This fall, Griffith Park once again flickers to life under an orange haze and the echo of cackling laughter—the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is back for its 17th season, and this year, the Mistress of the Dark herself, Elvira (Cassandra Peterson), moves into Midnight Falls. The result? A perfect collision of camp, horror, and Hollywood nostalgia that only LA could pull off.
Running now through November 2, this year’s hayride is more than a trip through haunted woods—it’s a full-scale Halloween universe. From the new “Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem” maze, dripping with candy-coated chaos and wicked humor, to the Hellbilly Halloween backwoods terror and the glam-haunted Monáe Manor, every corner of Midnight Falls hums with cinematic detail. Tickets start at $38.99, and with demand already high, this is the season’s unmissable thrill ride.
A Dark Collaboration to Die For
“We’re thrilled to have Elvira ‘move in’ this year,” says General Manager Jen Bendik, who’s leading the transformation. “It’s retro Halloween with a twist—nostalgia meets next-level scare.”
Fans will spot Elvira everywhere—from themed photo ops and pop-up retail (featuring limited-edition tees, pins, and collectible VHS mystery boxes) to her unmistakable voice echoing through Midnight Falls’ eerie radio station. Even the Scary-Go-Round ride has been reimagined in honor of her beloved pup, Gonk.
The Cider Mill Experience, a cozy new addition, offers a break from the screams with warm apple cider, cinnamon-dusted donuts, and a glow that turns fright into comfort. Guests can wander the cursed town square, browse exclusive merch, or huddle by the S’mores Stations under a haunted harvest sky.
What to Look Forward To
The hayride itself blends beloved classics with new fearscapes, merging nostalgia with innovation. Riders will encounter monstrous harvest creatures, flickering pumpkins, and the kind of bone-chilling sound design that makes you grip your seat just a little tighter. Beyond the main attraction, Midnight Falls becomes a playground for thrill-seekers—where you can throw axes, survive a zombie apocalypse in “Zombie Splat,” or test your nerve in Madame Aurora’s Séance Show.
For the brave, there are Mini Escape Games—five minutes to solve or be trapped forever—and the macabre musical madness of The Monte Revolta Show, where the undead croon through comedy and chaos. Each experience feels handcrafted for LA’s love of spectacle and storytelling, transforming Griffith Park into the city’s own haunted backlot.
This year’s Los Angeles Haunted Hayride proves once again why it’s the Halloween event to beat. Between Elvira’s gothic charm, the immersive town of Midnight Falls, and a lineup that blends scares with humor, it’s a love letter to the holiday itself—equal parts fear and fun.
Visit Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
📍 Griffith Park – 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles
📅 Now Open Through November 2, 2025
🎟️ Tickets start at $38.99 on select nights
📲 Instagram: @lahayride • Facebook: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of Los Angeles Hayride
