Dog-Friendly Hikes & Trails in San Diego
Dog-friendly hiking in San Diego ranges from large urban trail systems to canyon preserves and County parks. The key is checking the managing agency: City of San Diego trails generally require dogs to stay leashed, while San Diego County requires dogs on County trails to be on a leash no longer than six feet.
Table of Contents
Key Details
| Trail area | Dog rule | Useful detail | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Trails Regional Park | Leashed under City park rules | Large urban trail system including Cowles Mountain area | Google Maps |
| Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve | Maximum 8-foot leash | Day use only; trails can close after rain | Google Maps |
| San Dieguito County Park | Maximum 6-foot leash | About 5 miles of trails; day-use parking fee | Google Maps |
| Guajome Regional Park | Maximum 6-foot leash | About 4.5 miles of trails in Oceanside | Google Maps |
| Louis A. Stelzer County Park | Maximum 6-foot leash | Several multi-use trails in Lakeside | Google Maps |
Mission Trails Regional Park
Mission Trails Regional Park is one of San Diego’s biggest urban outdoor areas, with more than 8,000 acres and roughly 60 miles of trails. It includes well-known hiking areas such as Cowles Mountain as well as flatter routes and open-space trails.
Mission Trails follows City of San Diego park rules. The City states that dogs in parks, including trails and canyons, must be maintained on a leash no longer than eight feet unless they are inside a designated off-leash area.
Use the City of San Diego Mission Trails page and the Mission Trails trail map when choosing a route.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve stretches for roughly seven miles between the Rancho Peñasquitos, Sorrento Hills, and Mira Mesa areas. It offers a very different setting from Mission Trails, with canyon routes and multiple trailhead options.
The City’s current visitor rules explicitly state that dogs must be on a leash no longer than eight feet at all times. The preserve is day use only, and parking lots close from sunset to 8 a.m.
Trail status is particularly important here. The City notes that trails close during rain events and for a minimum period afterward because of flooding and trail conditions. Check the official Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve page before visiting after rain.
San Dieguito County Park
San Dieguito County Park in the Del Mar area has approximately five miles of trails connecting its upper and lower sections. Its Activity Hill area includes fitness stations, viewpoints, and connecting paths.
The County park brochure states that pets are permitted during park hours but must stay on a leash no longer than six feet. The park is currently open from 9:30 a.m. to sunset daily, and the County lists a $5 day-use parking fee.
See the official San Dieguito County Park page for current hours, fees, and park updates.
Guajome Regional Park
Guajome Regional Park in Oceanside has about 4.5 miles of trails through woodland, wetland, and grassland environments. The park is also a campground, so it can work as either a day hike or part of a longer North County trip.
County rules require dogs to be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet. Guajome’s current day-use hours are 9:30 a.m. to sunset, and the County lists a $5 day-use parking fee.
Check the official Guajome Regional Park page for current access and closure information.
Louis A. Stelzer County Park
Louis A. Stelzer County Park in Lakeside includes several multi-use hiking routes. The County describes the 0.7-mile Riparian Trail, the 0.6-mile Stelzer Ridge Trail, and the shorter Wooten Loop, with additional climbing available toward the summit area.
As a County park, dogs must stay on a leash no longer than six feet. The park currently lists hours of 9:30 a.m. to sunset and a $5 day-use parking fee.
Use the official Louis A. Stelzer County Park page for current park details.
San Diego County Trail Rules for Dogs
San Diego County Parks states that dogs are allowed in most County parks, with the trails at Agua Caliente County Park as a notable exception. On County park trails, dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet unless they are within a designated off-leash area.
The County also states that pets are not allowed to enter water bodies in County parks. Use the San Diego County Parks FAQ for the current general pet rules.
Check Trail Closures Before You Drive
Trail conditions can change after rain, construction, maintenance, or resource-protection closures. For County parks, check the County park notices and closures page. For City preserves, use the individual park page because closure procedures differ by location.
More Dog-Friendly Outdoor Ideas
If you want an off-leash outing instead of a leashed hike, compare Dog Parks in San Diego and Dog Beaches in San Diego. For overnight outdoor trips, see Dog-Friendly Campgrounds Near San Diego.
For parks, beaches, lodging, cafes, and services in one place, start with Dog-Friendly San Diego.
