Hero photo: Katie Doane via Pexels
By the Kahooligans · We've hiked these trails with our own dogs and pulled in trail rules, parking notes, and leash laws straight from the agencies that manage them.
Ten trails where your dog is genuinely welcome. Plus the one rule that keeps every hike from going sideways.
Most "best hikes" lists treat dogs like an afterthought. Then you show up, pay for parking, and find a "no pets" sign at the trailhead. Frustrating.
So we did the legwork. Every trail below allows dogs (a few even off-leash), and we ranked them on the things that actually matter when you bring your pup along.
One thing worth knowing up front: California State Parks and most National Parks ban dogs on trails, which is why you won't see Torrey Pines or Joshua Tree on this list. What you will find: ten trails where your dog is genuinely welcome, with the details you need to plan a good day.
Quick comparison: all 10 hikes at a glance
| # | Trail | Region | Distance | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bell Rock Pathway | Sedona, AZ | Up to 3.6 mi | Easy | First-timers |
| 2 | Cowles Mountain | San Diego, CA | 3 mi | Moderate | Active dogs |
| 3 | West Fork of Oak Creek | Coconino NF, AZ | 6.4 mi | Easy-Mod | Hot days |
| 4 | Boynton Canyon | Sedona, AZ | 6.1 mi | Moderate | Long outings |
| 5 | Eaton Canyon Falls | Pasadena, CA | 3.5 mi | Easy-Mod | Water lovers |
| 6 | Runyon Canyon | Los Angeles, CA | 2.7 mi | Moderate | Off-leash zones |
| 7 | Los Peñasquitos Canyon | San Diego, CA | Up to 7 mi | Easy | Senior dogs |
| 8 | Cathedral Rock | Sedona, AZ | 1.2 mi | Hard | Fit dogs & owners |
| 9 | Sandstone Peak | Santa Monica Mtns, CA | 3-6.25 mi | Moderate | Summit views |
| 10 | Iron Mountain | Poway, CA | 6 mi | Moderate | Cool mornings |
The one rule: pavement test. Press the back of your hand to the ground for 7 seconds. If you can't hold it that long, it's too hot for your dog's paws. Doesn't matter how much they want to go, the trail wins that fight every time.
Hike early. Bring more water than you think you need. Skip mid-summer afternoons entirely.
1. Bell Rock Pathway (Sedona, AZ)
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on Bell Rock Pathway. It's the easiest red rock dog hike in Sedona, with up to 3.6 miles of wide, hard-packed trail and minimal elevation gain. Best for dogs of any age or fitness level.
Best for first-timers 
Photo: elysecanty, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Wide, hard-packed pathway that loops the base of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Views that match anything in Sedona, but the grade stays gentle enough for any age or fitness level.
Want more vertical? The Bell Rock Climb spur breaks off from the pathway and heads up the formation. Go as high as you both want and turn back — you don't have to summit to enjoy it. If you've never hiked red rock with a dog, this is the easiest starting point.
2. Cowles Mountain (San Diego, CA)
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park. It's a 3-mile round trip with about 950 feet of elevation gain. Best for active dogs in cool weather; almost no shade.
Best for active dogs 
Photo: Rsduhamel, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The local proving ground for "is your dog ready for a real hike?" Steady climb, exposed terrain, and a summit view that runs from the Pacific to the Lagunas on a clear day.
One word of warning: there's almost no shade. The rocks bake. If you're going between June and September, be there before 7 a.m. or skip it entirely.
3. West Fork of Oak Creek (Sedona Area, AZ)
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the West Fork Trail in Coconino National Forest. The 6.4-mile out-and-back features 13 creek crossings, a shaded canyon, and minimal elevation gain. Best for hot days and water-loving dogs.
Best for water-loving dogs 
Photo: Coconino National Forest, public domain (CC0) via Wikimedia Commons
The opposite of every other Sedona-area hike. Shaded canyon, multiple creek crossings, and walls that climb hundreds of feet on either side. Your dog will splash through the water 13 times. They will love every one.
Best in fall, when the maples turn and the temperatures drop. The drive up Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon to get here is half the experience.
4. Boynton Canyon (Sedona, AZ)
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the Boynton Canyon Trail. It's a 6.1-mile out-and-back with about 700 feet of elevation gain and more shade than most Sedona trails. Best for longer outings with a moderately fit dog.
Best for a longer outing 
Photo: davidpinter, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A mix of red rock and forested canyon, with more shade than most Sedona trails. The trail dead-ends at a cliff wall most dogs find very interesting to sniff. The walk back is just as good as the walk in.
If you've only got one day in Sedona and want a longer experience with your dog, this is it.
5. Eaton Canyon Falls (Pasadena, CA)
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the Eaton Canyon Falls Trail in the Angeles National Forest. The 3.5-mile round trip ends at a 40-foot waterfall and includes several stream crossings. Best for hot LA days when shade matters.
Best for hot LA days 
Photo: scott.medling, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A creek hike that ends at a 40-foot waterfall in the Angeles National Forest. Mostly flat with several stream crossings, which means cool paws and a happy dog.
Park early on weekends or you won't park at all. The Nature Center lot fills by 9 a.m. most Saturdays. Best after winter rain when the falls are full.
Important safety note: The main waterfall is the destination. Do not continue past the gate to the upper falls. The route up requires dangerous climbing and has caused multiple fatalities and rescues. The L.A. County Sheriff has closed sections in past years for exactly this reason. Stick to the main falls and turn around there.
6. Runyon Canyon (Los Angeles, CA)
Yes, dogs are allowed on Runyon Canyon Park trails, including 90 acres of designated off-leash zones. The full loop is about 2.7 miles with around 700 feet of gain. Best for sociable dogs who enjoy off-leash play.
Best for off-leash play 
Photo: Downtowngal, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
LA's most famous dog hike, and one of the few city trails with off-leash zones. 90 of its 160 acres are designated off-leash, with views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown, and on a clear day the Pacific. It's crowded. Your dog won't care.
If you want the calmer experience, enter from Mulholland Drive instead of Fuller Avenue. Same views, half the foot traffic.
7. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve (San Diego, CA)
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve trails (8-foot leash maximum). The trail is mostly flat and shaded by sycamores, with up to a 7-mile loop. Best for senior dogs, puppies, or any pup that prefers flat ground.
Best for senior dogs & puppies 
Photo: Mark A. Wilson, public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Flat, shady, and runs alongside a creek with a small waterfall about halfway through. Sycamores keep the trail cool even in summer. The best San Diego option for senior dogs, puppies, or anyone who'd rather sniff than climb.
One thing to know: tick country in spring. Check your dog thoroughly before getting in the car. Ears, armpits, between toes.
8. Cathedral Rock Trail (Sedona, AZ)
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the Cathedral Rock Trail. It's a short but steep 1.2-mile out-and-back with around 700 feet of gain and a slickrock scramble near the top. Best for fit, larger dogs and experienced hikers; small or senior dogs should turn back at the Templeton junction.
Best for ambitious hikers & fit dogs 
Photo: Terrydarc, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The most photographed red rock formation in Arizona, and your dog can do most of it with you. The first half is a manageable walk; the second half turns into a real scramble. Smaller dogs and seniors should turn around at the Templeton Trail junction. Everyone else gets the kind of view that ruins you for other hikes.
This is a sunset hike, ideally. The red sandstone lights up like it's on fire. Just bring a headlamp for the descent.
9. Sandstone Peak / Mishe Mokwa Loop (Santa Monica Mtns, CA)
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Choose between a 3-mile out-and-back or the 6.25-mile Mishe Mokwa Loop, both reaching the 3,111-foot summit. Best for dogs and owners who want the big payoff view.
Best for summit views 
Photo: Wasquewhat, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The tallest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains at 3,111 feet. On a clear day you can see the Pacific, the Channel Islands, and the city sprawl all in one 360-degree view. Pick the loop for the full experience or the out-and-back if your dog isn't built for six-plus miles.
This is National Recreation Area land, which is why dogs are welcome here when they aren't allowed in nearby state parks. A nice loophole worth knowing.
10. Iron Mountain Trail (Poway, CA)
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the Iron Mountain Trail. It's a 6-mile round trip with around 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Best for cool mornings and conditioned dogs; the trail has no shade and no water.
Best for cool-weather mornings 
Photo: Arlene Schag, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr
A rite of passage for North County dogs. Steady climb, big rewards: a full panorama of Poway, Ramona, and the Pacific on a clear day.
Almost no shade and zero water on the trail. This is a fall, winter, or "before sunrise" hike if you bring your dog. In summer, the granite radiates heat well into the evening. Take it seriously, and your dog will be fine.
Before You Go: The Short List
The pavement test
Press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds. If you can't hold it that long, your dog can't walk on it. Asphalt parking lots, granite slickrock, and bare dirt all bake faster than you'd think.
Water math
Bring at least 1 ounce of water per pound of dog weight, plus a collapsible bowl. Twice that in summer or on exposed trails like Iron Mountain or Cowles. Your dog will drink more than you, and faster.
Trail fuel
Long hikes burn calories fast, especially for working breeds. A handful of jerky or training treats in your pack go a long way for energy on the trail and recall when your dog gets distracted by a lizard.
Tick check
Especially after Los Peñasquitos, Eaton Canyon, and any creekside trail in Sedona. Check ears, armpits, between toes, and around the collar before getting in the car. A tick comb is worth carrying.
Paw protection
If you're hiking slickrock or granite for the first time, a tin of paw balm goes a long way. So do booties on hot or icy trails, though most dogs need a few practice walks at home before they tolerate them.
Dog hiking FAQ
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often at Kahoots stores before customers head out.
Are dogs allowed at Cathedral Rock in Sedona?
Yes. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Cathedral Rock Trail in Coconino National Forest. The trail is short (1.2 miles round trip) but includes a steep slickrock scramble near the top. Smaller dogs and seniors should turn back at the Templeton Trail junction; the rest of the climb requires hands-and-feet scrambling. A Red Rock Pass is required, and Thursday through Sunday parking is closed at the trailhead, so plan to use the free Sedona Shuttle.
What is the best dog-friendly hike in San Diego?
For a moderate workout with summit views, Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park is the local benchmark. For senior dogs, puppies, or any dog that prefers flat ground, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is the better pick. Both require leashes (San Diego enforces an off-leash fine of up to $250).
Are dogs allowed off-leash at Runyon Canyon?
Partially. Runyon Canyon Park has 90 acres of designated off-leash zones marked with signage, but dogs must be leashed in the rest of the park. The Mulholland Drive entrance is generally less crowded than the Fuller Avenue entrance.
Can I hike Cathedral Rock with a small dog?
Only partway. The first half of the trail is manageable for most dogs. The final scramble to the saddle requires using hands and feet on slickrock and is not safe for small dogs, senior dogs, or any dog that struggles with steep, exposed terrain. Turn back at the Templeton junction and you'll still get great views.
Which hike is best for a senior dog?
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve in San Diego (flat, shaded, soft surface) and the West Fork of Oak Creek in Arizona (mostly flat, lots of creek crossings to keep paws cool) are the two best options on this list for older dogs.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass to hike with my dog in Sedona?
Yes, for most trailheads. A Red Rock Pass costs $5 per day, $15 per week, or $20 annually. An America the Beautiful Pass also works. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and West Fork all require it.
Is Eaton Canyon Falls dog-friendly?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the main 3.5-mile trail to the lower falls. Important: do not continue past the gate to the upper falls. That section is closed for safety reasons and has caused multiple fatalities.
How much water should I bring for my dog on a hike?
At minimum, 1 ounce of water per pound of dog weight. Double that on hot days or exposed trails like Cowles Mountain or Iron Mountain. Bring a collapsible bowl, and offer water more often than you think necessary. Dogs cool themselves through panting, not sweat, so they dehydrate faster than you do.
What's the rule for hiking with a dog in hot weather?
Use the pavement test. Press the back of your hand to the ground for 7 seconds. If you can't hold it there comfortably, the surface is too hot for your dog's paws. Hike before sunrise, after sunset, or pick another day.
Every trail on this list has been hiked by dogs and their people thousands of times. But your dog is your dog. They have their own pace, their own limits, and their own opinions about creek crossings. Start short, watch how they react, and if they plant their feet and decide today isn't the day, listen to them. When you do hit one of these, take a photo and tag @kahootsfeedandpet. We share the best ones.
Kahoots is your local source for premium pet nutrition and trail-ready treats across Southern California and Arizona. Find your nearest store on the Kahoots locations page, or get in touch at kahoots@kahootspet.com.