Mt. Mooney, located in Los Angeles County, offers a straightforward hiking experience that works well if you’re looking to get your dog moving without a serious climb. The trail is a 2.4-mile round trip with about 450 feet of elevation gain, following a dirt road that starts just northwest of the Charlton Flats Picnic Area entrance road off Angeles Crest Highway. The path is well-maintained and stays on the dirt road the whole way, which means good footing and visibility for both you and your dog.

What makes this hike appealing is how manageable it feels. The gentle grade and straightforward route mean you won’t spend the whole time navigating complicated terrain or worrying about loose rocks. The surrounding landscape opens up as you climb, and on clear days you get decent views across the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s the kind of hike where your dog can trot along without drama, sniff around at a reasonable pace, and still get genuine exercise.

The area around Charlton Flats itself is pleasant — it’s a developed picnic zone, so there are some basic amenities if you want to rest before or after. The trail doesn’t feel remote or technical, which is helpful if your dog is still learning the ropes or if you prefer something less ambitious than a backcountry scramble. Dogs are allowed on leash, so just keep that in mind as you plan.

Since this is Angeles Crest Highway territory, the trailhead elevation sits pretty high already, so the environment feels cooler and greener than lower elevation LA hikes. That’s worth considering if you’re going during warmer months — the temperature difference is noticeable. The dirt road surface is easy on paws too, which matters if your dog’s feet are sensitive to rocky trails. Just bring water for both of you, as shade is intermittent along the route.