Summer might be over, but that doesn’t mean the outdoor fun is. There’s no shortage of things to do around town, especially now that the weather has cooled down enough for us to go outside and play with our pups in the middle of the day again.
Since there are few things that we love more than going on hikes with our dogs, we’re pretty much experts on all the dog-friendly trails around LA. Did you know that some trails in LA are better to visit in the fall than in the summer? This is because certain trails lack shade or are too hot for dog’s paws. There’s also the danger of rattlesnakes and ticks in hotter weather.
Here is a list of our favorite trails to hike with your dog when weather cools off.
Best Hiking Trails in the Fall
Will Rogers
Location: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road
Hike: 2.6 miles (easy)
In the summer, there are a lot of rattlesnakes out and about, and since this trail is narrow, it’s harder to avoid the rattlesnakes especially if you have more than one dog with you. Also horses share the trail, so make sure your dog is okay with the big guys. Click here to visit the park website.
Franklin Canyon Park
Location: 2600 Franklin Canyon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Hike: 7.7 miles (moderate)
Hidden in Beverly Hills, this trail circles Franklin Canyon Reservoir and heads north eventually intersecting with Mulholland Drive. In the summer, the rattlesnakes heavily populate the trail, so it’s not even worth taking your dog out. Once the weather cools off, it’s much safer and offers a moderate hike with scenic views. Click here to visit the park website.
Sullivan Canyon Trail
Location: 2120 Queensferry Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Hike: 8.5 miles (moderate)
The best part of Sullivan is the beautiful foliage and tree shade. But hidden in all of this shrubbery is ticks. Once the fall weather hits, the ticks are not as active, and you and your dog can take in the picturesque views together. Click here for more information.
Westridge Trail
Location: 17500 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Hike: 7.4 miles (moderate to difficult)
Westridge is one of the only off leash trails in Los Angeles and a super popular trail for locals and bikers. In the summer, there are so many people and bikers on the trail, it becomes difficult for your dog to truly roam free. In addition, this trail offers limited shade which makes it too hot for most pups. In the fall, the crowd dies down, so your dog can run and have fun. Click here to learn more about the Westridge trail.
Canyonback Ridge Trail
Location: 17024 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Hike: 4.2 miles – (moderate)
Located off of Mulholland Drive, this trail has limited shade, lots of foxtails and rattlesnakes galore in the summertime. Once it cools off and the rattlesnakes are not as active, this trail offers open views and a serene atmosphere for you and your dog to take in nature and breath easy. Click here for everything you need to know about Canyonback Ridge trail.
Let us know!
Have you brought your pup on any of these trails? What do you like to get outside and do in the fall? Let us know in the comments below!