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Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in California

If your dog likes to ruff it, bring Fido hiking in California. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips in California that won’t be soon forgotten. Seriously, go take a hike!

Pet Friendly Garland Ranch Regional Park

Garland Ranch Regional Park

Garland Ranch Regional Park

Dog-friendly Garland Ranch Regional Park is a gorgeous park in Carmel, CA, with the Carmel River running through it. Dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas, including in the river and on selected trails (not the horse trails). Atop the northern crest of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the trails encounter open oak savannas and spectacular vistas. Along the way, you will travel through maple-filled canyons, dense oak woodlands, and thick stands of chaparral. There are trails for nearly all abilities, from beginner to advanced hiker. Trail maps can be found at the park's visitor center. The park is open dawn until dusk.

Pet Friendly Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA, a beautiful 440-acre sanctuary featuring remarkable biological diversity and home to 150 different native plants and 430 species of birds. Accessed by miles of dog-friendly trails, visitors can admire expansive coastal views along a scenic forested ridge. A popular trail for hikers and their leashed companions is Ridge, Bluff, Arch and Dolphin Trail.

Donner Memorial State Park

Donner Memorial State Park

Donner Memorial State Park is one of the most pet-friendly state parks in California. Located in Sierra Nevada in Truckee, CA, you and Fido will discover camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking at this state park. Although pets aren't allowed on all of the trails, like most state parks in California, they are permitted to join you in the water, on paved roads, and in camping and picnic areas. Keep an eye out for the dog entrance signs for an easy access to the lake for you and Fido. Dogs are allowed on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and along the shore of Donner Lake except for China Cove Beach. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center, on the half-mile Nature Trail, or China Cove Beach, nor can they be on designated ski trails when snow is present.

Solstice Canyon

Solstice Canyon

Bring your leashed pup out for some exercise on this mild hike, which affords breathtaking ocean views. Solstice Canyon in Malibu, CA, features several options for easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes through coastal sage scrub and riparian plant communities. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, a shady stroll along the Solstice Canyon Trail, a challenging climb up the Rising Sun Trail or a stop at the perennial waterfall!

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

Redwood City, CA

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is a dog-friendly park in Redwood City, CA. Take your pet for an on-leash hike throughout this large, lovely nature preserve, or let them run free in the 17.5-acre area located in the center of the preserve, accessible from the Cordilleras Trail, Polly Geraci/Hassler Trails and the Blue Oak Trail. Be careful as the area is fenced and signed at entrances, but there is no fencing around the off-leash area. Dogs must be on a leash when outside of the off-leash area.

Lake Hollywood Park

Los Angeles, CA

Lake Hollywood Park

The pet-friendly Lake Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, CA, is where the locals bring their dogs for playtime and socialization under the Hollywood sign. There are signs stating that dogs should be kept on a leash, and rangers do visit to enforce these rules.

Fort Funston

San Francisco, CA

Located off of Skyline Blvd, Fort Funston is one of the best places in San Francisco to bring your dog for a day of fun. This recreation area has lots of room for Fido to run and play, several dog-friendly trails, and beach areas. Dogs must be on a leash in the Bank Swallow habitat areas. Keep an eye out for fenced or signed areas were dogs are not permitted, and note that the Coastal Trail north of Horse Trail intersection is closed due to erosion.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a dog-friendly park in San Diego, CA. This network of trails and cliffs made for climbing is one of the country's most beautiful sunset spots. The park is free and welcomes pups on a leash. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess left behind and to make sure their pet is under control during the visit.

Devils Postpile National Monument

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Devils Postpile National Monument

The dog-friendly Devils Postpile National Monument in Mammoth Lakes, CA, offers incredible views of the Devils Postpile formation as well as Rainbow Falls. Leashed pets are welcome on all the trails within the Monument as well as in the campground and day use areas. Dogs are allowed on the shuttle buses but they must wear a muzzle.

Marin Headlands

Marin Headlands

Leashed pets are welcome to join you as you relax or play at Marin Headlands, in beautiful Sausalito, CA. Enjoy hiking trails with dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dog-friendly trails are marked and notify hikers of leash or voice control rules. Picnic areas are also available.

Bridalveil Fall Trail

Yosemite National Park, CA

Bridalveil Fall Trail

Bridalveil Fall Trail is a pet-friendly part of Yosemite National Park, CA. This half mile trail features the first grand waterfall for visitors to admire in Yosemite Valley. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Convict Lake

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Convict Lake is dog-friendly! The crystal clear lake is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada and is encircled by Convict Lake Loop Trail, a three-mile-long walk, which leashed dogs are welcome to explore. The trail meanders through open sagebrush and groves of pine and aspen and can be walked in either direction, whether it be from the parking area or the marina.

Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park

Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park

Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park is a pet-friendly attraction in Mendocino, CA. You and Fido can wander the half-mile coastal trail to the lighthouse that was built in 1909. Once you arrive at the historic building, you don't have to leave Fido outside, they can enter the building with you and look around. The park is open every day of the week from sunrise to sunset.

Heisler Park

Laguna Beach, CA

Stretching along the bluffs on Cliff Drive from Aster Street to Diver's Cove, the dog-friendly, oceanfront Heisler Park in Laguna Beach has walking trails, gardens, a marine refuge with tide pools, picnic tables, barbecues, lawn bowling greens. Popular park wedding sites include a Gazebo and Monument Point. Restrooms are also available.

Van Sickle Bi-State Park

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe, CA, is dog friendly! There are lots of easy-to-moderate trails for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash under six feet. The hours to access the park by car vary depending on what time of year you visit.

California Citrus State Historic Park

California Citrus State Historic Park

Spanning over 400 acres of southern California, the dog-friendly California Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside is a throwback to the early 1900s, a time when citrus fruits were being touted as the second gold rush of the state. The California Citrus State Historic Park has lots of demonstration groves and picnic areas among the trees. Leashed dogs are welcome on several trails around the groves, but aren't permitted inside any buildings. Hours vary by season so be sure to check their website before visiting.

Bidwell Park

Bidwell Park is the crown jewel of Chico, CA. This sprawling dog-friendly outdoor recreation area offers miles of trails for you and your pup. The park is divided by Manzanita Avenue. Dogs are allowed off leash in Lower Park between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Four-legged guests may be off leash anytime along the north side of Upper Park Road. Off leash dogs must be under voice control. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the the One-Mile or Five-Mile swimming areas and in certain swimming areas in Upper Park. The park is expansive and there are many ways to access it. It is suggested that you visit their website to pick the trail you wish to start at. Watch for rattlesnakes, poisonous plants, and ticks during your visit.

Alabama Hills

Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the Alabama Hills, set between the Sierra Nevada and the Inyo Mountains. The Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills, ideal for touring movie sites, photography, rock climbing, exploring natural arches and more. Dog owners should bring plenty of water, keep their pets leashed at all times, clean up after them, and be very wary of snakes.

Trona Pinnacles

Trona Pinnacles

The Trona Pinnacles are dog-friendly! Fido can explore these unique geological features, which are located in the California Desert Conservation Area. The landscape features more than five hundred tufa spines, which vary in size and shape, and have been featured in many movies. Dogs must be leashed or under voice control during their visit to the Trona Pinnacles. Dog owners must clean up after their pet. Those interested in visiting the Pinnacles can check out the Bureau of Land Management's official website for step-by-step instructions on how to access them.

Lodi Lake Park

Spend a day on the lake with Fido at Lodi Lake Park. This pet-friendly recreational area in Lodi, CA offers hiking trails, walking paths, biking trails, a kayak launch, a horseshoe pit, picnic shelters, fishing areas and more. Take Fido for a walk around the lake or pack a picnic and enjoy the sunny California weather. Dogs must remain on a leash while visiting the park.

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