Whether you’re a Tourist or a Townie, there’s always something different and fun to do in the Los Angeles area.  But the cost of fun in the City of Angels can add up fast.  Below is number 25 in a series of 25 things to do in Los Angeles that will cost $25 or less.

Go on a trail ride in Griffith Park.

Griffith Park covers 4,310 acres in the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Feliz.  It’s one of the largest urban parks in North America and home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, coyotes and mountain lions.  I ride in Griffith Park pretty frequently and have often seen deer, an occasional coyote, but have yet to see a mountain lion.

Griffith Park Horse Rentals at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank will take you on a one-hour guided ride over a river and through the park for $25 (CASH ONLY).  Be prepared with the right clothes.  You should wear long pants, closed-toe shoes (or boots) with a heel, a long-sleeve shirt, and don’t forget the sunscreen.  A hat is a good idea, too, to protect you from the fierce Southern California sun.  Just be sure it has a chin strap so it doesn’t end up on the dusty trail.  Speaking of dust, you might want to tie a handkerchief over your nose, as the trail does get very dusty.

The stable uses Western saddles only and provides safety helmets at no extra charge (optional for adults).  The trail ride is walking and some trotting only.  But it’s such a beautiful ride, why hurry through it?  Just relax and enjoy one of the prettiest places in Los Angeles.

No need for a reservation and no riding experience necessary.  You can just show up and ride.  Experienced trail guides take riders out as frequently as four times an hour.  And there’s ample free parking.  Riders must be at least 6 years old and 4 feet tall.  Please be sure to tip your guide (yeah, that pushes the tab over $25 just a little) and bring a couple of carrots for your horse.

Griffith Park Horse Rentals is located at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA.  They’re open every day, weekdays, weekends and holidays.  Stable hours are:

8am-6pm Mar.-Oct. (last ride at 6pm)

8am-5pm Nov.-Feb. (last ride 5pm)

Other Hours by Reservation

For more information, check out their web site at http://www.griffithparkhorserental.com/trail_rides.html, or contact Julie for questions: (818-963-1023) or (818) 840-840-8401 | email: dasch84@aol.com; text: (818) 963-1023.

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 1

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 2

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 3

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 4

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 5

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 6

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 7

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 8

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 9

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 10

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 11

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 12

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 13

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 14

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 15

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 16

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 17

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 18

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 19

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 20

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 21

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 22

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 23

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 24

25 Things to Do in Los Angeles for $25 or Less – Number 25