

3 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Los Angeles
Do you have a fur baby? I do! Her name is Tiger Lily and she’s the love of my life. While she can be stubborn and give me side-eye, she’s perfect nonetheless. One thing that always gets her in a cooperative mood is spending time outside.
Contrary to what we may believe, treats are not the priority for a dog. It’s movement! Just like for us humans. So, here’s a round-up of some of my favorite dog-friendly trails around LA that Tiger Lily and I love.
Warm weather tip: Before embarking on any of these trails, make sure to pack your pup insulated, cold water! If it’s not insulated, by the time you get to the peak of your trail, the water can get pretty warm. Also, if you feel the weather is especially hot, put the palm of your hand on the ground. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s going to be too hot for your pup! The last thing you want to do is burn your dog’s paws. You can purchase dog shoes but I know some dogs end up feeling very uncomfortable with them on, so test it out on your dog before you commit to hiking.

Runyon Canyon
The most LA place in all of LA, this is one of my favorite hikes to take Tiger Lily on because you get to take your dog off-leash. I’ve seen many celebrities and group fitness classes here. Parking can be a bit tricky, as the hike begins nestled in a residential area, so make sure you leave enough time to find a spot. There’s generally no issue if you plan to go early weekday mornings. There are varying trails to go on within Runyon Canyon but if you’re looking for the quickest route, there is a 1.9-mile loop where, on a clear day, you get to see views of the city.

Runyon Canyon
The most LA place in all of LA, this is one of my favorite hikes to take Tiger Lily on because you get to take your dog off-leash. I’ve seen many celebrities and group fitness classes here. Parking can be a bit tricky, as the hike begins nestled in a residential area, so make sure you leave enough time to find a spot. There’s generally no issue if you plan to go early weekday mornings. There are varying trails to go on within Runyon Canyon but if you’re looking for the quickest route, there is a 1.9-mile loop where, on a clear day, you get to see views of the city.

Mount Hollywood
Another tried and true trail is one that involves Griffith Observatory. There are several trails leading to the observatory but I enjoy Mount Hollywood because it offers 360-degree views—including the observatory, Hollywood sign, downtown Los Angeles, and the San Gabriel Mountains! I prefer starting from Western Canyon entrance as it’s a little more challenging and I like working my way up. Round trip from the Western Canyon it’s about four miles. If you prefer to start at the observatory, the trail is a little bit shorter, averaging about three miles. Surprisingly, Tiger Lily handles herself well on this trail. And of course she’s exhausted afterward, but I love seeing her sleep so peacefully after a strenuous hike. A tired pup is a happy pup, in my opinion!

Mount Hollywood
Another tried and true trail is one that involves Griffith Observatory. There are several trails leading to the observatory but I enjoy Mount Hollywood because it offers 360-degree views—including the observatory, Hollywood sign, downtown Los Angeles, and the San Gabriel Mountains! I prefer starting from Western Canyon entrance as it’s a little more challenging and I like working my way up. Round trip from the Western Canyon it’s about four miles. If you prefer to start at the observatory, the trail is a little bit shorter, averaging about three miles. Surprisingly, Tiger Lily handles herself well on this trail. And of course she’s exhausted afterward, but I love seeing her sleep so peacefully after a strenuous hike. A tired pup is a happy pup, in my opinion!

Wisdom Tree Hike
The Wisdom Tree hike is another destination to experience. It’s a three-mile out and back trail but it’s important to note, the path is very rugged. Just make sure to watch your (and your pups) step! At the tree, there is a box for visitors to leave notes. This is LA so, of course, there are business cards for networking left in there. You can leave any kind of letter you’d like, though. Show your dog a little extra admiration after the hike with a love note!
In my opinion, fresh air and a little extra exercise with your furry friend is never a bad idea, no matter where you live. In case you don’t live close to any of these trails, one resource that has really helped me in identifying where to go around the city is HikeSpeak. You can search by distance, dog-friendly hikes, and location. Happy hiking!

Wisdom Tree Hike
The Wisdom Tree hike is another destination to experience. It’s a three-mile out and back trail but it’s important to note, the path is very rugged. Just make sure to watch your (and your pups) step! At the tree, there is a box for visitors to leave notes. This is LA so, of course, there are business cards for networking left in there. You can leave any kind of letter you’d like, though. Show your dog a little extra admiration after the hike with a love note!
In my opinion, fresh air and a little extra exercise with your furry friend is never a bad idea, no matter where you live. In case you don’t live close to any of these trails, one resource that has really helped me in identifying where to go around the city is HikeSpeak. You can search by distance, dog-friendly hikes, and location. Happy hiking!