Dog-Friendly Hikes near San Francisco

Hikers of all kinds, two-legged and four-legged alike, will love these trails in the Bay Area.

Jesse Weber

Images

TomHilton1.jpg
The Golden Gate Bridge

by Tom Hilton

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Coastal Trail near Battery Godfrey

by David Fulmer

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The Sutro Baths

by Matthew Dillon

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Warped cypress trees and flowering shrubs at Lands End

by Sharon Mollerus

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Golden Gate Bridge seen from Lands End

by Sharon Mollerus

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Fort Funston trails

by Brian Cantoni

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The steep sand stairs down to the beach

by Nathan Borror

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Fort Funston Beach

by btwashburn

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View of Rodeo Beach and San Francisco Bay from Wolf Ridge

by Panegyrics of Granovetter

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Looking back at Rodeo Beach

by John Kim

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Climbing Coastal Trail away from Rodeo Beach

by Alaina McDavid

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View of San Francisco from Hill 88

by David Abercrombie

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Tennessee Valley

by David Berry

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Muir Beach

by Jesse Wagstaff

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Redwoods along French Trail

by H Grimes

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Stand of pines in Redwood Regional Park

by sfbaywalk

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View of Mount Diablo from West Ridge

by Charles Mogen

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Mission Peak after snowfall

by Charlie Day

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Trail on Mission Peak

by Travis Wise

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View of East Bay from Mission Peak

by Dileep Eduri

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Small waterfall on Cataract Creek

by Jay Huang, cropped from original

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Cataract Creek

by Fabrice Florin

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Leafy forest around Cataract Creek

by Fabrice Florin

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Cataract Falls

by Fabrice Florin

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Hikers along an open stretch of Bolinas Ridge

by Borareed

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Late afternoon on Bolinas Ridge

by Brandon Martin-Anderson

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Part of Bolinas Ridge is forested in redwoods

by David Abercrombie

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The Bolinas Ridge Trail

by David Abercrombie

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Hiking Montara Mountain

by C N

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Beginning the hike near Gray Whale Cove

by Onno Kluyt

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Hiking in the fog on Montara Mountain

by Panegyrics of Granovetter

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Clear view higher on the mountain

by C N

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by Shutterstock

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Description

With the number of dog owners in the Bay Area, it's a bit surprising that more of its trails aren't pet-friendly. Major outdoor destinations like Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the numerous state parks are very restrictive on dogs, so our four-legged hikers have trouble finding places to go. Luckily, there are tons of trails in the Bay Area, and plenty of them do allow dogs, you just have to know which ones. Here are a few of the best dog-friendly hikes near San Francisco.

Note that leash rules may be different in each place, so be sure to abide accordingly. Most parks with off-leash areas stipulate that dogs be under "sight and voice control," meaning they stay within sight and obey when called. A few parks also require an extra fee for doggy visitors, but it's never more than a few dollars. And no matter where you are, be sure to pick up after your pet and be courteous of others as always.

Adventures

Golden Gate Promenade

Stroll through an urban park with many activities, and enjoy views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Lands End Loop

On the Lands End Trail you'll stroll through historic Lands End, in a beautiful forest, atop high sea cliffs, with lofty views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Fort Funston Beach Loop

Family and dog-friendly loop featuring sea cliffs, wildflowers, a sandy beach, and historic war forts.