Dogs are not permitted in nature preserve or wilderness areas that are managed for the benefit of local wildlife. However, Peters Canyon Regional Park offers plenty of trails where dogs are welcome on leash, making it a solid choice for getting out with your dog in Orange County.

The park draws a good mix of runners, family hikers, and other dog walkers, so you’ll have company on the trails. The main draw here is the big hill climb—if you and your dog are up for a longer hike, the payoff is genuine views across inland Orange County. The terrain is open chaparral with some shaded sections, and even on a warm day you can usually find a spot with decent tree cover. Most people seem to do the loop around the perimeter and then decide whether to tackle the hill or call it a day.

The park opens at 7 a.m. and closes at sunset, which gives you a reasonable window depending on the season. One thing to know: trails close for up to three days after rain, so check conditions if you’ve had recent weather. The parking area accepts a $3 daily fee through machines that take $1 bills, quarters, or credit cards. If you plan to visit regularly, annual passes are available for purchase at the park office, though staff availability varies, so you might want to check on that first if you’re making a special trip for the pass.

The parking area is relatively spacious, and the trails are well-maintained. Bring water for your dog—there aren’t fountains along the trails themselves, and the exposed sections can get hot in summer. Most dogs handle the elevation fine, but the big hill is genuinely steep, so gauge your dog’s fitness level before committing to the full route.