Los Angeles is a dog-lover’s paradise with its many dog-friendly trails to explore. And what better way to spend time with your dog than to go hiking with them? Research suggests that hiking can improve our physical and mental well-being. And this is true not only for humans but also for our canine companions.
One thing to note is that many of LA’s trails lack shade and can get too hot on certain days. Don’t forget to bring enough water for both yourself and your dog, and make sure to check the weather forecast before beginning your hike.
Here are seven of our favorite dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles worth checking out:
Runyon Canyon Dog Park
Why We Like It:
- 90 acres of off-leash space where your pup can run freely.
- Beautiful city views not far from the trailhead.
- Your pup will come across plenty of dogs to play with
Things to Know:
- Not a lot of parking and can get busy at certain times.
- There are trails that have steep inclines and declines so wear proper footwear and supervise your off-leash dog to avoid accidents.
Franklin Canyon
Why We Like It:
- Lots of shade and easy trails to explore
- There’s a pond with turtles, ducks, and koi fish
- Many hidden corners with picnic tables to give you privacy
- No entry/parking fee
Things to Know:
- As in most of LA’s trails, watch out for rattlesnakes and poison oaks
- You need to drive through narrow roads within a residential area to get to the park
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Why We Like It:
- Panoramic views of Los Angeles
- Many trails with varying lengths and difficulty
- There are many ways to enjoy this park including exploring the Japanese garden, hanging out at big open fields, or hiking the many trails and appreciating the views
Things to Know:
- There is an entrance fee (cash only) on the weekends
- Check out the lake when you’re there. You can find many types of creatures which include ducks, geese, turtles, and fish.
Griffith Park Trails
Why We Like It:
- So many trails to choose from with different views
- Great place to see the Hollywood sign
- Gorgeous sunsets especially from the Griffith Observatory area
Things to Know:
- Parking can be expensive the higher up you drive. You can park in the lower area for free and either hike your way up or take a bus.
- Many trails have steep inclines and declines.
- Our favorite trails include Fern Dell Nature Trail and Charlie Turner Trail
Mandeville Canyon Trail
Why We Like It:
- Gorgeous views of the Santa Monica coast can be seen from above
- Many trails with varying lengths
- Dogs can be off-leashed in certain areas as long as they are under control and cleaned up after
Things to Know:
- The trail is shared with people riding bicycles. Watch out and keep your dog close
- Not a lot of shade and in some areas can get windy so be prepared
- The small parking lot can get filled very quickly but street parking is permitted.
Eaton Canyon Falls
Why We Like It:
- The hike is fairly easy to moderate and goes through a shady forest with lots of fun boulders
- The stream offers a refreshing respite for dogs during warmer days
Things to Know:
- The best time to go is after a rainy day so there is more water flowing
- Wear waterproof boots as you may need to cross the shallow stream multiple times to get to the falls
- Bring a towel for your pup
Schabarum Skyline Trail
Why We Like It:
- Well-maintained dog and kid-friendly trails
- Beautiful views of the San Gabriel mountains
- Seasonal wildfires and green rolling hills
Things to Know:
- It’s a little bit out of the way from downtown LA (about 27 miles)
- Parking is within a residential area so it may be limited
