5 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Los Angeles That Aren't Runyon Canyon
🐕 LA Outdoors · Published February 18, 2026 · Updated May 22, 2026 · 7 min read
By Sam Okafor, West Coast Editor
Runyon Canyon is the default dog hike in LA, and that's because it's central, dramatic, and easy. It's also crowded, dusty, often closed for repair, and frequently too hot for paws by mid-morning. There are five much better dog-friendly hikes within an hour of central LA, and most locals never bother with them. Here they are, ranked by my own dogs' enthusiasm.
1. Sandstone Peak (Santa Monica Mountains)
Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monicas — 3,111 feet — and the trail is dog-legal end to end. The Mishe Mokwa loop is about 6 miles with real elevation, dramatic ridgeline views, and a fraction of the dog traffic Runyon gets. Bring at least a liter of water per dog; there's no shade above the first mile. Parking is free at the Sandstone Peak trailhead off Yerba Buena Road.
2. Eaton Canyon Falls (Pasadena)
A flat 3-mile out-and-back to a 40-foot waterfall, mostly along a dry creek bed. Dogs love the wading pool at the base of the falls. The trail is wide enough for two dogs to pass without drama. Avoid summer afternoons — the canyon traps heat. Parking lot fills by 9am on weekends; get there early or street-park on Altadena Drive.
3. Solstice Canyon (Malibu)
Probably the most dog-friendly hike in greater LA. Shaded most of the way, a real creek that runs year-round, and old stone ruins as a turnaround point at mile 1.5. Dogs are required to be leashed but otherwise this trail is built for them. Free parking at the trailhead, no permit required.
4. Switzer Falls (Angeles National Forest)
Up the 2 freeway into the Angeles. About 4 miles round trip to a real swimming hole at the base of a waterfall. Dogs swim, you cool off, everyone wins. The trail has actual stream crossings — your dog will get wet. Adventure Pass required for parking ($5, available at REI and most ranger stations).
5. Lake Hollywood Reservoir Loop
Paved 3.3-mile loop around the reservoir with full views of the Hollywood Sign. Dogs allowed on leash. It's flat, it's easy, it's perfect for a senior dog or a small dog who can't do the bigger hikes. Park on Lake Hollywood Drive (free).
Heat is the LA hazard
Paw burns are the single biggest dog-hike injury in LA. The rule: if you can't hold the back of your hand to the trail surface for seven seconds, it's too hot for paws. In summer, that means start by 7am or wait until after 6pm. Dogs in heatstroke present with heavy panting, bright red gums, and lethargy — get them into shade and water immediately and head to a vet.
Tip: Carry a collapsible silicone bowl and a 1L bottle minimum per dog. The most common mistake new LA dog owners make is underestimating water needs on a 'short' hike.
What to bring
- Two waste bags per dog, minimum
- Collapsible water bowl
- 1–2 liters of water depending on hike length
- Sturdy 6-foot leash — flexis are banned on most trails
- Tick prevention (Lyme is rare in LA, but ticks are everywhere)
- A bandana you can wet for the dog's neck on hot days
Adoption and meetup events
LA's hiking-dog community runs informal meetups most weekends. Pop-up adoption events from groups like Wagmor and Karma Rescue often happen at trailheads on Saturday mornings. We list the major ones on our Los Angeles city page.