The Old Zoo

The Old Zoo is one of Los Angeles's most distinctive outdoor destinations, earning a 4.2-star rating from an impressive 363 reviewers. Located in Griffith Park, it combines hiking trails, historic zoo enclosures, and horseback riding in a way that's genuinely hard to find anywhere else in the city. The site's history as LA's original zoo gives it an atmosphere that's both unusual and memorable. Families, hikers, and riders all find something worth coming back for here.

Horseback riding at The Old Zoo operates within the Griffith Park trail system, giving riders access to some of LA's most scenic urban terrain. Trail rides wind through chaparral and oak-shaded paths with views toward the Hollywood Hills. Hiking options at the same location make it easy to combine an equestrian outing with a walking exploration of the park's old animal enclosures. The blend of activity types means groups with mixed interests, some riders, some hikers, can visit together without anyone feeling left out.

The Old Zoo draws visitors from across Los Angeles, with particularly easy access for those coming from Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and the broader east side of the city. Griffith Park's central location also makes it convenient for visitors staying near Hollywood or the San Fernando Valley.