Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Torrey Highlands, CA

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a dog-friendly park in San Diego, CA. This network of trails and cliffs made for climbing is one of the country's most beautiful sunset spots. The park is free and welcomes pups on a leash. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess left behind and to make sure their pet is under control during the visit.

Tuna Harbor Park is a dog-friendly park in San Diego, CA. Located a 1-min walk from the USS Midway Museum, this bayside park features shaded grassy areas, a promenade and the Unconditional Surrender sculpture, which is the iconic image of a sailor kissing a nurse. Dogs are allowed on leash in all Port of San Diego parks. The park can be accessed every day of the week from 6:00am to 10:30pm.

Oceanside Harbor Walk offers a scenic, dog-friendly paved path perfect for leashed pups and their owners in Oceanside, CA. Enjoy a two-mile stroll around the harbor with ocean views, benches and picnic spots. Please note that your furry friend isn't allowed on the sand, pier or in the water. Parking includes free roadside and paid lots—check the harbor website for details.

Coast Walk Trail in San Diego, CA, offers an easy, scenic stroll with stunning ocean views. Walk along the coast, cross a charming wooden bridge, then turn back. Perfect for dogs on leash and their humans who want a relaxing, beautiful pet-friendly outing without the hike

Iron Mountain Trail is a dog-friendly, moderately easy, 5.75 mile hike in Poway, CA. This hike takes about 2.5 hours to complete with Fido. This is a very popular trail that is clearly marked. If your dog is used to trails it should be okay on his paws, if not you may want to work him up to it.

The Mount Woodson trail is a dog-friendly hike in Poway, CA. The trailhead is located on the east side of Lake Poway. The hike to the summit is considered extremely challenging as it contains a 2,000-foot climb in elevation. This eight-mile round-trip hike takes about 3 to 4 hours on average, so be sure to plan and pack accordingly. Fido must stay leashed while hiking.

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is a dog-friendly preservation area in San Diego, CA. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails on leashes no longer than 8-feet long. Scenery in the canyon includes waterfalls, streamside forest, sycamore trees, a freshwater marsh, and wildlife like mule deer, bobcat, coyote and, raccoons. All recreational activities within the Preserve are day-use only and camping is prohibited.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a dog-friendly area in Escondido, CA. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you on the 11 miles of trails through the reserve. Along the way, you can stop off at one of the picturesque picnic spots for a bite to eat and enjoy a scenic mountain view. Dogs must remain on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet.

The Rios (East) Trail is an easy 1.2-mile hike in the San Elijo Ecological Reserve in Solana Beach, CA. This dog-friendly trail runs close to the lagoon and allows one to enjoy wetland plants and birds. This beautiful area is still close to the highway, and parts of it can be muddy. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Find the trailhead at the end of Rios Ave, where you also find on-street parking.

Park is out away from main highway in a newer neighborhood. Had a walking trail around a duck pond. Nice morning walk. Only negative is small parking lot. Ended up parking a few blocks away but was a nice find.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on Piedras Pintadas Interpretive Trail, a pet-friendly hiking trail in San Diego, CA. This 3.7-mile, moderate trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Many people hike, bike and bird watch in this area, so you are likely to see other hikers during your visit.

Bring your pup for some on-leash fun at Chollas Lake Recreation Area in San Diego, CA. This beautiful, dog-friendly, lakeside recreation area offers views of the peaceful water and local wildlife while you exercise.

Mission Trails Regional Park is a dog-friendly park in La Mesa, CA, that features a great spot to take your pet for a leashed stroll around the lake. They'll love watching the squirrels and ducks. The park has become one of the largest urban parks in the United States with over 8,000 acres of both natural and developed recreational areas.

Cowles Mountain Trail is a dog-friendly hike in Santee, CA. This trail is considered moderately easy and will take about two hours to complete with Fido. The summit of Cowles Mountain is the highest point in the city limits of San Diego, so be sure to pack your camera!

Barnett Ranch Preserve is a dog-friendly, 728-acre reserve in Ramona, CA. There are 4 miles of multi-use trails including a 2.5-mile loop for walking, running, biking and horseback-riding. Be prepared to bring lots of water as there is no water source. Be on the lookout for wildlife including coyotes and the possibility of mountain lions. There are no trash cans on the hiking trails, so you'll need to pack out any trash as you exit. Please ensure Fido is leashed at all times.

Mission Trails Regional Park is a dog-friendly open space which encompasses 8,000 acres of both natural and developed recreational areas on the outskirt of San Diego, CA. Bring Fido eight miles northeast of downtown to explore 60 miles of trails along rugged hills and across scenic desert valleys. Lake Kumeyaay Trail and Old Mission Dam Trail provide water views for hikers. Fido must remain on a leash during your visit and hikers are reminded not to bring pets to the park in hot temperatures.

Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad, CA, is a dog-friendly activity featuring a scenic, flat gravel trail along a protected coastal lagoon. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore alongside their owners while enjoying views of the water and local wildlife, including herons and egrets. Free parking and waste bags are available.

Leashed dogs are welcome to explore plenty of wide open spaces at Marian Bear Memorial Park in San Diego, CA. The pet-friendly park is located in San Clemente Canyon and provides a natural setting in the midst of a bustling urban area. Enjoy over three miles of mostly flat trails along the length of the canyon. More challenging hiking is available on the trails in several of the finger canyons leading up to the mesa tops. Major entries to the park are off Genesee Avenue and Regents Road where parking and picnic areas with restroom facilities are available.

Leashed dogs are welcome for some exercise along the 6.5 miles of scenic pet-friendly trails at Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center in San Diego, CA. Please be alert during your visit, as the area is home to rattlesnakes, poison oak, mountain lions, rugged terrain and other hazards. Make sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear sturdy footwear.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens in Vista, CA. This pet-friendly spot features dirt paths that wind through hillside gardens, perfect for pups to explore. Waste bags are available at the entrance. Please note that dogs aren’t allowed in the ponds, and an admission fee applies.