Best Dog Friendly Bay Area Hikes – The Bay Area is one of the best places for hiking, but not all hikes are dog-friendly. Keep reading to learn about three of my favorite dogs in the Bay Area.
When I first moved back to the Bay Area, finding dog friendly hikes was a challenge! My single friends told me to go to Point Reyes (impossible) or Muir Woods (impossible)… or any number of other places. We did a lot of digging, some frustrating trail walks, and finally settled into a dog walking routine!
Best Dog Friendly Bay Area Hikes
Seal Point Park truly has it all. You can run a few miles with your pup, let him play at the dog park, or head to the Coyote Point Recreation Area, where there are more trees and you feel like you’re going on a hike.
Poppy Hikes In The San Francisco Bay Area
Because of the options available, this is my favorite hike! I come here often with both pups and they love it here. Here are some more reasons why this is one of the most popular hikes for dogs in the Bay Area:
Palgas Ridge is my go-to when I want a real hike through trees and sand. But I have only one hour left. In the summer it’s usually my weekday break walk before the sun goes down or an early Saturday morning walk before brunch. The parking lot is small, which means the trails aren’t usually too busy, and the pups love the different smells here. Sometimes if there are trees and shrubs in the area, you can find tons of ticks. But I never had a problem here and I went there all year round.
Here are a few more reasons why this is one of the best dog-friendly rides in the Bay Area:
There could be many hikes in Pacifica on this list, but if I really had to choose, I’d choose Sweeney Ridge. It’s an easy, hassle-free out-and-out-back hike with almost immediate views that continue once you reach the top of the ridge.
Best Places To Hike In The Bay Area
As a bonus, Fort Funston is one of my favorite beaches for dogs! You can park here in the car park and then walk down to the beach – just be careful, it’s very steep!
In my experience, the dogs here are very well behaved and the owners take care of them. That doesn’t mean it’s one of the best dogs in the Bay Area, but it’s definitely dog friendly on the beach 🙂
We explored the Mt Tam area and specifically the Kent Trail stocking trail loop. Unfortunately, when the boys returned home, they were covered in ticks, which gave them headaches. The trip was great, but it wasn’t worth it for us, so I left it off the list.
When I walk my dogs I keep it pretty simple. Usually all they need is a bowl of water (and water of course) and maybe some wax. I’ve tried dog backpacks and boots before, but they haven’t been of much use. Here are my favorites: In this blog post, I share the best dog-friendly hikes in the Bay Area! If you’re a dog owner, you know how much fun it is to explore the great outdoors with your canine companion. What better place to do this than the Bay Area? With miles of trails, breathtaking views and diverse terrain, the Bay Area has no shortage of outdoor adventures.
Great Dog Friendly Beaches In California
Adidas just gave me their hiking boots and women’s hoodies, and I’ve started wearing all their gear when walking my two dogs, Ty and Gus. I love how much more fashionable Adidas clothing is compared to standard running options. Additionally, all of their shoes and clothing are well-made and functional.
I’ve put together a list of the best dog walks in the area, giving you a guide to the most scenic and dog-friendly trails. Whether you are a seasoned climber or a beginner, I have different difficulty levels and tips to make your vacations safe and enjoyable. So grab your pup and your hiking boots and get ready to explore the great outdoors with my guide to the best dog-friendly hikes in the Bay Area!
Generally, any park that is not a national park allows dogs. Unfortunately, there are some state and local parks in the Bay Area that do not allow dogs to protect wildlife and natural habitats. this dog-
Luckily, I’ve lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years and know just about every place you go.
A Guide To Dog Friendly Northern Michigan
The Bay Area in Northern California is divided into four main regions based on geography and location: North Bay, Peninsula, East Bay, and South Bay.
My favorite hikes with dogs in the North Bay area 1. Cataract Falls Trail on Mt. Tam
Mount Tamalpais, or Mount Tam as it is known locally, is located in Marin County and is known for its spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Dogs are not allowed on most of Mount Tam, but there is a trail called the Cataract Falls Trail that is dog-friendly.
The Cataract Falls Trail is a 5-mile hike that takes you up to 1,000 feet in elevation. You will be rewarded with a view of the Cataract Falls. It’s especially beautiful right now because of the historic rain in the Bay Area!
Swing Into These Spring Hikes
A leisurely walk along the beach with coastal views and new landscapes along the way? Rodeo Beach, the Miwalk Trail and the Coastal Trail seem too good to be true. The trail is 8.3 miles long and has 1,000 feet of elevation gain and is one of the best dog-friendly trails in the Bay Area.
Located in Marin Headland, this counterclockwise loop starts at Rodeo Beach and stops for fun. Even though there are steep steps, your dogs will love walking on this trail.
You can also take a detour on this trail to see Hill 88, a former Cold War missile launch site.
I’m often asked: What are the best places near Silicon Valley for solo backpacking trips for beginners? In my opinion, the Peninsula is the safest and easiest for first-time solo travelers in the Bay Area.
Dog Friendly Hikes, Parks & Beaches In Sonoma County
Pulgas Ridge Preserve is located in Redwood City, just off Highway 280. This is one of the most dog-friendly hikes in the Bay Area because you can hike with your dog off leash! Follow the Polly Geraci Trail and connect with the Hasler Trail to return home. The entire loop takes about 50 minutes and is just under 3 miles.
What are the best places to hike near Stanford? There are many hiking trails near Stanford, but many of the popular hikes, such as Stanford Dish, do not allow dogs (leash or off-leash).
If you’re near Stanford, you can head to the Pearson-Arrasttero Nature Reserve, just a 7-minute drive from Stanford. The Pearson-Arastraro Preserve is a 400-acre nature preserve that contains a variety of habitats, including oak forests, grasslands, and riparian areas.
Hike the Redtail Loop Trail to the Arastradero Creek Trail, an 8.2-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation gain. Your dog will love to stretch his legs on this trail.
Dog Friendly Trails Near San Francisco
Please note that the eastern part of the route will be closed from April 2023, but you can still walk the route!
Some of the best dog-friendly hikes in the Bay Area are at Sweeney Ridge and Morey Point. Morey Point is technically across the road after you get to Sweeney Ridge, but you can combine the two hikes.
The Sweeney Ridge and Morey Point Hike is a 7.5 mile round trip scenic route in San Mateo County, California. The trail starts at the Sneath Lane trailhead and leads to Sweeney Ridge, which offers panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The trail then descends to Maury Point, a picturesque beach and rugged cliffs overlooking the ocean. The trail is moderately difficult and dog-friendly, with several benches and picnic areas along the way.
If you’re looking to hike in the Pacific, you can head straight to Cape Maury. Morey Point leads to Pacifica and its pier and is dog friendly! On warm sunny days we love to walk on the beach.
Best Dog Friendly Hikes In The Bay Area » The Modern Female Hiker
Although dogs are not allowed on Mount Diablo, they are allowed in Diablo Foothills Regional Park. Take the 5.6-mile Castle Rock Loop Trail along the Fairy Lantern Trail for scenic views of the area around the Diablo Foothills. You can even meet the cows!
You’ll see plenty of leashed dogs here as you walk, as it’s a popular spot on weekends. In summer, try to start walking early in the morning or late in the evening. It’s getting very hot in the Diablo Foothills Regional Park area.
The Shale Ridge space is connected to the Diablo base. This is a very dog friendly area and there are many dog friendly places nearby. Our favorite
