Sunset Ranch Hollywood
Hollywood, CA 90068
Phone: (323) 469-5450
- Cross Street:
- Franklin
- Hours:
- Day rides: 9am-3:30pm (no reservation), private rides by appointment
Editorial Review for Sunset Ranch Hollywood – by Stephanie L. Smith
Overview
Ride horseback beneath a mantle of stars, breathing in the evening air scented with eucalyptus. Leaning back in the saddle, you'll feel a million miles away from home; that is, until you crest the ridge and see the glittering lights of the entire city basin.
The Experience
Smack under the Hollywood sign, the ranch also offers riding lessons, horse rentals and boarding. But the big draw is the Friday night ride; you'll literally ride off into the sunset over Griffith Park. The first leg of the trek ends at the delightful Viva Fresh--quite possibly the only restaurant in L.A. with hitching posts out back. After you've downed a burrito and quaffed a margarita or two, get back in the saddle and ride home. Expect full fiesta mode en route to dinner, but on the way back a quiet, reflective mood is brought on by the still night, or must-stay-on-this-horse, post-margarita concentration.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoIt's first come, first served for the Friday night rides. No reservations are taken, so show up at 5pm to secure your spot.
Look GoodSure this is L.A., but don't show up in sandals--wear jeans, bring a jacket and put on a pair of comfortable, flat shoes.
The ExtrasIf you're looking for an unusual birthday celebration, Sunset Ranch offers private rides for ten people or more, Sunday through Thursday. Packages start at $350.
User Reviews for Sunset Ranch Hollywood
07/08/2008 Posted by CaWilliam
I was really excited to go horse back riding at the legendary Sunset Ranch in the Hollywood hills as I've already walked up there and know how beautiful the view is. The horse I got was very jerky. I've ridden many horses in my life and the one from here was by far the most uncomfortable (painful) ride ever. We did the lunch ride which is 4 hours on the horse and went to a Mexican restaurant and the service was very poor...our waiter did not come back once after we got our food and wasn't even in the room to refill our water/soda and there weren't any other waiters OR customers for that matter). The lunch ride was $80 per person (food/drinks not included) and it was just two of us. Then when we got done, I gave the guide that took us a $20 tip and she said, "where's the rest of it?" Apparently they expect a 20%-25% tip because they volunteer, what I don't understand is: A.) Why don't they just charge you that up front B.) the definition of volunteer: "a person who performs a service willingly and without pay" C.) the service wasn't that great, why would I give them a generous tip if I got bad service Overall it wasn't too bad, it just ended on a very sour note. I hope by reading this you'll be prepared for what they expect and all in all have a better experience.
07/02/2008 Posted by AvaLo
Stay away! A terrible experience. The guides are rude, condescending and arrogant. The horses are sweet, the scenery is beautiful. But the dust on the trail is beyond unbearable. I don't recommend. I wish I could give them less than one star!
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