The Best Pet-Friendly Trails in Los Angeles

The best pet-friendly trails in Los Angeles, ranked by PetScore. Top pick: South Hills Park.

To build this guide we evaluated 81 trails in Los Angeles using our PetScore, a 0 to 10 index that measures dog access level, accepted dog sizes and each place's pet-friendly amenities. These 10 places earned the highest marks: every one scores at least 7.0 and the top's average is 7.6. South Hills Park leads the ranking at 9.5. Each entry includes practical notes on the place's pet policy, so you know what to expect before arriving with your dog. We update this ranking as the underlying data changes.

#1
9.5
PetScore

South Hills Park

Trails · Glendora

South Hills Park in Glendora features a fenced off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. The park provides water fountains, shaded seating, and play obstacles. Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and over five months old. Leashes are required on trails outside the dog park.

#2
8.3
PetScore

Upper Canyonback Trailhead

Trails · Encino

Upper Canyonback Trailhead in Los Angeles is a trail that allows dogs off-leash under direct supervision. There is no pet fee to access the trail. A hydration station, known as Chili's Watering Hole, is available for dogs. The trail offers limited shaded areas.

#3
7.5
PetScore

Runyon Canyon Park

Trails · Hollywood Hills West

Runyon Canyon Park is a trails location in Los Angeles. It features landmark hiking trails and an off-leash dog park. The park is known as a popular dog-friendly hike and offers water stations for pets. It is considered one of the most popular places to bring dogs in Los Angeles.

#4
7.5
PetScore

Aliso Summit Hiking Trail

Trails · Laguna Niguel

Aliso Summit Hiking Trail in Laguna Niguel, California, is a dog-friendly trail where leashed dogs are permitted. Visitors should keep dogs on a leash, no longer than six feet, and pick up waste. The trail offers shaded areas and a dog bowl at the trailhead for convenience.

#5
7.5
PetScore

Quail Hill Trailhead

Trails · Irvine

Quail Hill Trailhead in Irvine, CA, is a dog-friendly trail where leashed dogs of all sizes are permitted. It is the only wilderness trail in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks that allows dogs. Water fountains are available at the trailhead. The trail offers limited shade, and owners are responsible for waste removal.

#6
7.3
PetScore

Fryman Canyon Park

Trails · Studio City

Fryman Canyon Park in Los Angeles is a dog-friendly trail system where leashed dogs are welcome. The park features shaded trails for hikers and their pets. There are no off-leash areas or water fountains, so owners should bring water for their dogs.

#7
7.3
PetScore

Stocker Corridor Trail

Trails · South Los Angeles

Stocker Corridor Trail in Los Angeles is a dog-friendly trail where leashed dogs of all sizes are permitted. It is a popular spot for dog walkers and offers shaded areas. Owners must clean up after their pets. Visitors should bring their own water as water fountains are not confirmed available. Off-leash activity is not allowed.

#8
7.3
PetScore

Stocker Corridor Trail Head

Trails · View Park

Stocker Corridor Trail Head in View Park-Windsor Hills is a dog-friendly trail where all dog sizes are welcome. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. The trail offers a shaded seating area for visitors. Water fountains for dogs are not confirmed, so bringing your own water is recommended.

#9
7.3
PetScore

Bluff Creek Trail

Trails · Westchester

Bluff Creek Trail in Los Angeles is a dog-friendly trail where leashed dogs of all sizes are welcome. The trail offers shaded areas and seating spots for breaks. While the trail itself requires leashes, a nearby dog park provides off-leash opportunities. No pet fees are mentioned.

#10
7
PetScore

San Clemente Beach Trail

Trails · San Clemente

The San Clemente Beach Trail in San Clemente, CA, is a dog-friendly trail where leashed dogs are welcome. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Waste bags and containers are provided, and water stations are available. Dogs are not permitted on the beach itself or the pier.