If you’re anything like me, your dog is more than a companion — they’re the heart that thumps in rhythm with your own. Los Angeles isn’t just movie stars and palm trees; it’s a city threaded with trails where city noise softens and tails wag freely. This guide to dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles is written with that warm, slightly breathless enthusiasm you get when you and your pup crest a hill and see the city spread below like a living map. I’ll walk you through the best trails, practical tips, safety and etiquette, and where to find the right vibe for your dog — whether they’re a leash-loving explorer or a mellow sniffer.
Why choose dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is full of unexpected kinds of hiking, dusty ridges, shady canyons, ocean bluffs, and oak-covered foothills have space, and most of that space allows dogs (with restrictions). Taking your dog on hikes across Los Angeles provides you with entertainment as well as good exercise and the opportunity to connect off screen and time. And you can also find more human beings who speak fluent squeaky-toy. Exploring these paths leads you to new areas of the city you had no idea existed and introduces your dog to the outside world and a breath of fresh air. (Note: park rules vary — read on for specifics and sources.)
Quick snapshot: top picks for dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles
Runyon Canyon — Iconic, close to Hollywood, with large off-leash sections in designated areas. Great city views, lots of other dogs and people.
Griffith Park (Old Zoo, Amir’s Garden, Observatory trails) — Massive urban park with many dog-friendly trails (leash required in most areas). Perfect for varied loop options and skyline views.
Temescal Canyon (Malibu) — Ocean views and canyons; parts of the area have dog restrictions — check the trail map before you go.
Topanga-area trails (Backbone, Parker Mesa overlooks) — Beautiful Santa Monica Mountain hikes; many local trails allow dogs on leash, but state park rules can differ. Check signage.
Local county urban trails — LA County publishes a list of dog-friendly urban trails perfect for short or mid-length outings.
The feel of each trail (so you can pick the right mood)
Runyon Canyon — energetic, social, skyline-chic
If your dog loves other dogs and you love people-watching, Runyon is LA’s social trail. It’s a short-but-steep romp with multiple entrances and loops. There are designated off-leash areas (owners must still keep control). Expect crowds on weekends and sunrise runners with fit-looking mutts. Pack water and a collapsible bowl. Griffith Park — sprawling, varied, endlessly discoverable
Griffith Park feels like a small mountain range inside the city. From shady oak corridors near the Old Zoo to sweeping vistas at the Observatory route, it suits families, hikers, and dogs who appreciate sniff-time. Most trails require leashes — read posted rules and bring bags.
Temescal Canyon & Malibu spots — coastal, breezy, show-stopping sunsets
For ocean air and canyon shade, Temescal gives a little of both. But note: some parts of Temescal/Topanga areas have dog restrictions — especially in state-managed parts — so plan your route before you drive. When allowed, leash your dog and be mindful of fragile riparian areas.
Topanga and the Santa Monica Mountains — wildflower-heavy, panoramic
If you want to stretch into longer, more remote hikes, the trails near Topanga and Backbone Trail segments offer killer overlooks. Many local trails run through municipal or county parklands that permit leashed dogs, but California State Parks often restrict dogs — double-check before you go.
Practical logistics: rules, parking, and leash laws
This is the part I wish someone had tattooed on my brain before my first sweaty hike with a thirsty corgi.
City and county parks (e.g., Runyon, Griffith Park) commonly allow dogs but often require leashes in certain sections and define off-leash zones. Always follow posted signs.
California State Parks have stricter rules — many state-managed trail networks do not allow dogs on trails or in backcountry areas except in designated spots. Topanga State Park, for instance, has a formal notice about dog restrictions on many park trails; look up the park’s official page before visiting.
Bring waste bags and pack them out or use trash stations; it’s the single most important courtesy. Many parks have ordinances requiring immediate cleanup.
Leash length and control — if dogs are allowed on leash, keep them to a short, six-foot lead where required, and under control at all times. This protects wildlife and other hikers.
Parking & fees — some trailheads have paid parking lots (e.g., Temescal). Others offer street parking but arrive early on weekends. Check trail pages for up-to-date parking info.
Safety & comfort checklist for dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles
Before you head out on any of these dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles, make sure you’ve packed:
Collapsible water bowl + at least 1 liter of water for the dog for short hikes (more for long days).
Portable first-aid basics (bandage, tweezers for foxtails, antiseptic wipes).
Waste bags (and a spare roll).
A sturdy leash (and a backup; a 6-foot leash is a versatile choice).
Cooling towel or small shade blanket in summer; many LA trails offer little shade.
Trail-appropriate harness (rather than a collar) for better control on steep descents.
ID tags and up-to-date microchip information.
Treats for recall training and positive reinforcement.
Heat is a real hazard in Los Angeles — avoid midday in summer, test asphalt for paw safety (if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws), and know the signs of overheating: excessive panting, drooling, stumbling, collapse.
Also Read: Best Dog Parks in Los Angeles, San Diego & San Francisco
Etiquette for happy trails
I could write a sonnet about picking up poop — it’s that important. Etiquette makes trails safe and keeps parks open to dogs.
Pick up after your dog immediately. No excuses.
Respect wildlife and nesting areas. Keep your dog close or leashed where posted.
If your dog is reactive, use a muzzle or choose quieter trails — Runyon can be social, not ideal for anxious dogs.
Yield to uphill hikers and announce your presence when passing. A calm “on your left” goes miles.
Keep voice-command recall sharp before relying on “off-leash” freedom; not every dog responds the same under squirrels and views.
Sample day plans: pick-your-own-adventure
Short & social (1–2 hours): Runyon Canyon loop
Perfect for morning energy release. Bring water and go early to avoid crowds. If you want social time for your pup, this is the place.
Shady & exploratory (2–3 hours): Griffith Park Old Zoo + Amir’s Garden loop
Explore old stone ruins, shady oaks, and quiet back trails. Ideal for dogs that need sniff-time more than sprint-time.
Ocean-view refresh (2–4 hours): Temescal Canyon loop (check restrictions)
A little scent of salt air and a canyon’s shade — but confirm which sections allow dogs that day; protections vary and closures can happen.
Long & wild (half-day): Backbone or Sandstone Peak stretches (Topanga-adjacent sections)
If you and your dog are trail-fit, tackle longer ridgelines for expansive views. Remember leash rules where applicable and be mindful that some state park areas restrict pets.
When a trail says “no dogs,” what to do instead
California has many parks managed at the state level with strict no-dog policies on trails and in the backcountry. Don’t try to bend the rules — it risks closures for everyone. Instead:
Find nearby city or county trail alternatives that allow dogs. LA County has a helpful list of urban dog-friendly trails.
Visit designated off-leash parks or dog parks for social time.
Choose neighborhood greenways or canyon loops where dogs are welcome on leash.
My personal favorite memory (because this is also about feelings)
One day, I went hiking up an undisturbed part of Griffith one winter morning with my old golden retriever, and the city fogged over the valley like a fluffy blanket. Then we were up on a point and the world came down to two people, his warm nose against my hand, my breath coming out with his. That is what I think about the places the term dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles reminds me of: the space in time you can share with your dog amidst the large assembly of bodies that make up the city.
Final tips & how to stay up to date
Rules change and trails close for restoration, so always:
Check the park’s official page before you go (Los Angeles Parks and Recreation, LA County trails, or California State Parks).
Use updated trail apps or community sites (AllTrails, BringFido) for recent user notes on trail conditions and dog policies.
Respect closures and posted restrictions — it keeps these dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles open for everyone.
Want a quick printable checklist?
Dog name & emergency contact on tag
Leash, harness, backup leash
2+ liters water + collapsible bowl
Waste bags (1 per bathroom + extra)
Microfiber towel, booties (hot days)
ID, dog first aid basics, treats
Let’s go — responsibly and joyfully
Los Angeles is a city of shimmering lights and secret trails, and dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles are where the city lets you see and feel its softer edges. Whether you want the buzz of Runyon, the quiet curves of Griffith, the ocean-scented trails near Malibu, or the sweeping panoramas of Topanga-adjacent ridgelines, there’s a trail that fits your dog’s stride and your heart. Pack smart, read signs, and please — pick up that bag. Your kindness keeps these trails open and full of happy paws.
If you want, I’ll map a custom morning loop based on where you live in LA, your dog’s energy level, and how many people you like to pass on the trail — tell me your neighborhood and your dog’s vibe, and I’ll make a plan you can take tomorrow. 🐾
Also Read: Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles
Sources & further reading
Dog-Friendly Hikes in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Parks & Recreation — Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park pages.
California State Parks — Topanga State Park dog notice.
AllTrails and hiking guides for trail-specific notes (Temescal, Topanga) and user reports.
LA County trails “12 of L.A.’s Best Urban Trails for Dogs” roundup.