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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.
While it used to be tucked into the relatively intimate Old Zoo area, the attraction has since moved to the larger Crystal Springs Picnic Area. With the larger space, it can feel a bit empty, and the flatter terrain does make it easier to spot upcoming scares, as opposed to the hillier nature of the Old Zoo. That being said, there are some genuinely cool and creepy moments on the hayride, even if in places it favors set pieces over scare actors. In addition to the hayride itself, there are a few mazes, which are a bit jump-scarier. This year’s event features a brand-new addition, “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 are 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!) are also 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 (though only till 9:30pm).
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.