This haunted Griffith Park hayride once again returns to the mid-’80s fictitious town of Midnight Falls, which borrows a little bit of the road culture of Sons of Anarchy and the isolation of Twin Peaks.
The Griffith Park tradition, which has been running for 18 years now, centers on a relatively lengthy hayride, which runs on select nights from September 18 to November 1. The premise: A witch has summoned spirits of the underworld, who’ve hidden themselves among Halloween decorations in the town’s foothills. This year’s event features a brand-new maze, “Fallen Angel,” set in a fictitious Sunset Strip theater, where fans try to resurrect a heavy-metal band killed by their pyrotechnics.
The event’s various other attractions will be centered around the jack-o’-lantern–filled Midnight Falls Town Square. Returning favorites include the Scary-Go-Round, the Hellbilly Halloween maze and Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem, which was a highlight last year. Mini escape games and axe-throwing (harder than it looks!) will also be back.
For refreshments, there’s Halloween-themed food including apple cider and doughnuts, plus plant-based fast food from Mr. Charlie’s. For the first time this year, the Hayride will be serving alcohol at new themed bars.
Can I wear a costume?
No. Costumes, face paint and props are not allowed for guests.
Where do I park for the Haunted Hayride?
Prepaid parking is available but limited in the trio of nearby lots (Merry-Go-Round lots 1, 2 and 3). You can also park for free in the much larger L.A. Zoo parking lot and take a shuttle from the lot’s northwest corner to the event.
Note: While the hayride used to take place at the Griffith Park Old Zoo, in recent years it’s moved downhill to the Crystal Springs Picnic Area—a larger, flatter field.
