and wildlife on the Palos Verdes bluffs. Wagon Wheel offers sunset rides and can accommodate special tours for riders. The horses are well tended, healthyand more energetic for riders who prefer a more up-beat option. Longer rides offer more scenic locations, so the three-hour ride is most recommended.
CBS LA Insider's Tip: Many facilities offer free helmets, but long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended for safe riding. You may be asked to sign a waiver before being allowed to ride the horses. It is always best to call in advance to make a reservation and check for special accommodations and requirements.
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