13 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Southern California You Can Visit (2026 Guide)

If your dog isn’t a fan of the beach, why not spend time together enjoying some of Southern California’s excellent hiking? Mountains, forests, and deserts can all be found just a short drive from most residential areas in Southern California, sometimes even within city limits! Here are 13 dog-friendly hiking trails in Southern California that you can explore in 2024.

The Top 13 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Southern California

1. Paramount Ranch

️ Address:	2903 Cornell Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Open Times:	8 AM–8 PM
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

Features several loop trails with minimal elevation gains and lovely views
Horseback riders also use the trails
Plenty of free parking, bathrooms, and water are available
Previously the site of an old West town set used in movie productions
A good spot to hike with kids

2. Runyon Canyon Trail

️ Address:	2000 N. Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Open Times:	6 AM– 6:30 PM
Cost:	Free (may have to pay for parking)
Off-Leash:	Yes, in designated locations

One of the most popular trails for dogs
Limited street parking is available
Off-leash dogs are allowed along part of the trail
7-mile loop trail with limited shade
Bring your water

3. Wisdom Tree Trail

️ Address:	3569 Wonderview Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068
Open Times:	5 AM–10:30 PM
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

A hard, 3.9-mile loop trail located in Griffith Park
Street parking only
Bring your own water and waste bags
The trail can be steep, slippery, and overgrown
Amazing views from the top

4. Escondido Falls Trail

️ Address:	27200 Winding Way, Malibu, CA 90265
Open Times:	7 AM–7:30 PM
Cost:	$12/day parking fee
Off-Leash:	No

A very popular hiking spot with a seasonal waterfall
A shady, moderate 3.7-mile out-and-back trail
Watch out for mud and multiple water crossings, especially after rain
Bring your own water and waste bags
Watch out for bikers and horses along this trail

5. Aliso Summit Trail

️ Address:	29292 Ridgeview Dr., Laguna Nigel, CA 92677
Open Times:	6 AM–9 PM
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

A 4-mile, moderate, out-and-back trail
Gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean
Street parking only
Bring your own water and waste bags
Tends to be less crowded early in the morning
Some of the other longer and shorter Aliso Trails are NOT dog-friendly

6. Black Star Canyon Falls Trail

️ Address:	13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Open Times:	24 hours
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

A challenging, 6.7-mile out-and-back trail that gets crowded fast
Rock scrambling and climbing are required on the second half of the trail
Small dogs may need help on the rocks
Protect your pup’s feet with hiking booties
Bring water and waste bags

7. Pratt, Foothills, and Fox Canyon Loop Trail

️ Address:	Shelf Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
Open Times:	7:30 AM–7 PM
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

A moderate, 3.1-mile loop trail near the vacation destination of Ojai
No water or restrooms are available
Street parking only
Minimal shade—avoid hiking when it’s hot
Often has lots of bugs

8. Mission Creek Preserve

️ Address:	60550 Mission Creek Rd., Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Open Times:	Dawn to dusk
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

Wildlife preserve near Palm Springs with 17 miles of trails
Beautiful desert landscape
Parking, restrooms, water, and picnic areas are available
Rattlesnakes, black bears, and mountain lions inhabit the preserve

9. Potato Mountain Wilderness Trail

️ Address:	Palmer Evey Motorway and Mt. Baldy Rd., Upland, CA 91786
Open Times:	6 AM to 8 PM
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

Moderate, 5.2-mile out-and-back trail with beautiful views
Limited parking at the trailhead
No facilities—bring your water
Rocky terrain, but the trail is well-maintained.
Pack your used waste bags out—many people don’t

10. 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

A moderate, 3.7-mile out-and-back trail in the Angeles National Forest
Limited parking is available
No water or restrooms
Not much shade on the trail
The trail is rocky and slippery in places—be careful

11. Sunset Trail

️ Address:	Sunrise Hwy, Mt. Laguna, CA 91948
Open Times:	Dawn to dusk
Cost:	Adventure Pass required to park in Cleveland National Forest-- $5/day or $30/year
Off-Leash:	No

An 8.0-mile loop hike over relatively easy terrain
Multiple options to shorten the hike
Bring water and waste bags
You’ll share the trail with mountain bikers
You’ll travel through meadows, forests, and near a pond

12. Mount Woodson Trail

️ Address:	14644 Lake Poway Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Open Times:	$10/day parking on weekends and holidays for non-Poway residents
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

A moderate, 7.4-mile out-and-back trail near San Diego
Offers beautiful views and the famous Potato Chip rock formation
No shade or water and can get very hot
Best for more experienced hikers in hot weather
Great workout to help you and your dog get in shape for long-distance hikes

13. Volcon Mountain Trail

️ Address:	1107 Farmer Rd., Julian, CA 92036
Open Times:	8 AM–6 PM
Cost:	Free
Off-Leash:	No

A moderate, 4.9-mile out-and-back trail near San Diego
Follows an old road near an abandoned mining town
Gorgeous views of mountains and the desert
Bring your own water
Can get windy at the top

Conclusion

The amenities at these 13 hiking trails in Southern California vary considerably. To be safe, always bring water and waste bags. Keep your dog on a leash except where posted for their own safety and to protect local wildlife. Southern California is home to many predators and snakes who pose a threat to your pup. Stay alert, be prepared, and always pay attention to the weather. These precautions can help you and your dog safely enjoy the beauty of Southern California.

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