Looking for dog-friendly hikes in Orange County? We’ve put together a list of great options for all levels. From easy paved trails to long and strenuous hiking adventures, there’s something for everyone. And, of course, your dog is welcome to come along. Click the map below for more information on each location and scroll down to learn about the best Orange County has to offer in dog-friendly hiking.
9 Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Orange County
- Aliso Summit Trail
- Las Ramblas Trail
- Ridgeline Trail
- San Clemente Beach Trail
- Colinas Bluff Trail
- Salt Creek Trail
- Sitton Peak Trail
- Chiquito Falls
- Small Peak
1. Aliso Summit Trail
- an 8.8-mile trail suitable for all levels
- at the end of the trial, enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean
- dogs must be leashed
2. Las Ramblas Trail
- a moderate 5.3-mile hike with sweeping mountain and coastline views
- watch out for mountain bikers on the trail
- multiple steep hills
- less crowded in early mornings
- dogs must be leashed
3. Ridgeline Trail
- an easy to moderate 4.7-mile hike with a paved trail and gorgeous views in every direction
- this hike is a great choice in rainy weather, if you’d rather avoid mud
- gradual incline, and one very steep hill
- dogs must be leashed
4. San Clemente Beach Trail
- an easy 4.6-mile beachside trail
- runs along one of Southern California’s most beautiful shorelines
- a good choice if you’d like to stay close to town and amenities
- dogs must be leashed
5. Colinas Bluff Trail
- a moderate 4.5 to 6.7-mile suburban hike to ridgetop views
- 360 degree views from Santiago Peak, to the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island
- consider bringing boots if conditions have been rainy
- dogs must be leashed
6. Salt Creek Trail
- an easy to moderate 7.6-mile hike following the creek to Salt Creek beach and back
- a paved path makes this hike a great choice for rainy days
- beautiful wildflowers are a highlight
- accessible year-round
- dogs must be leashed
7. Sitton Peak Trail
- a moderate 10-mile hike to sweeping views of Santa Ana Mountains, San Diego County, Orange County, and Catalina
- consider bringing a map, because some trail junctions are not well-marked
- much easier than the hike to Saddleback Mountain, with comparable views.
- while moderate, there are multiple flat sections to catch your breath
- dogs must be leashed
8. Chiquito Falls
- a moderate 9.1-mile hike to the lovely Chiquito Falls (don’t forget to visit San Juan Falls on the way out or back)
- the Falls are usually only in their best form in the Spring
- if you see shade, take advantage of it and rest, because much of the hike is exposed
- dogs must be leashed
9. Small Peak in Robinson Ranch
- moderate 3-mile hike
- accessible year-round
- it’s not long, but climbs 1,000 vertical feet (great workout)
- steep, and gravel can make footing uneasy sometimes
- fantastic views across much of south Orange County
We hope you and your dog have a blast hitting the trails while you’re in Orange County. But, if you can’t be there to take your pet on a much-needed walk, Rover is here to help.
