California has more dog-friendly trails than any reasonable person could hike in a lifetime, which is both a blessing and a problem. Where do you even start? We’ve narrowed it down to the trails that deliver the best combination of scenery, dog access, and that post-hike feeling of having actually done something with your weekend.
These picks span the state from the Marin headlands to the San Diego coast, covering a range of difficulty levels, terrain types, and dog policies. Leash rules are noted — respect them, because they’re the reason these trails stay open to dogs at all.
Lands End, San Francisco
The Lands End trail is the hike San Francisco residents brag about to out-of-towners — and for good reason. The 3.4-mile coastal path winds along the cliffs above the Golden Gate, with views of the Marin Headlands, the bridge, and Mile Rock Beach below. On a clear day, it’s the kind of scenery that makes you forget you’re in a city of 800,000 people.
Dogs must be on leash on the main trail, which is fine because the path is narrow in spots and the cliffs are real. Most dogs are more interested in the smells coming off the cypress groves anyway. The trail connects to Sutro Baths at the western end, where your pup can explore the ruins and the rocky beach below.
Mount Tamalpais State Park, Mill Valley
Mount Tamalpais State Park is one of the Bay Area’s crown jewels, and while dog access within the state park itself is limited to paved roads and a handful of fire roads, the surrounding open space lands — managed by the Marin Municipal Water District — offer miles of dog-friendly trails through redwood groves, grasslands, and ridge tops with views that stretch to the Farallon Islands.
The Old Stage Road to Old Railroad Grade loop is a classic: a 5-mile circuit that climbs through mixed forest with moderate elevation gain. Dogs must be leashed on MMWD lands, but the trails are wide and well-maintained. Afterward, head into downtown Mill Valley for a dog-friendly patio lunch — you’ve earned the calories.
Fort Funston, San Francisco
If your dog’s idea of a perfect trail involves sand, wind, and the freedom to sprint, Fort Funston is the answer. This stretch of coastal bluffs on San Francisco’s southwestern edge is one of the most popular off-leash areas in the state, and the sandy trails that wind along the cliffs and down to the beach draw hundreds of dogs on any given weekend.
The main loop is about 1.5 miles, but most people end up staying longer than planned because their dog has made 12 new friends and refuses to leave. Watch the hang gliders launching from the bluffs while your pup tears across the sand. Just keep an eye on the cliff edges — they erode, and the drop is significant.
Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley
Tilden Regional Park sits in the hills above Berkeley and offers more than 39 miles of trails, many of which allow dogs. The Nimitz Way trail is the standout: a wide, paved-then-gravel path along the ridgeline with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Mount Tamalpais. It’s an easy 5-mile out-and-back that works for dogs of all fitness levels.
For something more rugged, the Wildcat Peak trail climbs to the park’s highest point for 360-degree views. Dogs must be leashed on all trails, but the park is popular with dog owners and the atmosphere is welcoming. Pair it with a walk around nearby Wildcat Canyon if your dog still has gas in the tank.
Mission Peak, Fremont
Mission Peak Regional Preserve is the East Bay’s signature summit hike: a 5.6-mile round trip with 2,000 feet of elevation gain that rewards you with views from Mount Diablo to the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s also one of the most dog-hiked trails in the Bay Area, and on weekends the trail is a parade of panting pups and their equally winded owners.
Fair warning — this trail is exposed, steep, and hot in summer. Start early, bring more water than you think you need (for both of you), and know your dog’s limits. Dogs must be on leash. The famous “Mission Peeker” post at the summit makes for a great photo op, assuming your dog cooperates.
Griffith Park, Los Angeles
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and its 53 miles of trails make it a go-to for L.A. dog owners who want real hiking without leaving the city. The West Griffith Observatory trail is a popular choice — a moderate 3-mile loop with views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown L.A., and the Pacific on clear days.
For a quieter option, the Ferndell Nature Walk follows a shaded, fern-lined creek that feels nothing like Los Angeles. Dogs must be leashed throughout the park. Avoid the main observatory parking area on weekends unless you enjoy gridlock — the Western Canyon entrance is less crowded and puts you on the trail faster.
Eaton Canyon, Pasadena
The Eaton Canyon Natural Area at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains is one of the most accessible trail-to-waterfall hikes in Southern California. The main trail to Eaton Canyon Falls is about 3.5 miles round trip along a mostly flat wash that ends at a 40-foot cascade — a satisfying payoff for a relatively easy walk.
Dogs are welcome on leash. The trail gets crowded on weekends (this is L.A., after all), so weekday mornings are ideal if you want a quieter experience. The canyon is shaded in spots, but the wash section is exposed. Bring water, and don’t let your dog drink from the stream — it’s an urban watershed.
Big Basin Redwoods, Felton
Big Basin Redwoods State Park reopened in phases after the 2020 CZU fire, and while much of the old-growth canopy was scarred, the forest is recovering in dramatic fashion. The park’s fire roads are open to dogs on leash, offering a chance to walk through a landscape that’s actively regenerating — new growth pushing up through charred trunks, ferns reclaiming the forest floor.
The Gazos Creek Road trail is a gentle, shaded 5-mile out-and-back through second-growth redwoods that’s well-suited to dogs. Note that dogs are not allowed on most single-track trails in the state park — stick to the fire roads and you’re good. It’s cooler here than the surrounding area, making it a solid pick for summer hiking.
Torrey Pines State Beach, La Jolla
Here’s the catch: dogs are not allowed on trails within Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve itself. But they are welcome on the beach below, which is accessed from the south parking lot and stretches for miles of flat, firm sand along the base of the sandstone cliffs. It’s one of the most scenic beach walks in San Diego County.
The beach walk from Torrey Pines State Beach north toward the reserve’s bluffs is about 4 miles round trip at low tide. Dogs can be off-leash on parts of the beach, though rules vary by season — check current signs. The eroded cliff formations are striking, and the relative lack of development along this stretch makes it feel wild in a way that’s rare in coastal San Diego.
Tips for hitting the trail with your dog
- Check current trail rules. Dog policies change, especially in state and national parks. Verify leash requirements and trail access before you go — a closed trail or a ticket isn’t anyone’s idea of a good hike.
- Bring more water than you think. Dogs overheat faster than people. A collapsible bowl and at least a liter of water per dog per hour of hiking is a solid baseline.
- Watch for foxtails. These barbed grass seeds are everywhere on California trails from late spring through fall. Check your dog’s ears, paws, nose, and coat after every hike — embedded foxtails require a vet visit.
- Respect leash rules. They exist for wildlife protection, trail safety, and keeping trails open to dogs in the first place. The fastest way to lose dog access on a trail is for owners to ignore the rules.
- Start early. Morning hikes mean cooler temps, fewer crowds, and better light. Your dog will thank you, especially on exposed trails in summer.
- Pack out waste. This shouldn’t need saying, but it does. Bag it and carry it out. Every trailhead has a trash can.
Find your next trail
These nine trails are a starting point, not a finish line. California has thousands of miles of dog-friendly trails across every landscape the state has to offer. Browse more dog-friendly hikes across California and find the one that’s right for your dog’s pace, your fitness level, and whatever kind of scenery makes you both happiest.
