Serrania Ridge Trail is a 2.5-mile out-and-back route in Woodland Hills that gives you real elevation gain without feeling like you’re climbing a mountain. The trailhead sits in a residential area, and once you’re on the path, you’re away from the noise pretty quickly. The well-maintained trail winds through chaparral and oak woodlands, and on clear days you get views across the San Fernando Valley that make the climb worthwhile.

Dogs do well here because the path is wide enough in most spots for you to walk side-by-side, and there’s enough shade from the scattered trees that your dog won’t overheat on a warm day. I took mine on a late afternoon hike in late spring, and the wildflowers were still blooming in patches along the trail. The ground is mostly packed dirt and some rocky sections, so good hiking boots help but aren’t essential.

The moderate difficulty means you’re not dealing with boulder scrambles or super steep pitches, though there’s definitely some sustained climbing. Most dogs that can handle a 30-minute walk can manage this one. The ridge itself is the turnaround point—it’s a good spot to rest and let your dog catch their breath before heading back down.

Water isn’t available on the trail, so bring plenty for both of you. The route isn’t heavily trafficked, especially on weekdays, which means fewer dogs to navigate around and a quieter experience overall. The neighborhood parking near the trailhead fills up on weekends, but early morning visits usually give you a spot without much trouble. Bring a headlamp if you’re planning a sunset hike, since the parking area isn’t lit and the trail can get dark quickly once the sun dips behind the hills.