Every dog deserves a good adventure from time to time! In Los Angeles, we have no shortage of trails where our four-legged hiking buddies can join us out in nature. Spending 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 green expanses with skyline views, here are a few of our favorite dog-friendly hikes in and around LA.

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.

For information on these trails as well as others 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.

Trail Tips for Happy Tails

Before you head out, keep these basics in mind to make sure both you and your dog enjoy the adventure:

  • Be a hydration hero. 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.
  • 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. 
  • Stay on leash. 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, check out our list of LA dog parks to scratch that itch!
  • Leave no trace. Bring along a dog waste bag canister and be sure to scoop the poop! Cleaning up after your canine companion helps keep our parks and trails clean, which means less nastiness to get swept up by rainwater down into storm drains and toward our waterways.

Whether it’s a quick jaunt in nature or a whole nature excursion, the trails are waiting for you and your canine co-pilot. Lace up those hiking boots, clip on the leash, and set out on your next ex-paw-dition!