California, home to movie stars, beautiful beaches, miles of trail riding in the mountains, and did I mention: 700,000 horses. Have you ever wanted to ride a horse under the Hollywood sign, or look at the ocean while riding in the Redwood Forest? Then California is a destination you must visit! Today’s episode takes us from the Hollywood sign to the wine country of Napa Valley, down to the beach, and through some of California most beautiful National Parks. The different ride options can take you from short day rides to multiple day trail rides with your own horse or a trail riding company. 700,000 horses in California are waiting for you to come and have a ride. Don’t forget to share with your friends so they won’t miss out.
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California- Hollywood Hills
You won’t see many people riding down Hollywood Boulevard, but if you look up towards the Hollywood sign you will definitely see people riding horses. With nearly 100,000 horses in Los Angeles and the surrounding area, there is no shortage of opportunity to go for a trail ride. Rides in Griffith Park will provide you with views of the Hollywood sign. If you are in Santa Monica and Malibu area you will get to take in Topanga Canyon and see the mountains. A special note that there is no beach riding in the Los Angeles or Orange country areas, so if you see beach riding advertised you will be taken between 2-5 hours north to counties that allow beach riding.
California – Trail riding with a glass of wine.
If you are like me and enjoy a glass of wine while on vacation then a trip to California wine country is a must. Experience the Napa Valley from the back of a horse. Riding through the vineyards will be an experience you won’t soon forget. Most of the Vineyards offer combo tours where you can ride and sample the tasty wine they are making. Riding horseback is a perfect way to relax and unwind and see the beautiful countryside. The great part is they have an option for sunset and sunrise where you enjoy the views all while sitting on the back of your horse.
California – the Beach
California is broken up into three regional coastal areas. You have the North Coast or the Redwood region which is from San Fransico up to the Oregon border. The Central Coast from Northwest Los Angeles County up to Monterey. As well as the Southern Coast region from Santa Barabra to San Deigo. In the North, you will be able to find an outfitter to see the astonishing Redwood trees in their natural habitat. There is a restriction in Los Angeles and Orange county that prohibits beach riding. In the very south along the Mexico border and the Baja California region that do allow beach riding.
A beach that you shouldn’t miss is the Point Reyes National Seashore just north of San Francisco. Sandy beaches, majestic waves, and Cypress trees, this is what the park is about. Coastal California, the most beautiful place to go.
California – National parks
With over 70 state parks California offers miles of horse riding trails.
Kings Canyon park is a great place to camp with your horse as they have facilities to accommodate you and your horse. Summers and hot and dry while sping and fall allow for more tempered weather.
The Redwood National park is also known as the Giants of the west. Here you will be able to see the Redwood trees that can grow up to 100 meters and can live up to 2000 years. Moist air and fog will be present in the region, with summer are the best time to visit. Lots of riding options available in this coastal region.
Yosemite will be the park where you can get your Cowboy on! The most popular park in California where the wild west is still present. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America you will also be able to see the large sequoia trees here as well. Guided horse rides are available almost everywhere. If you want to bring your own you are more than welcome but they do have strict grazing policies. You will need to provide all of your own feed.
Your Host today:
Ute ( India) Heather (Canada)
Don’t forget to check out the resources section in this article!
Highlights
- Riding the Hollywood hills
- Tour a movie set while on a trail ride
- Did someone say, Sauvignon Blanc
- Beaches
- 2000-year-old Redwood trees
- The wild west of Yosemite
Thank you for tuning in and happy trails!
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Packed with exciting true-life stories written by women from all around the world about their adventures they had with horses!
Follow a vet on her adventures in the Namibian Bush, an expat winning a show jumping medal in Italy, a British family with two toddlers crossing Patagonia on horseback or a German girl finding her dream horse on an Indian horse market.
Do you feel that we are missing out on an important topic? Or maybe you have an interesting story to tell? Contact Heather or Ute!
Resources
- California national parks
- Top places to Ride Horses in California
- Horse Riding in the Los Angeles Area
- Riding in Wine County
- Equestrian tools and resources
- EQA Online Shop
Thanks for listening to our horse podcast: California – Hollywood Hills, Beaches, and National Parks
