Los Angeles Haunted Hayride 2024
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is an outdoor event held annually in Griffith Park, bringing that classic fall feel to Los Angeles that can be hard to come by. The event features a variety of haunted mazes, live performers, and of course, the signature hayride. It's a popular destination for horror fans and those looking for a memorable Halloween experience in L.A. You can read about our experience the last time we attended in 2022, or just jump to our TLDR for our 2024 maze rankings. The folks at 13th Floor Entertainment invited us out to see all that’s new at the hayride in 2024, so keep reading for our highlights and tips!
It’s been a couple of years since we were immersed in the fictional town of Midnight Falls, so what’s new? All of the staple characters that make this event so unique and immersive are back PLUS some new fun characters and stilt walkers. THE WAGONS HAVE BENCHES - rejoice! It’s just nicer for folks with mobility issues or those of us who want to wear a cute outfit. It was really comfortable for us when we went and I felt like that was a small but mighty upgrade. There are also new set pieces situated within the hayride itself, although sadly I still feel like the actual hayride suffers from not being scary or immersive enough which is a shame given that it’s the namesake. There is a partnership maze with Janelle Monae which has some Halloween Horror Nights The Weeknd vibes to it with really fun haunt effects. In general it seems the sets got a face lift and they are SO well done and so fun this year! Not including the hayride, these are some of the best jump scares I’ve had so far this season. The caliber of talent at this event is quite high! There are little s’mores stations situated in the food truck pavilion that I think is a genius way to add to the experience, but it does cost extra. There are actually quite a few add on experiences for an additional price, such as a seance show, axe throwing, mini escape rooms, zombie gellyball, and the scary-go-round is back! Please be mindful that it is dusty on your way to the entrance and will ruin shoes if you aren’t mindful. There were a few vegan food options, including vegan ice cream at one of the food trucks.
Why You Might Enjoy It:
Unique Experience: The hayride itself is a fun and unusual twist on the typical haunted house, making it stand out from other Halloween events in the SoCal region!
Immersive Atmosphere: The event is known for its detailed sets, high-quality production, and theatrical elements, which can really draw you into the experience. I love that they build upon Midnight Falls and the characters within year after year. I wouldn’t say that they have scare zones, but they do have an interactive main area near the stage where actors walk around and talk to you!
Griffith Park Setting: The park's natural setting adds to the creepy, eerie atmosphere, especially at night. This is also a good option if you are local to that area so you aren’t having to make the commute to Six Flags Fright Fest or to Knott’s Scary Farm (although not comparable on terms of scale, of course).
Do we recommend this event? Yes, if it fits your budget and schedule and you live nearby. No, if you have to pick and choose which haunted attractions you attend. I would recommend the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor over this event if you have to choose between unique haunt experiences. That being said, the Hellbilly Halloween maze was one of our favorites that we have been through all season so far! They absolutely NAILED IT with that one, IT IS SO SCARY, and I hope you all get to experience it just the same way we did.
TLDR
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TLDR 〰️
Boo’s Review:
Overall Haunted Attraction Rating: 2.5
Atmosphere Rating: 3
Vegan Food Rating: 2
Costume & Makeup Rating: 3.5
Scare Actor/Cast Rating: 4
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 3
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 1
Value for Money Rating: 1.5 (drastically increases if you live up here though!)
Individual Attraction Name: Haunted Hayride
Individual Attraction Overall Rating: 3
Character & Story Cohesion Rating: 2
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 3.5
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 1
Individual Attraction Name: Monae Manor
Individual Attraction Overall Rating: 2.5
Character & Story Cohesion Rating: 1.5
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 4
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 1
Individual Attraction Name: Trick or Treat
Individual Attraction Overall Rating: 3
Character & Story Cohesion Rating: 3.5
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 3.5
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 1
Individual Attraction Name: Hellbilly Halloween
Individual Attraction Overall Rating: 4
Character & Story Cohesion Rating: 4
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 4
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 2.5
Killer K8’s Review:
Overall Haunted Attraction Rating: 3
Atmosphere Rating: 2.5
Vegan Food Rating: 2.5
Costume & Makeup Rating: 3.5
Scare Actor/Cast Rating: 4
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 3.5
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 3
Value for Money Rating: 3
Individual Attraction Name: Haunted Hayride
Individual Attraction Overall Rating: 2.5
Character & Story Cohesion Rating: 2.5
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 3.5
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 1
Individual Attraction Name: Monae Manor
Individual Attraction Overall Rating: 3
Character & Story Cohesion Rating: 2.5
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 3.5
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 3
Individual Attraction Name: Trick or Treat
Individual Attraction Overall Rating: 3.5
Character & Story Cohesion Rating: 4
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 3.5
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 2.5
Individual Attraction Name: Hellbilly Halloween
Individual Attraction Overall Rating: 4
Character & Story Cohesion Rating: 3.5
Set Design & Special Effects Rating: 3.5
Scare/Intensity Factor Rating: 4
