Dog Friendly Trails

We love to explore new trails all around San Diego and wanted to share some of our favorite spots with YOU!  Your pup can’t wait to get out there with you to all of the gorgeous running trails and paths around our great city.  There are many to choose from for all running abilities – whether you are just starting out or you’re a seasoned runner, there is something for everyone! Not sure about heading out alone? Our Strut With Your Mutt class is a great way to discover new trails with other dog owners and will motivate you to push yourself!

• Balboa Park – Bridle Trail  – walk south on the path from Nate’s Point Dog Park until you see the stairs leading down towards the 163 freeway on your left.  Nice wide, mostly shaded, rolling hills. (Level=Beginner to intermediate; Bathrooms-Yes, in Balboa Park; Water-Yes, in Balboa Park)
• Balboa Park – Florida Canyon – on the opposite side of the park are some fun single track trails that span both sides of Florida Street. You can access them from Park Ave or from Morley Field.  Not much shade here, so be careful taking Fido if it’s a warm day! (Level=Intermediate, Bathrooms-Yes, at Morley Field; Water-Yes, at Morley Field)
• Los Penasquitos Canyon – enter from Canyonside Community Park.  This is one of our favorite trails since it is wide and flat and even has some shade options! Lots of cyclists and horses here. Bonus – there is a waterfall/pond certain times of year about 3 miles in! (Level=Beginner; Bathrooms-Yes; Water-Yes)
• Miramar Lake and Scripps Ranch Trails – park at Miramar Lake and you have the option of taking the lower trails (flatter and partially shaded) or the upper trails (hilly and sunny).  It is 5 miles all the way around the lake, with trails most of the way, finishing on pavement. If you take the upper trails and go through the neighborhoods you can connect to shaded Scripps Ranch trails (Level=Beginner to intermediate; Bathrooms-Yes; Water-Yes)
• Mission Trails – Tierrasanta OR Mast Blvd Entrance – Mission Trails has so many options for runners. Staying near the dam will be more shaded and flat, while North Fortuna and South Fortuna offer some serious hills! It can be VERY hot here so go early morning or early evening and always have plenty of water. (Level=Intermediate to Advanced; Bathrooms-Yes, Water-No)
• Marian Bear Park – paralleling the 52 freeway, this trail is very well shaded. The network of trails gives you several options for either flatter running or hills. (Level=Beginner to intermediate; Bathrooms-Yes; Water-No)