3 Fun Outdoor Adventures Your Dog Will Love Near Los Angeles

We all love animals, and that means we want to bring our furry friends everywhere with us, but unfortunately, not even all outdoor spaces are dog friendly, as much as our good girls and boys would love to explore them. I borrowed my parents’ cocker spaniel mix, Josey, to see how he would like adventuring with me and he loved every minute of these areas! Here are three very unique, dog friendly spots around Los Angeles County, where you and your pup can explore and enjoy the great outdoors!

Note: Each of these places wants dogs on leash at all times.

Red Rock Canyon, Photo by Halle Homel

Red Rock Canyon Park: Topanga, CA

Red Rock Canyon Park is one of the most unique spots you’ll find in Los Angeles. Characterized by red rock formations similar to those you’d find in Arizona, this park features a creek, lots of shade, and a fun and not too steep single track hiking trail. You’ll find the hiking trail to the right of the main walking road, across the creek and up some steps once you venture down the road a bit. I saw so many other dogs on this trail and most of it was shaded and easy for Josey to climb up and down. The hike provides multiple amazing views of Topanga Canyon and is super accessible to people (and dogs) of all athletic ability!

Note: The only way to access the park is via a dirt road, so make sure your car can handle it before attempting the drive! If you feel comfortable, this spot is super worth the trek! $5 to park all day. Also, there are about three or four parks called Red Rock, including ones in Nevada and Arizona. This one is located in either Topanga or Calabasas when you’re looking on Apple Maps.

Leo Carrillo State Beach: Malibu, CA

Los Angeles is known for its beaches, but unfortunately, our dogs are banned from most of them. Leo Carrillo is a great state park that welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes north of lifeguard tower 3. There is a huge stretch of sand and plenty of waves to explore with your pup, any time of year! Josey loved the ocean, chasing tennis balls we found on the sand, and we even saw a couple other dogs on the cold and windy day we spent there! The wind was worth it to see the happiness on Josey’s face when he saw the ocean for the first time. Leo Carrillo is also home to multiple campsites that are also dog friendly, so book ahead to get a night under the stars, listening to the waves with your best friend.

Note: The Malibu area was severely affected by the fires back in November 2018 so accessing the beach from PCH is still a little difficult as the government works on restoring the area.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, Photo by Halle Homel

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area: Agua Dulce, CA

A little bit outside of Los Angeles is one of my favorite natural parks I’ve ever visited. Featured in movies and TV shows such as Star Trek, Vasquez Rocks is home to giant rock formations perfect for climbing and unique trails perfect for dogs to explore. The best part is that here, you don’t necessarily have to stick to the trail, there’s tons to explore (as long as you don’t get lost), and the rocky terrain gave Josey the challenge of figuring out the path as we went along. The park features tons of picnic tables in the main parking area, perfect for family outings and if relaxing isn’t your speed, you can even explore parts of the Pacific Crest Trail while you’re here.

Note: This park is getting more and more crowded as the days go on, so get there early and try to avoid weekends and holidays to beat the crowds!

So get outside with your dog this weekend! Your furry friend will love it and seeing that tail wag is sure to bring a smile to your face!

DISCLAIMER: It gets very hot in the Los Angeles summer months. Please take that into consideration when doing anything active with your dog and bring plenty of water, even when it’s cool outside. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them!

These collapsible silicone bowls are perfect for taking on hikes with your dog, or really anything outdoors when it's hot! They are really cheap on Amazon ($4.99 for 2!), and you can just clip them right to your belt loop, fanny pack, or back pack! Your dog will thank you for being prepared for them when its hot.

---