Dog-Friendly Hikes Around Los Angeles

For dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, there’s nothing better than grabbing your four-legged best friend and hitting the trails for a hike.  Los Angeles offers some great hiking options that you and your dog can appreciate!

Runyon Canyon Park

Runyon Canyon Park is one of the most popular hiking spots in LA — with good reason. It has options for all ability levels and offers some of the best views in the area.

The 160-acre park includes 90 acres of leash-free space where dogs can run free. Expect to see a mix of hikers with and without dogs in a generally laid back atmosphere. There are no water fountains along the trails, so make sure to bring plenty of water for you and your dog.

The park is located in Hollywood on the east end of the Santa Monica Mountains, providing hikers with a fe w overlapping loops and great views over Hollywood. Parking can be tough to find; your best bet is probably the parking lot off of Mulholland Drive.

Griffith Park

One of the largest parks in the U.S., Griffith Park has more than 50 miles of dog-friendly trails. You and your dog can spot the Hollywood sign, the Batman’s bat cave, and more. Hiking trails typically range from 1-3 miles and are a mix of hilly and flat terrain.

Before you head home, visit The Trails Cafe, which sells treats for both pets and their owners! Amir’s Garden, located on the east end of the park, provides a welcome spot to relax at the end of a long hike.

Elysian Park

If you are looking for something a little more of the beaten path (or hiking trail), check out this little-known park nestled in a mostly residential area.

Elysian Park has a roughly two-mile trail that’s dog friendly and has much less foot traffic than the busy trails in Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park. Because of the neighborhood vibe, this hike might not be a good fit if your dogs like to bark or would easily disturb others.