Every dog has their day – and every dog deserves some outdoor fun!
In Los Angeles, we have no shortage of dog parks and dog-friendly hiking trails where our four-legged buddies can get some fresh air. Off-leash dog parks help your canine companions get some exercise and socialize; you might even get to make a new dog-loving friend on the sidelines. And even though most dog-friendly hikes still require leashes, time on the trail is an excellent bonding activity, not to mention the type of full-body exercise that’s sure to boost your mood (and get those zoomies out!)
From shady canyon paths to accessible green expanses, here are a few of our favorite dog parks and dog-friendly hikes in and around LA.
Trails O’ the Pup
Cloud’s Rest Viewpoint and Inspiration Point Loop – Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon has a number of dog-friendly trails, including this path that begins at the end of N. Fuller Ave and leads two- and four-legged hikers up the ridge toward these beloved lookout points. Since this is a trail with minimal shade, it’s particularly important to come prepared for the heat with plenty of water.
Kenneth Hahn Loop – Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
This hike is the perfect mix of “leisurely nature walk” and “test-yourself challenge,” pairing a green, grassy first half with a slightly-slippery trek through overgrowth toward a stunning ravine. Kenneth Hahn is part of the Baldwin Hills Mountains, giving daring Dachshunds and courageous Collies the chance to follow the call of the wild while staying firmly in view of the Downtown LA skyline.
Bronson Caves – Griffith Park
Looking to sprinkle a bit of Hollywood history into your next hike? Your four-legged film buff is welcome to roam off-leash on the trail to Bronson Caves, famous for housing the entrance to the “Batcave” from the ‘60s Batman TV show. Explore the rock “labyrinths”—mysterious circles perfect for a round of ambling—outside the caves. To extend your mission, you can continue your hike further into a number of other dog-friendly trails in the park.
Catalina Verdugo Trail – Glendale
Perfect for fur-babies and human kids alike, this well-maintained trail boasts plenty of native plants along the way. Just know that you’ll be sharing the path with cyclists, so don’t forget to perk your ears and keep aware of approaching wheels.
Ernest E. Debs Regional Park – Montecito Hills
Debs Park in Northeast LA is filled with dog-friendly trails, for a full day of nature exploration. The Rose Link Trail Loop and Scrub Jay Loop each take you up to Debs Lake, where you can catch some stunning city views. When you’re ready to cool down after your adventure, take a stroll down to the Theodore Payne Foundation’s Los Nogales Nursery (near the Audubon Center) to peruse some native plants.
Parks to Bark About
A Los Angeles favorite and it’s easy to see why. The park offers plenty of trails where dogs can roam off-leash, with ample space to run and stunning views of the city.
Location: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
An off-leash section within the larger Griffith Park, it features two well-maintained areas separated between small and large dogs which allows every furry friend to enjoy an atmosphere best suited for them.
Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Open from sunrise to sunset, closes every Tuesday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM for maintenance
Adjacent to Eagle Rock’s Rec Center and Tennis Courts, this cozy corner of turf features strategically-placed awnings for hot summer days and benches for pet parents to relax while the pups play.
Location: 1100 Eagle Vista Drive Los Angeles, CA 90041
Hours: Open 5am-7pm, seven days a week
Known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, the park offers plenty of space for every dog to explore.
Location: 8260 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Hours: Open from sunrise to sunset, closes every Friday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM for maintenance
Located within the popular Silver Lake Reservoir, it’s a piece of paradise for both dogs and their owners. The park is divided into separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for every pup.
Location: 1863 Silver Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Hours: Open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, closes every Wednesday from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM for maintenance
Also known as “Westwoof Dog Park,” this gated section of Westwood Park offers plenty of light hills for dogs to explore.
Location: 1350 Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Hours: Open 6:30am-10pm every day except Tuesday, when the fun starts at 9am
Located in South LA, this dog park is just one part of the larger Ross Snyder Recreation Center, which also includes a pool and soccer field.
Location: 1501 East 41st St., Los Angeles, CA 90011
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
A hidden gem located in the northeast part of the city. The park also features separate areas for small and large dogs, and plenty of open space.
Location: 5568 Via Marisol, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Tips for Outdoor Adventures
Before you head out, keep these basics in mind to make sure both you and your dog enjoy the outside time:
Be a hydration hero. When hitting the trails, think about how much water you’d expect to need…and then pack some more. While experts’ opinions vary, it’s a good idea to have two-to-four cups per hour per person—and one cup per hour per pup—when you’re out exploring. When on out-and-backs, remember: when you’ve each consumed half your water supply, it’s time to turn around. Collapsible dog water dishes are a great way to save on backpack space, while still meeting your canine’s hydration goals. And having plenty of water on hand is just as important for a day at the dog park, especially if you’re visiting during the heat of summer.
Avoid the scorch. For your hike to truly rule, start when it’s cool. By starting early in the morning, you’ll be able to save those toe beans from steaming-hot trails, while protecting your entire party from those midday swelters. Similarly, try to get to the dog park in the early morning or early evening (after sunrise and before sunset), skipping those heady peak hours.
Note the signage. Just because a trail is dog-friendly doesn’t mean it’s off-leash-dog-friendly. You’ll be sharing the trail with dog-less hikers, runners, cyclists, children, and fellow canines, not to mention squirrels, snakes, and other critters. Remember to respect their adventures, too, and prioritize your own pup’s safety by sticking to the leash or harness. If your dog is hankering for some off-leash time, visit one of the off-leash parks instead!
Make sure your dog is ready. This part is particularly important for visits to the off-leash dog park, where your pup will be bumping noses with potential new friends, but it’s also a strong element of trail etiquette. You’ll want to ensure your dog is properly trained and socialized, meaning that your fur-riend responds well to basic commands (like “sit,” “stay,” and “come) and has spent some time around other dogs and people in different environments. Similarly, ensure your pup is up to date on vaccinations and flea treatments.
Do Your Civic “Doody” Don’t forget the dog waste bags! Picking up after your dog is crucial for maintaining a clean and enjoyable environment for everyone, both at the park and on the trail. Scooping the poop helps prevents environmental contamination. Dog waste left on the ground can wash into storm drains and contribute to stormwater runoff pollution, harming local waterways and wildlife. Fortunately, the City of Los Angeles offers free dog waste bags to LA residents; you can request them directly from the Watershed Protection Program. And, please remember:
- Bring Bags: Always bring plenty of waste bags with you to the park.
- Dispose Properly: Use the parks’ designated waste bins to dispose of your dog’s waste.
We would love to see your furry friend enjoying LA! Feel free to send us photos from your favorite off-leash park or trail adventure at lastormwater@lacity.org and we might feature your canine companion on our social media.
For more information on dog-friendly trails in Los Angeles County, visit Trails LA County. There you’ll be able to browse LA County trails perfect for you and your favorite furry friend. And you can explore all the dog parks in the City of LA at Recreation and Parks.
