Best Horseback Riding and Trail Rides for Families in and Near Los Angeles

Go horseback riding in the hills above Los Angeles. Photo by Eden Janine & Jim via Flickr 2.0
Go horseback riding in the hills above Los Angeles. Photo by Eden Janine & Jim via Flickr 2.0
4/13/25 - By Kylie Williams

Riding off into the sunset is about as Hollywood as you can get. Yet, many of us city-slickers have never even hopped on a horse! The hills of Los Angeles are the perfect place to hit the trail, and I've rounded up (pun intended) the best horseback riding in the LA area for families.

As a longtime equestrian, I can attest that these options provide a memorable experience that doesn't require alot of horse sense. Stable staff only select their most docile mounts for the trail rides, use western tack, and ensure horses keep a slow and steady pace. Some of these spots even provide pony rides around the ranch for the littlest cowpokes that may not be up for a trail ride just yet. 

Horseback riding is among the best things to do in Hollywood with kids. For more horseback riding experiences, check out summer horse riding camps in Los Angeles and Orange County

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Great Spots for Horseback Riding in Los Angeles 

1. LA Horse Rentals — Griffith Park

Trek through the iconic chaparral of Griffith Park with trail rides for equestrians of all ages and levels. Rides vary from one to three hours, and are led by trained professionals. Horses and riders are appropriately matched according to the rider's size, and rides vary from $50 - $175. 

2. Sunset Ranch — Hollywood

LA's most famous riding stable is Sunset Ranch, which has been leading rides through Griffith Park and Hollywood Hills since 1929. The ranch offers one and two-hour rides, including their highly acclaimed sunset ride on Mt. Hollywood with unbeatable views of the city. 

3. Santa Clarita Equestrian Center — Santa Clarita

Book a trail ride for $50 per rider per hour to explore the hills that frame the Santa Clarita Valley at the Santa Clarita Equestrian Center. Riders must be at least six years old to participate in a trail ride. 

4. Los Angeles Horseback Riding — Topanga

Children 10 years and over are welcome to hop on the gentle equines at Los Angeles Horseback Riding for trail rides that wind through the beautiful Topanga Canyon. Rides start at just $100 for one hour, with sunset, sunrise, and picnic rides available. Kids can even book the ultimate cowpoke birthday party at Los Angeles Horseback Riding. 

5. Twenty Nine Oaks Ranch — Agoura Hills 

Whether you want an overnight stay with a trail ride or a two-hour ride through Agoura Hills, Twenty Nine Oaks is ready to host. More experienced and enduring riders can even opt for a four-hour ride to an ancient archeological site. 

6. Malibu Riders — Malibu

Experience the foliage and fauna of the stunning Malibu Canyon and some pretty incredible ocean views with the expert help of trail guides at Malibu Riders. You don't have to be an experienced rider to hit the trails- Malibu Riders even welcomes first-timers so long as they are under the recommended weight limit. 

7. Rancho Potrero Trail Rides — Thousand Oaks 

Hop on a horse at Rancho Potrero on the weekend. This Thousand Oaks-based spot offers guided hourly trail rides for kids and adults (ages seven and up) every Friday to Sunday. The ranch has a strict 195 lb. weight limit for riders, and trail rides are a flat rate of $70 per person. 

Best Horseback Riding and Trail Rides for Families in and Near Los Angeles
Take in LA views from horseback! 

8. Palos Verdes Horse Rentals — Palos Verdes 

Kids as young as 6 are welcome to hit the trail with Palos Verdes Horse Rentals, where riders can enjoy an amble through the stunning trails of the Palos Verdes peninsula. Tiny tots (ages 3-5) can join the fun with a 20-minute pony ride throughout the property. Young trail riders will ride their horse with a lead line attached to the guide. 

Children 8 and over who are comfortable with controlling their own horses may walk independently in the trail line. Palos Verdes Horse Rentals often hosts fun events, such as the Gingerbread Ride at Christmastime or the Valentine's Day ride in February. 

Horseback Riding Spots Worth the Drive 

9. Los Padres Outfitters — Santa Barbara/Carpinteria

If you've ever wanted to ride a horse (or mule) on the beach, then this is your spot. Los Padres Outfitters is a locally owned and operated outfit that offers a wide variety of rides including sunset, sunrise, picnic, and daytrips. Kids must be 10 or older to ride, though special exceptions are made for children between 7-9 with previous experience (call ahead to confirm that you child is eligible). 

10. Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company — Ojai 

Take a one-hour trail ride through the picturesque Ventura River Valley Preserve, or catch the sunset and watch the Topa Topa mountains turn pink on a picnic ride that is perfect for all ages. For tiny riders, Ojai Valley Trail Riding also offers pony rides around the property. 

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