This Dog-Friendly Hiking Trail In Southern California Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination
By Natasha Kayes|Published October 10, 2023
×
Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
You can venture into the mountains or out to the remote desert for some epic hikes, but the truth is you don’t have to go that far for a great nature-filled adventure and some amazing Southern California hiking trails. Even in the most urban and suburban areas, you can immerse yourself in natural beauty and stunning views. Between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley, you will find canyons, parks, and the best hike near Studio City, CA.
The Betty B Dearing Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging 5-mile out-and-back hike. It generally takes around 2.5 hours to complete and is truly beautiful to visit all year long.
You will find the trailhead for the this hike near the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook just off Mulholland Drive. The trail climbs along a winding uphill path, then crosses the gently undulating terrain of Fryman Canyon Park, ending at Coldwater Canyon Park.
The first half of the hike is lush and green with plenty of shade, and even a sweet little swing to enjoy. The second half is far less shaded so make sure you save enough water for those areas.
A moderate climb toward the beginning of the trail accounts for the majority of the elevation gain and stairs make for easy footing, especially when the trail is wet.
If you ask me, the best trails in SoCal let you take your fur-baby with you, and this is one of them. Dogs are more than welcome on the trail and you can even let them off leash in some areas.
Perhaps the biggest payoff of this hike is coming across sweeping vistas over the valley and Fryman Canyon. On a clear day, the scenic views are amazing.
In spring and early summer, this already pretty trail gets even more eye candy in the form of wildflowers, including vibrant California poppies. The trail ends at the Tree People park, a wonderful place to explore even more natural beauty.
This pet-friendly mountain trail is a good workout and a beautiful trek, definitely the best hike near Studio City. Have you hiked this Southern California trail? We would love to know what you think of it. Before you head out on your next big adventure, make sure you have everything you need to make it great by checking out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List. And for the best hiking experience, try AllTrailsPlus!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.