6 Best Dog Friendly Hikes in the Bay Area

So, you live in the Bay Area or plan to visit this beautiful place?

And you are looking to go on hikes with your furry friend, but unsure which trail welcomes dogs?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

The Complete Dog Hiking Gear List

In no particular order, below are the 6 best dog-friendly hiking trails in the Bay Area.

Location	Bay Area Dog Friendly Hiking Trails
Bay Area	Lands End Trail
	Sweeney Ridge Trail via Sneath Lane
	Dusky-Footed Woodrat and Cordilleras Trails
	Monument Peak Trail
	Seven Springs Loop Trail
	Fort Funston Trail

1. Lands End Trail

The Lands End Trail is a very popular hike in the Bay Area, meaning it can get a lot of traffic, especially on the weekends. So, it’s a good idea to plan for an early start to avoid the crowd. It is approximately 3.5 miles round trip, and there is so much to see, for instance, the Sutro Baths, caves, shipwrecks, and the labyrinth. You will also have great views of Marin Headlands, Mile Rocks Lighthouse, the Pacific Ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

2. Sweeney Ridge Trail via Sneath Lane

The Sweeney Ridge Trail, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a 7.9-mile out-and-back trail near San Bruno. It is only about 30 minutes’ drive from San Francisco and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, San Andreas Reservoir, San Francisco, and Mount Diablo. Once you get to the top of the ridge, you can choose to go right to see a former Nike Missile Site or take a left to the Portola Discovery Site, making it a perfect hiking spot for history buffs.

3. Dusky-Footed Woodrat and Cordilleras Trails

Another place that you can hike with your dog is the Dusky-Footed Woodrat and Cordilleras Trails in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. It is roughly 3.8 miles with some relatively steep inclines in the first half, then gets easier once you reach the top of the ridge. Also, there is an off-leash area, which your pup will surely love.

4. Monument Peak Trail

If you prefer something more strenuous, check out the Monument Peak Trail in Ed R. Levin County Park. It is a 9-mile loop trail with some challenging climbs and technical descents, but you will be rewarded with stunning views of mountains, valley, and the bay. Note that there is barely any shade, so try to avoid this trail on a hot sunny day and remember to bring plenty of water.

5. Seven Springs Loop Trail

The Seven Springs Loop Trail in Fremont Older Open Space Preserve is another dog-friendly trail. It is relatively short, which is only about 3 miles. The first half is mostly downhill, whereas the second half is a steady, uphill climb. From the Hunters Point, you will have expansive views of Santa Clara County.

6. Fort Funston Trail

Want a nice and easy hike? Look no further than the Fort Funston Trail, located in the southwest corner of San Francisco. It is a short 2-mile loop trail with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. The best part is that this place allows dogs to be off-leash, and there is plenty of room for your furkid to run around. For this reason, you will expect to see lots of dogs on this trail.

Conclusion

Always check if you have all the essentials for both you and your four-legged friend before hitting the trail. And it is vital to check your pup thoroughly for ticks after the hike. If you happen to find one latch onto your dog, make sure to remove it as soon as you can with a tick removal tool to prevent disease transmission. Also, we’ve got more useful tips for hiking with dogs, be sure to check that out, especially if you are a novice hiker.

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Charles Clark

Charles Clark is the editor at Pupspal. He’s a pet content writer, life-long animal lover, and an outdoor enthusiast who has owned and trained multiple dogs since childhood. His first pup was a Labrador Retriever named Bubba Joe, whom he credits as his best friend until this day! When not writing, you can find Chuck hiking in Utah with his Border Collie Bailey.