Orange County, California is such a bustling area that it’s easy to forget you have tons of nature around you. Amazingly, we’ve found numerous tucked-away hiking trails that gladly welcome dogs in the Orange County area. They’re mostly easy trails to follow along on with Fido in tow, but some have very steep climbs to look out for. Check out their locations and a bit more about their natural features and scenery down below.
The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Orange County
1. Quail Hill Loop
🗺️ Address:
📍Irvine, California
🕐 Open Times:
7am to 6pm
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed:
No
Trail length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Easy stroll through a gently sloping green area with striking city views
Bring lots of sunscreen and water—this trail has no shade at all
Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes in the area
2. Black Star Canyon Falls
Trail length: 7 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
A moderate to challenging hike through forests, waterfalls, ravines, and meadows
There’s a doggy pool at the end for your pup to play in!
Bring water-resistant footwear with good traction for the wet and rocky portions
3. Top of the World Trail
Trail length: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Short but surprisingly steep
Trash cans located throughout the trail to keep the area clean
4. San Clemente Beach Trail
Trail length: 8.4 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Leashes must be 6 feet long or shorter
Moderately long but easy stroll alongside a stunning beach shoreline
5. Aliso Summit Trail
Trail length: 8.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Long but relaxed stroll through boardwalks, hills, forests, and picnic areas
Don’t miss the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean at the end
6. Peters Canyon Loop Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍Irvine, California
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed:
No
Trail length: 5.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Expect company because joggers, hikers, and cyclists alike heavily traffic this trail
Great lake view
No shade—bring your sunny day essentials like water and sunscreen
7. Las Ramblas Trail
Trail length: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
A well-maintained paved trip along the San Diego Creek
Views of the Pacific Ocean and the city of San Clemente
Wear footwear with good traction for the steep sections
8. Ridgeline Trail
Trail length: 4.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Mostly flat paved trail with just a single steep section
Great view of the city and Pacific Ocean
Access to other nearby trails in the Rancho San Clemente Open Space Preserve
9. Colinas Bluff Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍Laguna Niguel, California
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed:
Only in designated areas
Trail length: 4.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Lovely walk along hills , scrubland, and picturesque oak forests
Make sure to watch for cyclists, mountain bikers, and riders on horseback
10. Salt Creek Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍Laguna Niguel, California
🕐 Open Times:
24/7 year-round
💲 Cost:
$5 parking per car load, $15 overnight camping fee
🐕 Off-leash allowed:
No
Trail length: 5.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Long, winding paved trail along swathes of preserved marshlands, estuaries, beaches, and more
Tons of natural wildlife
Swimming is strictly prohibited
Conclusion
When you’re tired of the city, you can always dip out to take a nice stroll through nature with your faithful canine companion at your side. From the easygoing Quail Loop Trail to the more challenging Black Star Canyon Falls, there’s a trail here everyone can enjoy .
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Featured Image Credit: Larry Barrett, Shutterstock