Los Angeles in California has perfect weather nearly year-round. Although this city is not known for its hiking, it really should be. It has many great hiking trails in the mountains or canyons for those looking to get out and explore nature, not only alone but with their dogs. So, what hiking trails in Los Angeles are dog-friendly?
Some dog-friendly hiking trails in Los Angeles that require dogs to be kept on a leash include Mount Hollywood Trail, Lower Canyonback Trail, and Sullivan Ridge Trail. Runyon Canyon Park, West Mandeville Fire Road Trail, and several others do not require dogs to be on a leash.
If you are looking to get out and spend some time with nature by hiking a trail in Los Angeles with your dog, you might want to know more about these dog-friendly trails. Below we explore these hiking trails in-depth and look at which ones require your dog to be kept on a leash and the trails that allow your dog to roam freely.
On The Leash Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails In Los Angeles
Los Angeles has many dog-friendly hiking trails with beautiful scenic views to enjoy while you hike the trail. Below are popular dog-friendly hiking trails that, unfortunately, require your dog to be on a leash at all times.
Mount Hollywood Trail In Griffith Park
Mount Hollywood is a 3-mile hike in Griffith Park and will take about an hour and a half to complete with your dog. The trail offers an exceptional view of the Hollywood sign and the Los Angeles Basin. Although it is a dog-friendly trail, some rules apply, such as keeping your dog on the leash and cleaning up any pet messes.
Lower Canyonback Trail In Canyonback Ridge
Lower Canyonback Trail is a 4-mile hike that can be enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and dogs. On the trail, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Getty Museum, and on clear days, you can see the pacific ocean. Although your dog is welcome to join you on the trail, you must keep your dog on the leash.
Sullivan Ridge Trail Between Rustic and Sullivan Canyon
The Sullivan Ridge Trail is a 12-mile hike if you want to complete the trail and return back to the starting point. This dog-friendly trail does not only offer a scenic view of downtown Los Angeles and Century City but allows you to explore a piece of Los Angeles History, Murphy Ranch, a compound run by the Nazis in the 1930s.
Bee Rock Trail In Griffith Park
Bee Rock Trail offers hikers and their dogs two trails to travel to reach Bee Rock, a hive-shaped outcropping overlooking the east side of Griffith Park. The first trail is a short and steep 2.6-mile hike, and the second is a 4-mile hike for those who prefer a gradual course up to Bee Rock. When traveling on either trail, remember the trail requires all dogs to be on their leashes.
Mount Wilson Trail In Santa Anita Canyon
Mount Wilson Trail is a long and challenging hike, but if you are up for the challenge, your dog may accompany you, although a leash is required at all times. Although the trail is a long 13.6-mile hike to the end and back, the oak trees provide shade on the slopes, and Maple and Bay trees shade canyon areas. Remember to bring plenty of water as there are no water fountains available.
Off The Leash Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails In Los Angeles
If you are looking for hiking trails where you and your dog can roam freely without a leash, below are some of the most popular hiking trails in Los Angeles.
Runyon Canyon Park In The Santa Monica Mountains
Runyon Canyon Park has three main trails. The first trail, Runyon Canyon Fire Road, is a 1.9-mile hike. The second trail, East Ridge Trail, is a 2.65-mile hike. The third trail, Western High Way Trail, is a 3.3-mile hike. East Ridge Trail is well known for its lookouts, Clouds Rest and Inspiration Point.
The park has the most popular hiking trails in Los Angeles for hikers and their dogs. The trails allow dogs to roam freely without a leash to enjoy the 160 acres of dog-friendly outdoor space.
Westridge Fire Road Trail In Westridge Wilderness Park
Westridge Fire Road Trail is a 7.4-mile round trip hike. This trail is a popular hike for mountain bikers, trail runners, and dog walkers. Your dog can enjoy the trail off the leash, although they must be supervised at all times.
The trail does not only offer hikers a great view of West Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Mountains but also a chance to explore history. The San Vicente Mountain, which marks the trail’s end, served as a mountaintop military base to defend LA from Soviet missile attacks.
Upper Canyonback Trail In The Santa Monica Mountains
Upper Canyonback Trail is a 3-mile round trip hike. Your dog can enjoy the trail without being on a leash to explore the surrounding nature. The trail offers a beautiful view of Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the airplane landing at Burbank.
It is an open trail with few trees and no shade, so be sure to pack in plenty of water for both you and your dog and a hat.
Betty B Dearing Mountain Trail In Fryman Canyon Park
Betty B Dearing Mountain Trail is a 5-mile out and back trail. This beautiful trail is open year-round to hikers and welcomes trail runners and dogs as well. Owners do not need to keep their dog on a leash, so you and your friendly companion can roam freely together.
This trail offers plenty of shade and is one of the few hiking trails with mini streams and waterfalls.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is known by many as the home of the rich and famous, but it is so much more than that. Most of the time, Los Angeles has perfect weather, which is great for getting out and exploring nature, not only alone or with friends but with your dog.
Los Angeles isn’t known for its hiking, but it really should be. As seen above, there are many great hiking trails to enjoy with your dog, either in the mountains or the canyons. Although these trails welcome dogs, remember some trails require your dog to be on a leash while others are more lenient and let your dog roam freely.
