Five Dog Friendly Hikes for Dogs and their Owners who like to Hike

 Some of my closest friends just happen to be dogs. So when I'm planning a hike for me and my best friends, I have to consider certain hike conditions that I wouldn't normally. There should be plenty of shade, no steep ledges or ridges, and a conservative trail length. Out and Back hikes are always a good idea (you can turn around whenever you'd like and if your dog poops in the first mile you can always bag it up and pick it up on your way back. This way you aren't stuck carrying poop with you for the majority of the hike.) National Parks are not very dog friendly, so stick to National Forests and other State Parks. Make sure to check online to see if dogs are welcome on the trail. Finally, you know your dog's fitness level. If they're tired after a mile walk around the neighborhood, maybe a hike isn't the best activity for them. Here are five hikes that I find to be big time fun and dog friendly. 






Sunset Peak Trail

7.3 miles 1,272 ft elevation gain Out & Back 

Sunset Peak is an absolutely gorgeous summit hike with views practically the entire trail. The trail itself is wide and has coverage throughout. The summit has plenty of room to spread out and find an area to pop a squat. There are a couple of turns that can be easy to miss if you're not paying attention (I know because it happened to me). There's also a shortcut to the left of the actual trailhead that you could accidentally take (I know because I took it) and that trail will not be "as dog friendly." So just keep your eye on your map if it's your first time. It's seven miles total, but it really goes by quickly. Any relatively healthy dog (or person) could handle this! 


Kagel Mountain

6.2 miles 1,279 ft elevation gain Out & Back

Here's a typical fire road trail, which means the trail is wide enough for a car to drive on. You've got some incline on this trail but you also have beautiful views. I did this hike at sunset and the colors on this mountain were truly breathtaking. There is a picnic table and some benches at the top so if your pup is tired, y'all can pack a little food and enjoy a rest. There are several fire roads all around the parking area, so just make sure you're on the right one (the one across the street). 


Sandstone Peak

3 miles 997 ft elevation gain Out & Back

Here's a short one. You'll be going up the whole way to the top and there's not much coverage. So, don't do this hike in the dead of summer. But other than July-September, what a perfect hike to take your pooch on. Great views of Malibu and after the hike you can take your pooch to Staircase Beach (dog friendly beach on the north end of Leo Carrillo State Park.)


Pine Knot Trail to Grand Viewpoint

6.9 miles 1,177 ft elevation gain Out & Back

This trail is right outside of Big Bear. Probably not the easiest hike to do in snow, but the perfect hike in the summer, spring, and fall. The trails are fairly wide and there aren't any ridges to speak of. You won't have to worry about yuccas or other cactus pricking you either, at this elevation. A great trail to get a little fall foliage in too. 






Chumash Trail

6.3 miles 1,332 ft elevation gain Out & Back

Chumash Trail in Rocky Peak Park is a very easy going trail with plenty of room to spread out. It's way less crowded than Rocky Peak Trail so you won't have to worry about running into too many people. The hills are gorgeous and you can see for miles if you end up letting your pup off leash. A great alternative to the steep mountain trails in Angeles National Forest. It's also a great place to see flowers in the spring. 


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