Dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles: check the leash rule first
A Los Angeles trail can cross City, County, federal, state or conservancy land, and the dog rule can change with the boundary. Start with the land manager, keep the leash handy and use the official source before driving.
Rules reviewed November 4, 2026. Current closures, fire restrictions and posted signs always take priority.
Compare Los Angeles dog-friendly hiking options
| Area | Dog access | Land manager | Know before you go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runyon Canyon Park | Mixed access | City of Los Angeles | Dogs may be off leash only in designated areas. The park is open sunrise to sunset; stay on designated trails and check the official page for current closures. City source ↗ |
| Griffith Park trails | Leash required | City of Los Angeles | The City's Griffith Park guide requires dogs to remain leashed and visitors to stay on designated trails. City guide ↗ |
| Eaton Canyon | Leash required | Los Angeles County | Dogs are welcome on leash. The County warns about heat risk, crowding and flash-flood closures; bring water and remain on the trail. County source ↗ |
| Santa Monica Mountains NPS sites | 6-foot leash | National Park Service | Dogs must remain on trails, roads and developed areas. Official dog-friendly examples include Solstice Canyon, Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons and Paramount Ranch. NPS source ↗ |
How to pick the right trail day
For an urban hike with a designated off-leash area: Runyon Canyon
Use the signs and official park page to distinguish the designated off-leash area from the rest of the trail system. The City also advises carrying water and staying on designated trails.
For a large in-city trail network: Griffith Park
Plan for a leashed outing throughout the park. Trail conditions, wildlife protection and fire risk make posted rules part of the route.
For a County nature-area outing: Eaton Canyon
Keep the leash on, watch the weather and avoid peak heat. The County specifically warns that heat illness affects both hikers and dogs.
For Santa Monica Mountains variety: check the managing agency
National Park Service sites list many on-leash options, but nearby state-park backcountry trails may prohibit pets. Confirm the exact trail rather than applying one mountain-wide rule.
Los Angeles dog-hike questions
Do dogs need a leash on Los Angeles hiking trails?
Usually. City, County and National Park Service trails generally require one, with limited exceptions such as Runyon Canyon's designated off-leash areas.
Can dogs hike in the Santa Monica Mountains?
Dogs can use many National Park Service-managed trails on a leash no longer than six feet. California State Park backcountry trails use different rules and generally do not allow pets.
When is it too hot to hike with a dog?
The National Park Service advises avoiding dog hikes on days over 85 degrees. Earlier starts and extra water do not make an unsafe hot day safe.
Official sources
- City of Los Angeles: Runyon Canyon Park
- City of Los Angeles: Griffith Park Map and Guide
- Los Angeles County: Eaton Canyon Natural Area
- National Park Service: Pets in the Santa Monica Mountains