Looking to hit the San Diego trails with your four-legged best friend by your side, but want to make sure you’re allowed (and the route has been vetted)? You’re in the right spot.
From paths with breathtaking oceanscapes to canyon mountain views, San Diego boasts a variety of hikes that welcome dogs. We researched all the dog-friendly hikes in San Diego and rounded up the best for seasoned hikers, tranquil walks, or mountain views.
While there are other dog-friendly hiking spots in San Diego, here are a few of our favorites:
- Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
- Piedras Pintadas
- Batiquitos Lagoon
- Los Penasquitos Canyon
- Iron Mountain Trail
- Cowles Mountain Trail
- Highland Valley Trail
- Tecolote Canyon Trail
- Mount Woodson Trail
- Ruffin Canyon Trail
Read on for more details about each trail, including length, elevation, and parking notes.
Batiquitos Lagoon
7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad, California 92011
Parking lot: Free small lot by trailhead; other free residential street parking
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Length(s): 3.4 miles
Elevation: 29 ft.
Ease: All skill levels
View: Scenic views of Batiquitos Ecological Preserve and Lagoon
Not for: Dogs anxious around strangers
A short and calm hike that takes about an hour to complete, Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is a great spot for leashed dogs of all skill levels. There’s plenty of plant and animal life for pups to check out, as well as a few shaded spots for them to rest. This trail is a very popular area for runners, but many have said that the trail is easily wide enough to accommodate runners, walkers, and dogs. For dogs who may be more comfortable during less crowded times, hikers suggest hitting the trail in mid-to-late afternoon when the trail is less populated.
Los Penasquitos Canyon
12115 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129
Parking lot: Medium-sized lot at trailhead
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Length(s): 6.8 miles
Elevation: 253 ft.
Ease: All skill levels
View: Canyon views and an easily accessible waterfall
Not for: Disobedient dogs who may grow agitated around wildlife
Los Penasquitos Canyon is a mostly-flat 6.8 mile trail that’s likely doable for most dogs, and features scenery like waterfalls, trees, plenty of wildlife, and a freshwater marsh. Pet parents love this spot, but suggest that walkers be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and cyclists, who don’t always respect the hikers-only trails. Many suggest sticking to the single-track trails, as the wider trails sometimes get busy with bikers, runners, and horses.
Flooding is also common in this area, so pet parents may want to check online before making their way to the canyon (signs are also posted at trailheads).
Ruffin Canyon Trail
3201-3299 Ruffin Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Parking lot: Located at trailhead
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Length(s): 2.6 miles
Elevation: 344 ft.
Ease: Easy
View: Canyon views of hills and vegetation
Not for: Pups with sensitive paws
Leashed dogs and their pet parents are welcome at Ruffin Canyon Trail, a 2.6-mile hike through a canyon with lots of vegetation around. There isn’t much shade here, so it may be best to go during off-peak times, in the mornings, evenings or in spring, winter, and fall. Hikers report that this trail is rarely populated, which may make it the perfect spot for pups who are nervous around other humans or dogs.
However, there are lots of rocks on the trail, some of which may be slippery, and pet parents should be on the lookout for wildlife like rattlesnakes and coyotes.
Piedras Pintadas
19140 Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127
Parking lot: Dirt parking lot just off West Bernardo Drive
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Length: 3.7 miles
Elevation: 400 ft.
Ease: Easy
View: Lake Hodges along with views of Bernardo Mountain.
Not for: Pups who overheat easily or aren’t comfortable around bicyclists
An easy-to-moderate hike with an elevation of 400 feet, Piedras Pintadas Trail is home to the south side of Lake Hodges, stunning views of Bernardo Mountain, and exhibits describing the life and history of Indigenous people who once lived on the land. The hike is typically considered easy, though it can be combined with the nearby linked Bernardo Bay Trail for a more moderate 5-mile hike.
Pet parents love this spot for their dogs—who must be leashed—though they noted that the trail is also friendly to mountain bikers, and there’s not a lot of shade.
Highland Valley Trail
Highland Valley Trail, San Diego, CA 92128
Parking lot: Free parking at beginning of trailhead
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Length(s): 4.2 miles
Elevation: 232 feet
Ease: Easy
View: Scenic views of grasslands and rolling hills
Not for: Dogs who may grow agitated around horses or cyclists
The easy-for-all-skill-levels and picturesque Highland Valley Trail welcomes pet parents and their leashed dogs to hike the 4.2-mile spot. Hikers can enjoy scenic views of grasslands, rolling hills, and an intermittent creek. The trail ends in an oak grove with a picnic table and benches for you and your pup to take a water break, as this trail gets warm with very little shade available
This is a popular spot for all, so pet parents should be on the lookout for horseback riders and mountain bikers.
Iron Mountain Trail
Parking lot: Free parking at beginning of trailhead
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Length(s): 5.7 miles
Elevation: 1,102 feet
Ease: Moderate
View: Panoramic views, including of the ocean
Not for: Inactive dogs
Dog-friendly Iron Mountain Trail is 5.7 miles with beautiful panoramic views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. This moderate-to-tough hike is only for leashed dogs, particularly those who are very active and comfortable with a tough climb. The hike starts out with a wide and sandy path before becoming rocky, so pet parents should make sure they wear sturdy hiking boots.
Previous hikers report that the trail has little to no shade, so you’ll likely want to pack plenty of sunscreen and water for both you and your pup. Some suggest skipping this trail in the summer due to the heat, and instead frequenting during fall, winter or spring.
Trash cans to dispose of waste bags are available at the entrance to the trail as well as the top of the trail.
Tecolote Canyon Trail
5180 Road, San Diego, CA 92110
Parking lot: Five lots: N. Clairemont Rec Center; Mt. Etna Park; Acworth/Boyd Ave; Tecolote Rd.; Osler St.
Hours: 24 hours
Length(s): 6.5 miles
Elevation: 396 feet
Ease: Moderate
View: Mountains, vegetation, and views of the city
Not for: Inactive pups or those who struggle to follow commands
Tecolote Canyon Trail is a moderate hike with some flat trail spots and a few steep inclines. The trail is out and back, though there are several different side routes that lead up and out of the canyon to surrounding neighborhoods for hikers who want to choose their own path. The trail is friendly to leashed dogs, though the area is home to many potential hazards pet parents should watch for, including mountain lions and rattlesnakes.
Many pet parents have also noted the prevalence of poison oak on this trail. While it’s not as common for dogs to react to poison oak the same way that humans do, it’s still possible to create irritation—or transfer the plant oils to their humans—so be on the lookout for it.
The north end of the trail offers plenty of tree shade toward the creek, but the south end has little shade so be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Cowles Mountain Trail
Parking lot: Small public parking area adjacent to the trailhead, or on both sides of Golfcrest Dr. near the trailhead
Hours: 24 hours
Length(s): 3 miles
Elevation: 1,593 feet
Ease: Moderate to difficult
View: Panoramic views of downtown San Diego, Mexico, North County, and Orange County
Not for: Dogs with sensitive paws who would struggle on rocks
With Cowles Mountain Trail, hikers and their leashed dogs have the option to enter at several different points in the trail, which creates different experiences you can tailor best to you and your dog. The trail itself is 3 miles, but you can turn it into a 9-mile hike though meandering routes from other entrances to the Mesa Trail.
Dog parents generally like this trail, but express frustration with the amount of foot traffic this popular spot receives. While the path starts out wide, parts of the trail tighten, which means you’ll often pass people in close range.
Pet parents also recommend hitting the trail during an off-peak time due to the heat and suggest bringing plenty of water. They note that the trail is challenging, particularly toward the summit where terrain becomes steeper and rockier. Helpful wooden handrails are in place at the steepest parts.
Mount Woodson Trail
Mount Woodson Trail, Poway, CA 92064
Parking lot: Free parking right next to the trailhead on the southbound side of highway 67
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Length(s): 7.4 miles
Elevation: 2000 feet
Ease: Very challenging
View: Gorgeous vista views
Not for: Dogs with breathing problems
Popular Mount Woodson Trail is a leashed dog-friendly, challenging hike to a popular local spot, affectionately known as Potato Chip Rock (where many a photo op takes place). Due to its 2000-foot elevation and steep, narrow incline at some parts, the 7.4-mile hike is strenuous and no place for a casual walk with a dog.
The hike also offers very little shade, so packing water for both you and your pup is a must. Hikers should note that public restrooms are available in the parking lot of the trailhead, and the only noted trash cans are near the picnic tables, about 1.5 miles in the hike.
Because of Potato Chip Rock’s popularity and long line to snap a photo, hikers recommend hitting this trail during a weekday.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve
8833 Harmony Grove Rd, Escondido, CA 92029
Parking lot: Parking in the lot is limited; rideshare is recommended on holidays and weekends
Hours: 8 a.m. – 30 minutes before sunset
Length(s): 11 miles
Elevation: 1,346 ft.
Ease: Different trails with different degrees of difficulty
View: Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, Coronado Islands, San Bernardino mountain ranges, Olivenhain Dam and Reservoir
Not for: May not be best for large dogs who need a wide trail.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a dog-friendly (as long as they’re leashed) spot with 11 miles of trails, each with varying degrees of difficulty. Some trails are wide enough to comfortably walk with people on either side of the trail, while others are narrow and brushy.
There are six different overlooks throughout the Reserve that have picnic tables and shade for resting. At the beginning of the trailhead, there’s also a running creek that might be a nice cool-off spot for your pup at the end of your hike. This spot is usually busiest in the middle of the day and on weekends, so mornings or early evenings might be your best bet to beat both the heat and the crowds.
Tips for a Better Hike With Your Dog
There are a few things pet parents should do and have to prepare for a hike with their pup. In addition to ensuring their dogs have received flea and tick treatments and proper vaccinations, pet parents should bring:
- Proper identification tags for their dog’s collar (in case they get separated)
- Waste bags
- Water and collapsible bowls
- Dog food
- Leash
- Canine first aid kit
- Booties, if you’re worried about rough terrain
It’s likely that you and your dog will not be alone on your hike, whether that means encountering wildlife, cyclists, other pet parents and dogs, or horseback riders. Your dog should feel comfortable encountering others and following commands, in case you experience danger.
Why some trails don’t allow dogs
There are many instances where dogs aren’t allowed on walking trails—this is particularly common with state and national parks. Here are a few of the reasons why dogs may be prohibited:
- Dogs can chase or scare away important wildlife
- Dogs may bark and disturb wildlife
- Large predators like coyotes and bears may see dogs as prey
- Dogs can come into contact with insects or plants that are poisonous or harmful to them
While many San Diego trails welcome leashed dogs, a few do not, such as Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. If you’re not sure that your dog is ready for a trail walk yet or prefer a trail where dogs aren’t allowed, consider hiring a San Diego pet sitter to stay with your dog while you hit the trails.
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