Who doesn’t love hitting the trails in the L.A. area with their dog? Trails are often much more scenic than your typical street walk and offer a sense of peacefulness and cleaner air to go along with that beautiful view. Below is a list different dog-friendly trails in the Santa Monica and L.A. areas that are perfect for a day out in the sunshine for you and your pup.
Runyon Canyon Trail allows dogs throughout the entire trail, but even has an area where dogs are allowed to be off their leash and run freely. This trail is only a little over 1.5 miles, the perfect distance for a quick hike.
Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park also allows for dogs to be without their leash in certain areas. This hike is 3 miles total and is categorized as easy-to-moderate.
Solstice Canyon Trail has a waterfall feature and several ruins from a fire that destroyed brick structures back in 1982. This trail allows for dogs all the way up to the ruins; however, dogs are not allowed past this point on the trail.
Charmlee Wilderness Park is one of our favorites. This hike comes to a lookout point that takes in an 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean; definitely worth the 3.3 miles round trip!
Sullivan Canyon Trail is longer and tougher, but well worth it. The trail is shaded by overgrowth, which will help keep you and your dog cool on a hot day. Make sure you bring water for both you and your pup—this hike is 8 miles!
Though these hikes are more than enough to keep you and your dog busy, you can always search dog-friendly hikes for the area that you’re in. Hikespeaks.com has a “Hike Finder” tool. Just make sure to check the “allows dogs” box in the filter section and you’ll be good to go! And if hikes aren’t for you, you can always have your pup still join in on the fun with our Canyon Hikes.