Runyon Canyon
- OFF-LEASH?
- Yes, in signed zones
- DIFFICULTY
- Easy to moderate
- AREA
- Hollywood Hills
LOS ANGELES DOG GUIDE / 6 MIN READ
The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Los Angeles (2026 Guide)
your dog's favorite workout. (yours too.)
LA has hundreds of trails, but not all of them welcome dogs. Many state park trails in the Santa Monica Mountains don't allow dogs at all. The good news: some of the city's best views are on trails where your pup is totally welcome, and a couple even let them run off leash.
Here are our favorite dog-friendly hikes in LA, what the rules are, and how to keep your dog safe on the trail.
Photo: Pasha / Unsplash
01 / QUICK GUIDE
The short answer
Six hikes where dogs are welcome. Two allow off-leash roaming in signed areas, the rest are leash only.
Westridge-Canyonback
- OFF-LEASH?
- Yes
- DIFFICULTY
- Moderate
- AREA
- Brentwood / Mulholland
Griffith Park
- OFF-LEASH?
- No, leash only
- DIFFICULTY
- Easy to hard
- AREA
- Los Feliz
Franklin Canyon Park
- OFF-LEASH?
- No, leash only
- DIFFICULTY
- Easy
- AREA
- Beverly Hills
Fryman Canyon / Wilacre Park
- OFF-LEASH?
- No, leash only
- DIFFICULTY
- Moderate
- AREA
- Studio City
Will Rogers State Historic Park
- OFF-LEASH?
- No, leash only
- DIFFICULTY
- Moderate
- AREA
- Pacific Palisades
02 / THE TRAILS
The six hikes, one by one
Two of them let dogs off leash in signed areas, and the rest ask for a leash the whole way.
Photo: Downtowngal / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
01 / HOLLYWOOD HILLSOFF-LEASH IN SIGNED ZONES
Runyon Canyon
The most famous dog hike in LA, with huge skyline views and a social scene. About 90 of the park's 160 acres are off-leash zones.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Off-leash only in the signed zones. Leash required on the streets and at the entrances.
- Open sunrise to sunset
- The West Trail is currently closed, so check the LA Parks page before you go
- No restrooms and no water for dogs on the trail, so bring your own
- Free street parking nearby, but it fills up fast
- Very little shade, so go early
BEST FOR: social dogs who love making friends.
PHOTO COMING SOON
Photo coming soon, no free-license photo of this trail yet
02 / BRENTWOOD / MULHOLLANDOFF-LEASH
Westridge-Canyonback
A rare off-leash hike on the Westside, with ridge views and far fewer crowds than Runyon. Start at the Upper Canyonback trailhead off Mulholland Drive, just south of Encino Hills Drive.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Off-leash allowed, so solid recall is a must
- Mostly exposed ridgeline with little shade
- No facilities at the trailhead
BEST FOR: Westside dogs who need to burn serious energy.
Photo: James Gubera / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
03 / LOS FELIZLEASH ONLY
Griffith Park
Over 4,000 acres of trails, from easy loops to the climb up to the Hollywood Sign. Most trails welcome dogs on a leash.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Leash required on all trails
- The only off-leash area is the fenced dog park on North Zoo Drive
- Popular routes: the Griffith Observatory loop and Brush Canyon to the Hollywood Sign
- Paid lots near the Observatory, free parking in other areas
BEST FOR: dogs and humans who want options, from a short stroll to a real climb.
Photo: Zigzig20s / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
04 / BEVERLY HILLSLEASH ONLY
Franklin Canyon Park
A peaceful 605-acre park with a lake, a duck pond, and shaded trails. It feels miles away from the city.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Leash required
- Easy loop around Franklin Canyon Lake, great for puppies and senior dogs
- Free street parking
- Watch out for ducks and turtles near the water
BEST FOR: calm dogs, puppies, and seniors.
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
05 / STUDIO CITYLEASH ONLY
Fryman Canyon / Wilacre Park
A shaded 3-mile loop on the Betty B. Dearing Trail with views over the Valley. One of the best hot-day hikes in LA because so much of it is under trees.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Leash required, no mountain bikes on the trail
- Wilacre Park has a parking lot, restrooms, and drinking fountains
- Steep at the start, then easier
- The lot fills up fast on weekends
BEST FOR: active dogs on warmer days.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons user Los Angeles (CC BY-SA 3.0)
06 / PACIFIC PALISADESLEASH ONLY
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Start at Will Rogers' old ranch and polo field, then loop up to Inspiration Point for ocean and city views.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Leash required
- Paid parking lot
- Mostly sunny, so go in the morning
BEST FOR: Westside dogs who want a view with their workout.
03 / TRAIL TIPS
Trail tips for hiking with your dog
Bring water for two
Most trails have no water for dogs. Pack a collapsible bowl.
Watch for rattlesnakes
They're common around LA, especially in spring and summer. Keep your dog on the trail and out of tall brush.
Check paws after the hike
Look for foxtails, burrs, and cuts. Foxtails can get into ears, noses, and paws.
Go early
Cooler, less crowded, and easier parking.
Know your dog's limits
Puppies, seniors, and flat-faced breeds tire and overheat faster. Pick an easy trail.
Leash up near others
Even on off-leash trails, leash up around horses, kids, and nervous dogs.
Pack it out
Bring bags and carry them out. It keeps these trails dog-friendly.
04 / HEAT SAFETY
Beat the heat on the trail
Most LA trails have little shade, and dirt and rocks get hot fast.
Do the 7 second test: if the ground is too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for paws. Hike before 9 a.m. on warm days, and pick shaded trails like Fryman Canyon or Franklin Canyon.
STOP THE HIKE IF YOUR DOG SHOWS
- Heavy panting that won't stop
- Lagging behind or lying down
- Stumbling or confusion
- Bright red gums or thick drool
WHAT TO DO:Get to shade, offer small sips of water, cool their belly and paws with cool (not ice cold) water, and call your vet right away.
06 / BOOK
Busy week? We'll get them their adventure.
The Paw Club offers home-based dog daycare, boarding, and walks in Los Angeles. One-on-one care, no kennels, and a tired, happy pup at the end of the day. Every new pup starts with a free meet-and-greet.
Trail rules and closures change, so check the park's official page before you go.