Garland Ranch Regional Park (Carmel Valley) 

Fall is the perfect time to hit the trails with your four-legged friend! Cooler temperatures and crisp air make the South Bay’s scenic spots even more inviting. Whether you’re up for a challenging trek or a leisurely stroll, these dog-friendly trails offer something for everyone. So, grab your leash, water bottle, and maybe a cozy bandana for your pup—adventure awaits!

Fremont Older Open Space Preserve (Cupertino) 

• Why You'll Love It: With its rolling hills and stunning vistas, Fremont Older offers a picturesque backdrop for your hike. The diverse terrain keeps things interesting, and the panoramic views from the top are worth the climb.

• Trail Details: Fremont Older

• Doggie Tip: Many reviewers recommend bringing a long leash for the more open areas for your dog to roam.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Parking link: Lot

• Distance from San Jose: Approximately 16 miles

Almaden Quicksilver County Park (San Jose)

• Why You'll Love It: This park is steeped in history, with remnants of the mining era scattered throughout. Enjoy the rich heritage while soaking in the beauty of nature.

• Trail Details: Almaden Quicksilver

• Doggie Tip: Reviewers suggest packing a small picnic to enjoy at the historic mining sites along the trail—there are plenty of spots where you and your pup can take a break and enjoy a snack.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Parking link: Lot

• Distance from San Jose: Approximately 13 miles

Los Gatos Creek Trail (Los Gatos)

• Why You'll Love It: This paved trail offers a scenic stroll alongside the creek, making it ideal for an easy outing with your pup. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as you walk - or take a quick detour to explore the cute neighborhood and bustling food and retail scene of downtown Los Gatos.

• Trail Details: Los Gatos Creek Trail

• Doggie Tip: If your dog needs to run off more energy and enjoys playing with other dogs, consider visiting the nearby Los Gatos Dog Park at 410 Miles Avenue, Los Gatos, CA. It’s only about 1.5 miles from the trail and a fantastic place for your pup to socialize and expend some extra energy after your hike!

• Difficulty: Easy

• Parking link: Street

• Distance from San Jose: Approximately 9 miles

Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (San Jose)

• Why You'll Love It: Offering a mix of lush landscapes and stunning views, this preserve is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. The trails here are perfect for exploration.

• Trail Details: Sierra Azul

• Doggie Tip: Many hikers recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the heat and bringing extra water, as some reviewers noted that the trails can get quite warm in the afternoons.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Parking link: Lot

• Distance from San Jose: Approximately 15 miles

Half Moon Bay: Devil’s Slide Trail & The Coastal Trail (Half Moon Bay)

• Why You'll Love It: These coastal trails provide breathtaking ocean views and the chance to see wildlife along the way. The sound of crashing waves adds to the experience, making it a perfect day out.

• Trail Details: Half Moon Bay Trails

• Doggie Tip: Reviewers suggest that bringing a towel is essential! The coastal winds can whip up some sand, and your pup may end up sandy after a fun day at the beach.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Parking link: Devil Slide Trail and The Costal Trail 

• Distance from San Jose: Approximately 40 miles

Off-Leash Adventure Spots

Looking for more freedom on the trails? Check out these spots that allow dogs to go off-leash in designated areas:

Fort Funston (San Francisco)

• Why You'll Love It: With its stunning coastal cliffs and expansive beach, Fort Funston is a dog’s paradise. The scenery is breathtaking, and your pup will love the freedom to roam.

• Trail Details: Fort Funston

• Doggie Tip: Be sure to bring a camera! Reviewers rave about the stunning photo opportunities with dogs running along the beach and exploring the dunes.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Parking link: Lot

• Distance from San Jose: Approximately 52 miles

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve (San Carlos)

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve (San Carlos)

• Why You'll Love It: This preserve features varied terrain and beautiful views of the Bay Area, making it a wonderful spot for both you and your dog.

• Trail Details: Pulgas Ridge

• Doggie Tip: Even though the off-leash trails are great, take time to explore the on-leash trails as well; they have some wonderful shaded and scenic areas to discover.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Parking link: Lot

• Distance from San Jose: Approximately 30 miles

Garland Ranch Regional Park (Carmel Valley) 

• Why You'll Love It: This park offers lush scenery and diverse trails for all skill levels. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friend.

• Trail Details: Garland Ranch

• Doggie Tip: Although this place is further, it’s well worth the drive. With it’s expansive area, there are many trails with varying levels of difficulty, so it’s a good idea to do some research ahead of time to identify the trails that best fit both you and your dog’s abilities.

• Difficulty: Varies by trail

• Parking link: Lot

• Distance from San Jose: Approximately 77 miles

Tips for a Safe, Fun Hike with Your Dog

Leash Up!

Always remember to keep your dog on a leash when required. Many trails have specific rules to protect wildlife and ensure a safe environment for all hikers and their pups.

Waste Matters

When enjoying the great outdoors, always clean up after your dog. You might think "nature will take care of this," but poop on trails reduces enjoyment for everyone and can lead to stricter rules. Let’s work together to keep our dog-friendly options available!

Stay Aware of Wildlife

As you enjoy the great outdoors, it’s important to stay alert, as these trails are also home to a variety of wildlife. Always read the trail and park signs to learn about the local animals in the area, such as coyotes and mountain lions. Keep an eye out and be prepared to keep your dog close, especially in areas where wildlife is known to roam. Being aware of your surroundings helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry family.

Share Your Favorites!

We’d love to hear about your favorite dog-friendly hikes in the South Bay in the comments below! What trails do you recommend for a fun day out with your furry friend?