In Fullerton, Orange County, the Fullerton East Coyote Hills Trail at Ted Craig Regional Park offers plenty of room to explore with your dog. To reach the trailhead, head north on Brea Blvd and turn left to follow the white fence up Bastanchury Road. The park has various paths that lead through the surrounding hills and valleys, giving you options depending on how much time you have.

The main trail continues north on State College Blvd through fairly open terrain, with steady elevation gain as you move deeper into the park. The views of the surrounding landscape are genuine highlights—you can see quite far on clear days. If you want to break things up, the Summit House sits along the route and makes a logical lunch stop if you pack something to eat. Vista Park, located at the intersection of Bastanchury Road and State College Blvd, is another spot where you can sit down and let your dog rest for a bit.

The terrain here works well for dogs of varying abilities. It’s not overly technical or steep in most sections, though the hills do require some stamina. Bring water for both you and your dog, especially during warmer months—there’s decent sun exposure in many areas. You’ll see other hikers out here regularly, and most are friendly about sharing the trail.

The park does have leash requirements, so check on specifics before you go. The ground can get a bit muddy after rain, which means either a messier dog to rinse off later or the chance to skip this one if you’re not in the mood for cleanup. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more manageable and the light hitting the hills is softer. Since parking and trail access can fill up during weekends, arriving early makes a real difference in how peaceful your visit feels.