Saddle Up: Finding L.A.'s Hidden Horseback Haven and Cafe Trail

Saddle Up: Finding L.A.'s Hidden Horseback Haven and Cafe Trail - Rustic Rides Just Outside the City

Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles lies a hidden world of trails and ranches where city slickers can saddle up and enjoy the thrill of horseback riding. You don't need to travel far to find these rustic escapes that make you feel miles away from urban life.

Within 30 minutes of downtown, Rolling M Ranch in the San Gabriel foothills transports riders to a scenic wooded setting. Winding trails take you through shady oaks and sycamores, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley. The stable offers one and two hour trail rides for all skill levels. For a special experience, book a sunset ride and watch the city lights twinkle below as your trusty steed ambles along ridge top paths.

Nestled in Griffith Park, Los Angeles Horseback Riding is a low-key urban barn that's been operating for over 60 years. The scenic one hour rides meander through the park's rolling hills and wooded areas. Along the way, you'll get classic LA views of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and downtown skyline. It's a fun way to explore the city's iconic green space from the saddle. Morning and sunset rides are available, but be sure to book in advance as spots fill quickly.

Just 15 minutes from Santa Monica, Triunfo Creek Ranch takes new and experienced riders on scenic trails through the Santa Monica Mountains. Winding single-track paths lined with coastal oaks and sycamores make you feel far removed from the city below. Two hour rides let you soak up panoramic ocean vistas and get up close views of local flora and fauna. Other highlights include a ride through Paramount Ranch, once a setting for western films and TV shows. It's a perfect rustic escape without venturing too far from the Westside.

Saddle Up: Finding L.A.'s Hidden Horseback Haven and Cafe Trail - Saddling Up Near Griffith Park

Nestled within one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks lies an unexpected urban equestrian escape. Griffith Park, a sprawling 4,300 acre oasis just minutes from the city center, is home to a low-key stable that’s offered trail rides for over 60 years. Los Angeles Horseback Riding may not look like much from the outside, but their winding trails deliver a rustic riding experience with unique city views.

Riders here get to explore parts of Griffith Park that are only accessible on horseback. The main one hour trail takes you through rolling foothills dotted with coastal oaks. As your surefooted steed ambles along the dirt paths, you’ll get panoramic glimpses of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and the downtown LA skyline. It’s a novel way to take in classic city sights. Along the way, your guide will point out filming locations from movies and shows shot in the park.

The well-trained horses are accustomed to city noises, making them perfect city slickers. But within minutes of leaving the stable, the urban hum quickly fades into the background. The only sounds are the clopping of hooves and rustling leaves. It’s easy to forget you’re just minutes from skyscrapers and freeways.

Morning and sunset rides are popular for good reason. The golden hour light filtering through the canopies of oaks makes for stunning scenery. And starting your day on horseback – coffee in hand as the sun peeks over the hills – is an experience unlike any other.

Rider reviews consistently mention excellent customer service from the hands-on owner and guides. They take time to match each rider with a suitable mount based on skill level. Newbies need not worry – the amiable horses are well-suited for first timers. But more experienced riders can also request a horse with a bit more spirit for a more adventurous trek.

Don’t let the bare bones facilities fool you – this urban stable is the real deal when it comes to scenic shore rides and quality horses. The lack of pretension and laid back vibe is part of the charm. There's no 5-star concierge here, just an authentic family-run operation offering a genuine ranch experience minutes from downtown.

Saddle Up: Finding L.A.'s Hidden Horseback Haven and Cafe Trail - Horse Haven in the Hollywood Hills

Tucked into the rugged hills above Hollywood lies a hidden horse haven that offers a rustic reprieve from the chaos of Los Angeles. Just 10 minutes from the heart of Tinseltown, Sunset Ranch has been providing scenic trail rides through Griffith Park since 1937. While Hollywood has transformed around it over the decades, this family-owned stable remains a timeless refuge.

As you make your way up the dusty driveway lined with paddocks, the sounds of the city fade away. You immediately get a sense of why this special spot has captivated Angelenos for generations. There’s a palpable laidback vibe and welcoming community spirit. Dogs lazily roam underfoot and riders of all ages groom their loyal steeds.

What makes Sunset Ranch so special is its unparalleled location inside Griffith Park. The trails wind through protected landscapes that are only accessible on horseback. Your adventuresome mount will take you into secluded valleys and up to panoramic ridgetop lookouts. Along the way, skilled guides share stories about the park’s history and point out unique sights.

One iconic stop is the Hollywood sign lookout. This is the closest spot you can get to the famous sign from the northern side. The view looking out over the rugged hills never gets old, no matter how many times you see that familiar white lettering.

Another highlight is traveling along ridges once used as ranches in old Hollywood westerns. It’s not unusual to stumble upon remnants of sets left behind after filming wrapped decades ago. Towering oaks draped in Spanish moss and tranquil meadows straight out of an old Western add to the cinematic scenery.

Speaking of movies, keep your eyes peeled and you may spot one of the ranch’s equine stars that have appeared in countless films, TV shows, and commercials. With a résumé stretching from Seabiscuit to True Blood, these handsome Hollywood horses have impressive credentials. They’re so accustomed to cameras and lights that nothing phases them on set or the trail.

Sunset Ranch appeals to newbie and seasoned riders alike. With over 100 horses, they can accommodate all skill levels and riders with disabilities. The kind, knowledgeable wranglers exude a passion for sharing their love of riding and nature. They'll thoughtfully pair you with a gentle giant suited to your comfort and experience.

Saddle Up: Finding L.A.'s Hidden Horseback Haven and Cafe Trail - Unexpected Urban Equestrian Escapes

Tucked away in America's bustling cities are unexpected urban oases where you can saddle up and enjoy an authentic ranch experience without venturing far beyond city limits. For equestrians seeking a quick escape from urban life, these hidden gems deliver scenic wooded trails, rolling meadows, and rustic ranch vibes just minutes from downtown skylines.

At Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, IL, you’re transported into a sprawling oasis with over 3 miles of trails winding through restored native prairie. Riders here marvel at how quickly the sounds of passing trains and traffic give way to birdsong and the rustle of prairie grasses. At La Tierra Trails in San Diego, guides lead riders through chaparral-lined paths in Mission Trails Regional Park with sweeping views of Cowles Mountain and the city below. Along the way, you’ll spot native wildlife and forgotten homesteads tucked into valleys. Just outside Houston, Cypress Trails Equestrian Center offers scenic rides through 600 acres of wooded trails lined with tall pines and tranquil ponds that make you forget you’re minutes from the city.

Urban outfitters like Ebony Horsewomen in Hartford, CT are bringing horsemanship to city youth as an empowering alternative to street life. At this nonprofit stable, inner-city girls learn responsibility through bonding with their horses while trail guiding pays for college tuition. Meredith Hodges, founder of the Lucky Three Ranch in Seattle, shares how equine therapy helped her turn her life around after years battling addiction and homelessness. Her nonprofit now rescues at-risk horses while helping humans heal through equine bonding and riding.

These unexpected havens reveal the transformative power of human-equine connections, even in busy cities. As one Lucky Three Ranch rider noted, “The peaceful trails quickly take you out of city stress mode. Focusing on guiding my horse Kona through the woods forced me to be present and leave all my worries behind." An Ebony Horsewomen alum said her defiant 8-year-old self was tamed by the animals she learned to trust and care for: “Having that special bond with my horse kept me out of trouble through high school.”

Saddle Up: Finding L.A.'s Hidden Horseback Haven and Cafe Trail - Clop Clopping Through Beachside Trails

For the ultimate seaside trail ride, head just south of LA to idyllic Palos Verdes Peninsula. Rolling hills cascade down to the Pacific, delivering nonstop ocean vistas as you meander along sandy paths. The cool ocean breeze rustling through your hair makes for an invigorating coastal ride.

At Forrestal Nature Preserve, sweeping views stretch up and down the coastline as far as the eye can see. Follow single-track trails lined with vibrant wildflowers and keep a lookout for roadrunners darting through the chaparral. Descend through a peaceful eucalyptus grove before emerging atop sheer cliffs with crashing waves below.

Further south, Portuguese Bend Reserve rewards riders with a rugged landscape carved by the sea. Trails wind down ravines choked with endemic Toyon and Lemonade Berry and past boulder-strewn bluffs polished by the tides. Time your ride for low tide and you can access hidden coves that are only reachable on hoof.

Rancho Palos Verdes Stables has exclusive access to these breathtaking seaside parks through special permitting. Their kind guides adeptly match horses and riders for a personalized coastal trek. With miles of off-limits trails, no two rides are the same.

I joined wrangler Wade for an afternoon beach ride that did not disappoint. My steadfast quarter horse Cody navigated steep climbs and greeted crashing waves like a seasoned pro. Along the way, Wade shared his encyclopedic knowledge of the peninsula’s ecology and history in an engaging but not overbearing way.

Fellow rider Marnie told me these special beach rides helped her de-stress from 60-hour work weeks in the city: "Within minutes in the saddle, work and life pressures just melt away. The panoramic ocean views instantly relax and rejuvenate me."

Mike, there with his teenage daughters, saw the ride as invaluable bonding time away from digital distractions: "The girls are so tuned into their phones, it's hard to really connect as a family. But out here, it's just us, the horses, and the most beautiful scenery imaginable."

The favorable year-round weather means beach rides offer the perfect winter escape. Trading holiday hustle for salty ocean air and sand between your toes is a special way to ring in the new year. During winter months, whales migrate just offshore, so rides often include sightings of spouting grays or acrobatic dolphins.

Coastal rides let you soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of the sea from a unique vantage point. Connecting with your equine partner against the stunning seascape creates memories that will last long after you dismount.

Saddle Up: Finding L.A.'s Hidden Horseback Haven and Cafe Trail - Grab Your Cowboy Boots and Hit the Hidden Trails

For city slickers seeking to trade congested freeways for open range, Southern California delivers hidden trails and rural ranches just beyond suburbia. Don your cowboy boots, grab the reins, and escape to these wide-open spaces for scenic adventures on horseback.

Within an hour of San Diego, you'll find yourself miles from anywhere at McGinnis Ranch. Situated on over 300 acres of rolling hills and oak groves, this working cattle operation offers breathtaking vistas in every direction. Your sure-footed mount will carry you up ridge-top paths with panoramic views stretching to the Palomar Mountains and Cleveland National Forest. Descend into valleys blanketed in vibrant spring wildflowers. With nary a building in sight, you’ll pinch yourself that bustling Escondido is so closeby.

In the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu, King Gillette Ranch transports riders to a quintessential slice of the Old West. Trails meander past historic ranch buildings and weathered livestock pens harkening back California's ranching heyday. The scenic grassy hills studded with gnarled oaks seem a world away from the famous beaches down below. As your trusty horse carries you further into the heart of the 588-acre park, the city feels far, far away.

For wine country views from the saddle, head north to Moore ‘n’ Moore Ranch, nestled in the hills above bucolic Temecula. Riders here are rewarded with endless green vistas and vineyards that evoke the rolling hills of Tuscany. The clean country air scented with touches of oak, hay and citrus is the perfect way to clear your head. As owner Cheryl Moore says, “Riding through wide open spaces does wonders for relieving stress and anxiety.” Follow single-track trails carved into the hillsides that deliver nonstop vineyard vistas as far as the eye can see.

Further from LA in the old mining town of Casablanca, Casablanca Ranch offers a blend of scenic desert and redrock riding. Your sure-footed steed will carry you into the rain-carved canyons of the Santa Rita Mountains overlooking Palm Springs in the distance. Cacti-dotted trails wind past remnants of old mines and Movie Road where westerns like 3:10 to Yuma were filmed. Riding through this cinematic desert landscape feels like traveling back to Hollywood’s golden era of westerns.

Saddle Up: Finding L.A.'s Hidden Horseback Haven and Cafe Trail - Refueling After the Ride at Local Gems

After an invigorating day in the saddle exploring L.A.’s hidden trails, you’ve worked up a hearty appetite. Luckily, this horse heaven has no shortage of local gems to refuel at once you dismount. From charming country cafes to hip eateries celebrating seasonal fare, fuel up on fresh flavors that capture the essence of Southern California’s diverse culinary scene.

For a true ranch-style experience, saddled up riders at McGinnis Ranch gather around communal picnic tables for a hearty chuckwagon-style lunch. Expect downhome fare like Santa Maria Tri-Tip grilled over a red oak fire, firefighters chili, and oak-smoked chicken dressed up with housemade apricot-jalapeño glaze. Fresh-baked biscuits, cornbread and peach cobbler round out the menu. Washing it all down with an ice cold craft IPA straight from the tap is encouragement enough to saddle up for an afternoon ride.

After a revitalizing morning ride through vineyard-dotted hills, Temecula’s Ponte Winery entices hungry equestrians with California seasonal cuisine paired perfectly with their award-winning vintages. Sip a bright rosé on the garden terrace before indulging in tender duck confit salad with blackberries and goat cheese washed down with an earthy Tempranillo. Then savor wild mushroom ravioli in a savory brown sage butter sauce alongside a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Quality ingredients from local farms add depth and freshness to each dish.

Down in artsy beach town Leucadia, Le Papagayo serves up an elevated take on classic surfer grub. Their fish tacos deliver the perfect post-ride refuel, with sustainably caught mahimahi drizzled in chili lime crema and topped with crisp cabbage, red onion and cilantro. Other favorites include superfood bowls brimming with turmeric-spiced quinoa, avocado, sprouts, charred pineapple and shredded carrot. Dining under festive string lights on the lively patio, you may catch a glimpse of riders headed to the beach for an afternoon trot along the coast.

No refueling mission is complete without a sweet treat stop at Sidecar Donuts, a cult favorite with locations throughout LA. Their rotating gourmet flavors like Brown Butter Sage Icing and S’mores will leave you dreaming of your next ride. Chow down on a Meyer Lemon Pistachio Old Fashioned Donut after a scenic urban ride through Griffith Park or grab a few Apple Fritter Donut Holes to share trailside. The perfect pitstop for hungry equestrians with a craving for something sweet.

Saddle Up: Finding L.A.'s Hidden Horseback Haven and Cafe Trail - Cafe Crawls for Hungry Equestrians

After hours spent exploring the scenic trails and hidden horse havens of LA by hoof, hungry equestrians have worked up a hearty appetite. The region offers no shortage of charming cafes and local favorites to refuel and recharge. Cafe crawls let you sample an array of tantalizing flavors while soaking up the laidback vibes.

At Rustic Root in Long Beach, herbivores rejoice over garden-driven small plates with global influences. Savor sweet potato and black bean empanadas with avocado crema then cleanse your palate with chilled cucumber and jalapeño agua fresca. The market salad bursts with juicy heirloom tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and peppery arugula. Wash it down with a refreshing ginger peach iced tea. With cozy indoor-outdoor seating and chic vintage decor, it's a welcoming spot to unwind after a revitalizing beach ride.

Urban equestrians exploring Griffith Park trails fuel up on superfood bowls and cold-pressed juices at Cafe Gratitude. Their Be Love bowl brims with nutrient-dense quinoa, kale, avocado, pickled carrots, pumpkin seeds and turmeric-maple almond butter. Pour in a boost of their Phytopower green juice swirling with cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, romaine and lemon. Abundant outdoor seating lets you bask in the Califonia sunshine between adventures.

Down an alley in artsy Venice, Great White serves up Instagram-worthy acai bowls to restore and replenish after trotting the shoreline. Their Alma bowl layers acai puree with berries, banana, coconut, granola and honey for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Soak up the chill beach vibes on their sun-drenched patio. The laidback surf culture here is the ideal way to keep that vacation mindset going before saddling back up.

No cafe crawl is complete without a pick-me-up coffee break. Just steps from the Hollywood sign, Cafe 101 perks up pooped out riders with expertly crafted caffeine. Sip creamy nitro cold brews and people-watch from their sidewalk patio after making the ascent to the iconic sign overlook. Caffeine hounds can even create their own drink by customizing milk, espresso shots, and gourmet syrups.

Down in South Bay, Hot Java Cafe draws hordes of hungry riders to their cozy cottage-style patio for belly-warming breakfast fare. Fluffy veggie omelets deliver a protein punch while generously sized banana pecan pancakes doused in maple syrup promise lasting fuel for the trails ahead. Bottomless mugs of rich French roast coffee ensure no rider nods off in the saddle.