LAโs Adventure Side for You and Your Dog
If you live in Los Angeles, California, you already know how much this city loves dogs! ๐ถ From dog beaches to cozy cafรฉs, LA is full of pet-friendly spaces. But one of the best things to do with your furry friend? Go hiking!
Hiking is not only great exercise for you, but itโs also pure joy for your pup โ new smells, open space, and nature! In this guide, weโll explore the best dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles, plus nearby gems in Orange County, Palos Verdes, Santa Monica, and the Angeles National Forest.
So, leash up (or not โ weโll tell you where you can go off-leash too!) and letโs discover LAโs best trails for dogs.
๐๏ธ Why Choose Dog-Friendly Hikes in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is blessed with sunshine, scenic hills, and coastal views โ perfect for outdoor adventures. Hereโs why LA is a paradise for dog owners who love to hike:
- ๐ Variety of trails โ Beach, canyon, forest, or mountain โ take your pick!
- ๐ฟ Pet-friendly policies โ Many LA trails welcome dogs on leashes.
- โ๏ธ Perfect weather โ Almost all year round, you can hike comfortably.
- ๐พ Dog community โ Youโll meet plenty of other friendly dogs and owners!
๐ Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Los Angeles
Letโs dive into the best dog-friendly trails around LA.
1. Runyon Canyon Park
๐ Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles
๐พ Leash Rule: Off-leash in designated areas
Runyon Canyon is a classic โ loved by locals, celebrities, and, of course, dogs!
- Trail length: Around 2.5 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: City views, Hollywood Sign, social dog scene
๐ก Tip: Bring water! Thereโs little shade, especially in summer.
2. Griffith Park Trails
๐ Los Feliz, Los Angeles
๐พ Leash Rule: On-leash required
Griffith Park offers over 50 miles of hiking trails, including routes up to the Griffith Observatory.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Observatory view, shady paths, picnic areas
๐ Bonus: Thereโs a dog park nearby at the base of Griffith Park.
3. Franklin Canyon Park
๐ Between Beverly Hills & Studio City
๐พ Leash Rule: On-leash
A hidden gem with a small lake, shaded paths, and minimal crowds.
- Trail length: 3 miles total
- Perfect for: Small dogs and beginners
๐ณ Fun Fact: Many classic TV shows were filmed here โ including The Andy Griffith Show!
4. Temescal Canyon Trail
๐ Pacific Palisades
๐พ Leash Rule: On-leash
This is a beautiful coastal canyon hike with ocean views.
- Length: 2.9 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate (some steep parts)
- Best for: Active dogs that enjoy longer hikes
๐ฆ Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid heat and weekend crowds.
5. Elysian Park Trail
๐ Near Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
๐พ Leash Rule: On-leash
A quiet, less touristy trail that locals love.
- Trail length: 2.4 miles
- Highlights: Shady paths, skyline views
Perfect for weekday walks or quick afternoon hikes.
๐ Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Los Angeles
You donโt have to stop at the LA city limits! Check out these nearby dog-friendly trails.
๐พ Dog Friendly Hikes โ Orange County
Orange County is just a short drive south of LA and is full of coastal trails and nature preserves.
Top picks:
- Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park (Laguna Beach) โ On-leash, scenic coastal canyon views.
- Peters Canyon Regional Park (Orange) โ Moderate trail with a mix of dirt paths and hills.
- Crystal Cove State Park (Newport Beach) โ Dogs allowed on paved trails only, but great ocean views!
๐๏ธ Dog-Friendly Hikes โ Santa Monica
Santa Monica offers some of the most beautiful seaside hikes in SoCal.
Best trails:
- Will Rogers State Historic Park โ Dogs on-leash, 2-mile loop to Inspiration Point.
- Temescal Ridge Trail โ Stunning views and ocean breeze.
- Los Liones Canyon Trail โ Perfect for sunrise hikes with your pup!
๐ Dog-Friendly Hikes โ Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes Peninsula is a treasure for coastal hiking.
Top trail:
- Ocean Trails Reserve โ On-leash, easy coastal walk with ocean cliffs and breeze.
- Abalone Cove Shoreline Park โ On-leash only; dogs not allowed on the beach but great upper trails!
๐ฒ Dog-Friendly Hikes โ Angeles National Forest
Just north of LA, youโll find an entirely different landscape โ mountains, pine trees, and cool air.
Top spots:
- Switzer Falls Trail โ On-leash, shady, and features a small waterfall.
- Mount Lowe Railway Trail โ Easy-moderate hike with fascinating historic railway remains.
- Echo Mountain Trail โ Steep climb but rewarding views!
๐โ๐ฆบ Remember: Dogs are welcome on most trails, but bring extra water, especially in summer.
๐พ Off-Leash Dog Hikes Los Angeles
Looking for freedom? Here are places your pup can safely run off-leash:
| Trail | Location | Off-Leash Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Runyon Canyon Park | Hollywood | Yes, designated areas |
| Laurel Canyon Dog Park | Studio City | Fully fenced off-leash park |
| Silver Lake Reservoir Dog Park | Silver Lake | Off-leash play area |
| Bluff Creek Dog Park | Playa Vista | Great for social dogs |
โ ๏ธ Always check signs and local rules before letting your dog off-leash.
๐ฆฎ Tips for Hiking with Dogs in Los Angeles
Here are a few things to remember before you hit the trails:
- Bring water & a collapsible bowl โ Dogs dehydrate quickly.
- Avoid hot pavement or mid-day hikes.
- Pack dog waste bags โ Always clean up!
- Keep your dog leashed unless signs say otherwise.
- Check for ticks or foxtails after the hike.
๐ก Bonus Tip: If you hike often, consider dog booties for paw protection.
๐ฌ People Also Ask
Q1. Are dogs allowed on all Los Angeles hiking trails?
Not all. Most city and state trails allow leashed dogs, but always check signage before entering.
Q2. What are the best off-leash dog hikes in Los Angeles?
Runyon Canyon Park and Laurel Canyon Dog Park are among the top off-leash options.
Q3. Are dogs allowed in Angeles National Forest?
Yes! Dogs are welcome on most trails but must be leashed.
Q4. Can I hike with my dog in Santa Monica Mountains?
Yes, most trails like Los Liones Trail and Will Rogers Park are dog-friendly.
Q5. Whatโs the best time of year for dog hikes in LA?
Spring and fall โ moderate temperatures and less risk of heatstroke.
๐ Conclusion: Time to Hit the Trails with Your Furry Friend
Los Angeles isnโt just a city of stars โ itโs a paradise for dogs too! From coastal walks in Santa Monica, scenic climbs in Griffith Park, to peaceful canyon trails in Palos Verdes, thereโs a perfect path waiting for you and your pup.
Whether youโre looking for off-leash freedom, dog-friendly hikes near Orange County, or peaceful forest walks in Angeles National Forest, LA has it all.
So, grab that leash, pack some water, and let your dog lead the way! ๐โจ