Is there anything better than getting that much-needed exercise jaunt by hiking your favorite trail or natural path? There sure is…and that’s by adding the wholesome companionship of your beloved four-legged friend. Exercise is good for all of us – whether we’re of the two- or four-legged variety – and if there’s something health-conscious Los Angelinos know, it’s that taking our canine besties for a run or hike represents a win-win for everyone involved.west ridge canyonback wilderness park 2

There are a plethora of locales to consider when going for a dog friendly hike in Woodland Hills, but the key is discovering which particular parks make for the best experience. In this article, we’re going to showcase what we feel are the four best places in or around Woodland Hills to work off that stress, all while gaining the peace of mind knowing your canine companion is welcome.

Oak Canyon Dog Park, located at 5600 Hollytree Drive in Oak Park, is the perfect spot if you’ve been struggling to find a nice, quiet dog park, divided between two sections – one catering to a large dog play area and the other focusing on a small dog play area. The facility offers a plethora of amenities for hikers including waste bags, water for the pooches, benches and plenty of space for your four-legged buddy to run and socialize.west ridge canyonback wilderness park

Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park, located at 17500 Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, makes every pup feel welcome as he or she joins you on the trails of this beautiful spot. From gorgeous views of downtown L.A. and the ocean to “mutt mitts” provided along many of the trails, Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park has become the talk of the dog park scene as of late, receiving a rating of 4.7 out of 5 “bones” by owners on BringFido. Great hiking awaits for you, too, as you take in the jaw-dropping vistas and carve out either a paved path or one on the more challenging rocky ridge. Pack up the Golden Retriever and the family, and head down to this off-leash trail with moderate to medium inclines.solstice

Solstice Canyon, situated at 3998 Solstice Canyon Road in Malibu, offers the opportunity to bring your pet out for a bit of paw-stretching exercise on this mild hike, affording breathtaking views of the majestic Pacific Ocean. With owners on BringFido rating Solstice Canyon a 4.0 out of 5 “bones,” you know there’s something special awaiting you here; whether it’s the gorgeous surrounding nature, the myriad of shaded areas or amazing sights, this dog-friendly venue is highly recommended by the canine-loving staff at Woodland Hills Magazine.

Zuma Canyon Loop Trail, located at 5710 Bonsall Drive in Malibu, presents a pleasant hike in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area where leashed pets are welcome to join their human owners in a refreshing hike. Here, the backdrop makes for an unbelievable opportunity to take in the changing seasons, while a variety of trees create quite the colorful fall and winter. If that wasn’t enough, the creek that runs through the canyon flows all year, adding to the inherent charm of the property. Zuma Canyon Loop Trail has received a stellar rating of 5.0 out of 5 “bones” by owners on BringFido.

If you’re still sticking to that new year’s resolution of getting into better shape, consider a dog-friendly hike in Woodland Hills – you won’t be sorry.