5 Best Horse Trails in Los Angeles

Riding in Los Angeles

Los Angeles might be synonymous with freeways and film studios, but it's also home to an extraordinary network of equestrian trails. From mountain ridgelines to creek-side paths and canyon washes, LA riders have access to hundreds of miles of dedicated horse trails — many of them just minutes from the city.

Here are five of the best.

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1. Griffith Park Equestrian Trails — Los Feliz / Burbank

Griffith Park is the crown jewel of Los Angeles equestrian trail riding. At over 4,200 acres, it's one of the largest urban parks in the United States — and a huge portion of it is dedicated to equestrian use. The trail network connects with the Verdugo Mountains and offers everything from gentle fire roads to narrow single-track paths with panoramic views of the LA basin and downtown skyline.

Highlights:

• 53+ miles of dedicated equestrian trails
• Multiple staging areas including the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC) for easy access
• Views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and downtown LA
• Connections to the Verdugo Mountains for longer rides
• Dog-friendly and popular with hikers — plan accordingly
• Water stations available at several trailheads

Access: From the Los Angeles Equestrian Center at 480 W. Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506 or Mariposa de Oro Trailhead off Griffith Park Dr.

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2. Arroyo Seco Trail — Pasadena / South Pasadena

Running along the historic Arroyo Seco waterway from Pasadena up into the San Gabriel Mountains, this trail offers a surprisingly wild ride within miles of downtown Pasadena. The lower sections are paved and multi-use, but the upper reaches become natural dirt singletrack winding through oak woodland and riparian habitat.

Highlights:

• Scenic river corridor with towering sycamores and native vegetation
• Connects to the Angeles National Forest for extended backcountry rides
• Historic route — the Arroyo Seco has been a travel corridor for centuries
• Access directly from Arroyo Seco Stables at 118 Marmion Way, South Pasadena
• Varied terrain from flat walking paths to moderate hillside climbs

Access: Arroyo Seco Stables, 118 Marmion Way, South Pasadena, CA 90042 · (626) 437-1511

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3. Topanga State Park Trails — Topanga Canyon

Nestled between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley, Topanga State Park is a 36,000-acre wilderness preserve in the Santa Monica Mountains with an extensive equestrian trail system. The trails range from flat coastal sage scrub rides to challenging ridge routes with breathtaking ocean views on clear days.

Highlights:

• 36,000 acres of protected open space in the Santa Monica Mountains
• Ocean views on clear days from the upper ridgelines
• Diverse terrain: chaparral, oak woodland, stream crossings, and grassy meadows
• Connections to the Backbone Trail, which runs the length of the Santa Monica Mountains
• Trailhead parking and staging areas with horse trailer access
• Relatively uncrowded on weekdays

Access: Trippet Ranch Trailhead, 20829 Entrada Rd, Topanga, CA 90290 · (310) 455-2465

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4. Big Tujunga Wash — Shadow Hills / Sunland

Running through the communities of Shadow Hills and Sunland at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, Big Tujunga Wash is a beloved riding destination for San Fernando Valley equestrians. The wide, sandy wash bottom provides excellent natural footing, and the surrounding terrain opens up into the mountains for riders looking for a longer adventure.

Highlights:

• Wide, sandy wash floor — excellent natural footing for horses of all fitness levels
• Connects directly to the lower San Gabriel Mountains trail system
• Horse-friendly community area with dedicated equestrian trails
• Close proximity to Hansen Dam Equestrian Center
• Great for conditioning rides due to varied terrain and elevation gain options
• Year-round access (some seasonal flooding during heavy rain events)

Access: Hansen Dam Equestrian Center, 11127 Orcas Ave, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 · (818) 896-6514

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5. Peter Strauss Ranch to Paramount Ranch — Agoura Hills / Malibu Creek

Located in the western Santa Monica Mountains, this trail corridor connects several iconic landmarks including the former Paramount Ranch movie set (now managed by the National Park Service) and the Peter Strauss Ranch. The terrain is classic Southern California chaparral with live oak groves, creek crossings, and ridge views.

Highlights:

• Connects multiple NPS-managed open space areas in the western Santa Monica Mountains
• Oak woodland and creek crossings for a classic Southern California trail experience
• Historic Paramount Ranch site — used in countless Hollywood productions
• Well-marked trails with equestrian-friendly footing
• Accessible from multiple staging areas in Agoura Hills and Calabasas
• Cooler than inland areas — great for summer and fall riding

Access: Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 · nps.gov/samo

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Tips for Riding LA's Trails

• Carry water for both you and your horse — most LA trails have limited water sources
• Ride early in summer — temperatures climb quickly after 9am
• Check for closures — fire damage, storm damage, and seasonal closures are common
• Yield to hikers and cyclists — share the trail with courtesy
• Bring a trail map or download offline GPS — cell service is unreliable in the mountains

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After your ride, log the details in EquiLog — route, duration, weather, and how your horse felt — so you can track fitness progress over time.