Featured in the movie “Wild,” the Pacific Crest Trail stretches 2,650 miles from the Mexican border to Canada, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington. The Santa Clarita area sits along this iconic route, offering access to some of Southern California’s most dramatic sections. The trail is open to hikers and equestrians only—no bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed.

Dogs are welcome on all sections except within national parks, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re planning a longer trip. What you should know before heading out: in many places where the trail crosses private property, the easement is surprisingly narrow—sometimes just a few yards wide. This means you’ll want to stay on the designated path and be mindful of surrounding land use.

The rules around dogs are fairly relaxed. Leashes aren’t required if your dog reliably comes when called and won’t chase livestock or interfere with equestrians you might encounter. That said, it’s worth honestly assessing your dog’s training before going leash-free in areas where you’ll share the trail with horses and other hikers.

The Santa Clarita trailheads give you access to some of the PCT’s most accessible California sections. The terrain here varies—you might hike through chaparral, cross creeks, and climb elevation that rewards you with views of the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s definitely more rugged than your typical local park walk, so make sure your dog is conditioned for distance and your paws are protected if the ground is rocky.

Every year over 1,000 people attempt to thru-hike the entire trail; fewer than 200 finish. Even if you’re not attempting the full distance, day hikes and section hikes from the Santa Clarita area give you a real taste of what keeps those dedicated hikers coming back. Bring plenty of water—the Southern California sections can get hot and exposed quickly, especially in warmer months.