If you live in L.A. and your dog loves hiking, you’re in luck. There are tons of dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles, from scenic coastal spots to rugged terrain with peaks offering 360-degree views. We’re highlighting 7 of the most popular and captivating trails around L.A. to explore with your four-legged friend. Grab the sunscreen and see if you can hit them all.
Top Dog-Friendly Hikes in Los Angeles
1. Runyon Canyon
2001 N. Fuller
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Runyon Canyon is arguably L.A.’s most popular off-leash hiking spot. Photo via Flickr.
- One of the most popular dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles—you might even hike alongside a celebrity or two!
- Can be very difficult to find parking—street parking at two of the three entrances, small parking lot at the Mulholland Drive entrance
- 160-acre park with 90 acres of off-leash space
- Hilly, sun-exposed terrain with loose ground—make sure to wear proper footwear and be careful on descent
- No water fountains along the trail, so make sure you bring plenty of water for you and your dog
- Stunning views—including the famous Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Hills
2. Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Just one of the great views of the Hollywood Sign from the vast array of trails winding through Griffith Park. Photo via Flickr.
- One of the largest urban parks in North America with a 53-mile network of trails
- Popular Hollyridge trail is a 5.1-mile out and back hike with views of the Hollywood sign
- The Ferndell Trail right off Los Feliz Blvd. (2139 Fern Dell Pl.) is a moderate trek; relax at The Trails Cafe—which sells dog treats and people food!—before heading back
- The 0.6-mile Bronson Caves Trail is home to the famous bat cave from the 1960s “Batman” TV series
- The 2.5-mile West Observatory Loop Trail offers great views and is accessible year-round
3. The Wisdom Tree, Cahuenga Peak and Mount Lee Summit Loop
3535 Wonder View Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90068
The Wisdom Tree is the lone tree that survived a devastating fire in the hills and has become quite an attraction. Photo via Flickr.
- 3.7-mile hike with an elevation gain of over 1,300 feet. Not for beginners!
- Rugged terrain with narrow paths and steep drop-offs at times
- No shade along trail—it can get hot for you and very hot for your dog so check the weather
- The Wisdom Tree is a solitary pine that survived a devastating fire in 2009
- Close view of the Hollywood sign but you cannot hike directly to the sign, which is illegal
4. Fryman Canyon Trail
3453 Fryman Road
Studio City, CA 91604
Even though dogs must stay on-leash at Fryman Canyon, there’s still plenty to pique their interest. Photo via Flickr.
- A 2.6-mile loop on the Studio City side of the Hollywood Hills with dirt roads and paved residential streets
- Moderate hike with just 450 feet of elevation gain
- Dogs must stay on-leash
- Heavily trafficked, available year-round
- Great views of the San Fernando Valley
- Parking available in lot for $3
5. Elysian Park West Loop Trail
1025 Elysian Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Elysian Park is known as more of a neighborhood spot, so it’s less crowded. Photo via Flickr.
- A relatively hidden spot for a dog-friendly hike in Los Angeles, with light foot traffic—mainly a “neighborhood” spot
- Leisurely trails—easy 2.3-mile hike
- Heavily trafficked, accessible year-round
- Great views of Cypress Park, Mount Washington and the San Gabriel Mountains
6. Zuma Ridge Trail
Zuma Ridge Motorway & Busch Drive
Malibu, CA 90265
Catch views of the iconic Malibu beaches from the Zuma Ridge Trail. Photo via Flickr.
- Challenging 5.6-mile out-and-back hike with an over 1,400 foot elevation gain
- Dogs allowed but must be kept on-leash
- Great views of Zuma Beach and Malibu
- Considered one of the best hikes in Malibu by avid hikers
7. Escondido Falls
27807 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
This is in the middle of Los Angeles? Escape the crowds and chaos in the oasis of breathtaking Escondido Falls. Photo via Flickr.
- Spectacular views of a waterfall tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains
- Nearly 4-mile round-trip hike
- Dogs allowed, but on a leash
- Good for all skill levels
The Bottom Line
Dogs in Los Angeles are lucky to be able to enjoy gorgeous beaches, wooded foothills, stunning mountains, and vast valleys. L.A. is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors with your pup. In fact, there are over 175 dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles all told, which kind of boggles the mind.
And don’t worry if you don’t have time for a hike today. Find an awesome local dog walker, and you’ll cover your dog’s exercise needs until you both can hit the trails.
