Santa Monica Mountains Dog Policy

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area contains over 500 miles of trails, some of Malibu's beaches, as well as historical & cultural sites including Native American centers and old movie ranches. The Recreation Area is also in very close proximity to the city of Los Angeles.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area encompasses several parks, and the dog policies vary between them. Overall, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is somewhat dog friendly, but some sections are dog friendly and some sections are not friendly. See the Trail Policy below for breakdowns on the areas. Dogs are not allowed inside buildings.

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Website

https://www.nps.gov/samo/index.htm

Pet Policy Details

https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/pets.htm

Annual Visitors

733,576

Trail Policy

The Recreation Area encompasses several other parks, and the rules vary. Where dogs are allowed, they must stay on trails or developed areas such as roads and campgrounds.

Dogs are allowed in the following areas:

• National Park Service
  • Arroyo Sequit
  • Castro Crest
  • Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons
  • Circle X Ranch
  • Deer Creek Canyon
  • Paramount Ranch
  • Peter Strauss Ranch
  • Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
  • Rocky Oaks
  • Solstice Canyon
  • Zuma/Trancas Canyons
• Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
  • Calabasas Peak
  • Dixie Canyon
  • Escondido Canyon
  • Franklin Canyon
  • Fryman Canyon Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park
  • Red Rock Canyon Park
  • San Vicente Mountain Park
  • Temescal Gateway Park
  • Wilacre Park
• City of Malibu
  • Charmlee Natural Area
  • Malibu Bluffs
• L.A. City Recreation and Parks
  • Coldwater Canyon
  • Park Laurel Canyon Park
  • Runyon Canyon Park
  • Temescal Canyon Park
• California State Parks
  • Leo Carrillo State Park: On beach and campground only, except between towers 1 & 3
  • Point Mugu State Park: On beach and campground only in Sycamore Cove and Thornhill Broome Beach
  • Will Rogers State Historic Park: Day-use areas and loop road only

Dogs are not allowed on trails at the following areas:

• Topanga State Park
• Malibu Creek State Park
• Leo Carrillo State Park
• Point Mugu State Park

Campground Policy

See the individual park for campground policy details.