12 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Southern California to Visit in 2024 (With Pictures)
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When it comes to outdoor adventure, Southern California is one of the best places to live or visit. With sunny weather for most of the year, you and your dog will find no shortage of time to explore the area. Whether in LA or the Angeles National Forest, you can find a trail that welcomes your pup. Here are 12 dog-friendly hiking trails in Southern California that you can visit this year.
The 12 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Southern California
1. Runyon Canyon Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 2000 N. Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 6:00 AM–6:30 PM |
| 💲 Cost: | Free (may have to pay for parking) |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | Yes, in designated locations |
- 7-mile loop trail in the Hollywood neighborhood of LA
- Street parking only, and it can get crowded fast
- Bring water—limited shade is available
- Off-leash dogs are allowed in designated areas
- Gorgeous views
2. Mount Hollywood via Amir’s Garden
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 5:00 AM–10:30 PM |
| 💲 Cost: | Free (may have to pay for parking) |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 4-mile out-and-back trail in Griffith Park
- Plenty of parking at the trailhead
- Rocky and steep in some places
- Other dog-friendly trails and an off-leash park are in Griffith Park
- Bring water and waste bags
3. Inspiration Point Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | $3/hour up to 3 hours or $12/day parking fee |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 2-mile loop trail located in Will Rogers State Historic Park
- Minimal shade
- Bring water and waste bags
- Gorgeous mountain and city views throughout
- Horses and bikes also use this trail
4. Escondido Falls Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 27200 Winding Way, Malibu, CA 90265 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 7:00 AM–7:30 PM |
| 💲 Cost: | $12/day parking fee |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 7-mile out-and-back trail
- Muddy with multiple water crossings after rain
- Lots of shade
- Horses and bikers also use this trail
- Popular hiking location that can get crowded
5. Pratt, Foothills, and Fox Canyon Loop Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Shelf Rd, Ojai, CA 93023 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 7:30 AM–7:00 PM |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 1-mile moderate loop trail
- Street parking only
- No shade—it gets hot
- No restrooms or water are available
- Watch out for rattlesnakes
6. Big Horn Mine Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Big Rock Creek Rd. and Angeles Crest Hwy, Azusa, CA 91702 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Adventure Pass required to park in Angeles National Forest– $5/day or $30/year |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 7-mile out-and-back trail
- Bring water and waste bags
- Nearby roads or the trail may be closed due to weather
- Some steep, slippery areas with sharp rocks
- Leads to an abandoned mine you can explore (carefully)
7. Whitewater Canyon Loop Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater, CA 92282 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 8 AM–5 PM |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 7-mile moderate loop trail
- Restrooms and water are available near the trailhead
- The desert location gets hot quickly
- Water crossings may be required
8. Las Ramblas Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 Camino Las Ramblas, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 3-mile out-and-back trail
- No restrooms or water are available
- Street parking only
- Beautiful ocean views
- Excellent for sunrise or sunset hikes
9. Bear Flats via Bear Canyon Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 6680 Bear Canyon Dr., Mt. Baldy, CA 91759 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Adventure pass required to park in Angeles National Forest, $5/day or $30/annual |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 4-mile out-and-back trail
- Park at the nearby Mt. Baldy Visitor’s Center and walk to the trailhead up Bear Canyon Road
- Forest trail with good shade
- Stream crossing required
- Bring water and waste bags
10. Black Star Canyon Falls Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 7-mile difficult, but popular out-and-back trail
- Best for experienced hikers and larger dogs
- Lots of rocks and boulders on the second half of the trail
- Dog hiking booties are recommended due to the rough terrain
- Bring water and waste bags
11. Iron Mountain Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 14847-14909 CA-67, Poway, CA 92064 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 9-mile moderate out-and-back trail
- No shade, water, or restrooms
- Gorgeous views from the top
- Rocky trail, paw protection may be needed
12. Cowles Mountain Trail
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 7001 Golfcrest Dr., San Diego, CA 92119 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-leash: | No |
- 3-mile moderate out-and-back trail
- One of the most popular hikes in San Diego
- No shade, water, or restrooms
- Gorgeous city views from the top
- Steep and rocky at the top of the mountain
Conclusion
As you explore these 12 dog-friendly hiking trails in Southern California, keep the safety of you and your dog in mind. Pack smart with water, snacks, waste bags, and first aid supplies. Don’t hike with your dog in hot weather and protect their paws if you’re hiking on rocky terrain. The Southern California wilderness is home to mountain lions, bears, coyotes, and rattlesnakes, even if you’re hiking within sight of downtown LA. With the proper planning, you and your dog can enjoy all the outdoor beauty Southern California has to offer.
Featured Image Credit: Soloviova Liudmyla, Shutterstock
