The Conejo Valley sits at the crossroads of some of the best hiking in Southern California. With the Santa Monica Mountains to the south and the Conejo Grade to the north, pet owners in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, and Oak Park have world-class trails practically in their backyards — and many of them welcome dogs on leash.
We have been grooming dogs in this area since 2006, and our clients are some of the most active, outdoorsy pet owners in Southern California. Over the years, we have heard about every trail, every hidden waterfall, and every foxtail-covered shortcut between Malibu and Thousand Oaks. Here are the five best dog-friendly trails in the area, along with what you need to know to keep your pup safe on each one.
Trail Overview at a Glance
| Trail | City | Distance | Difficulty | Dog Rules | Water? | Shade | Foxtail Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwood Trail to Paradise Falls | Thousand Oaks | 2.6 mi loop | Easy–Moderate | Leash required | Seasonal creek | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cheeseboro Canyon | Agoura Hills | 3–7 mi (varies) | Easy–Moderate | Leash required (NPS) | Seasonal creek | Good (oak canopy) | HIGH |
| Conejo Crest Trail (Tarantula Hill) | Thousand Oaks | 1.2 mi out-and-back | Moderate (steep) | Leash required | None — bring water | None | HIGH |
| Solstice Canyon | Malibu | 2.1 mi out-and-back | Easy | Leash required (NPS) | Year-round creek | Good (canyon shade) | Moderate |
| Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa Loop | Newbury Park | 3–5 mi (varies) | Easy–Moderate | Leash required (NPS) | Seasonal | Moderate | HIGH |
1. Wildwood Trail to Paradise Falls — Thousand Oaks
This is arguably the most popular dog-friendly hike in Thousand Oaks, and for good reason. The 2.6-mile loop takes you through shaded oak woodlands and along a seasonal creek to Paradise Falls, a 40-foot waterfall that flows after winter rains. The trail is well-maintained, mostly flat with a few moderate inclines, and wide enough that you can comfortably pass other hikers and their dogs.
Dog tips: The trail can get crowded on weekends, so go early if your dog is reactive or nervous around other dogs. During the wet season, the creek crossings can be slippery — watch your footing and your dog's. In summer, the creek dries up and foxtails appear along the trail edges, so do a thorough paw check when you get back to the car.
Parking: Free parking at the Wildwood Park trailhead off Avenida de los Arboles. Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot.
2. Cheeseboro Canyon — Agoura Hills
Managed by the National Park Service as part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Cheeseboro Canyon is a sprawling network of trails that range from easy, flat canyon walks to longer ridge hikes with panoramic views. The main canyon trail follows a seasonal creek through a beautiful valley of live oaks and native grassland, and you can extend the hike as far as your dog's energy allows.
Dog tips: Dogs must be on leash (6 feet or less) per NPS regulations. This is prime tick territory — the tall grass and oak woodland are ideal tick habitat, especially in spring. It is also one of the highest foxtail-risk areas in the Conejo Valley once the grass dries out in late spring. We strongly recommend a post-hike body check and a grooming appointment within a few days of hiking here during foxtail season.
Client story: One of our longtime clients in Agoura Hills hikes Cheeseboro Canyon with her two Australian Shepherds almost every weekend. She called us last June because one of her dogs, Banjo, had been scratching his ear nonstop since their Saturday hike. She suspected a foxtail but could not see anything. We told her to go straight to the vet — sure enough, a foxtail had worked its way deep into Banjo's ear canal. The vet removed it under sedation, and Banjo was fine, but it was a scary experience. Now she books a groom with us every other week during foxtail season, and we always do an extra-thorough ear check on both dogs. She says the peace of mind is worth every penny.
Parking: Free NPS parking lot off Cheeseboro Road, accessible from the 101 freeway via Chesebro Road exit in Agoura Hills.
3. Conejo Crest Trail (Tarantula Hill) — Thousand Oaks
If you want a short but rewarding hike with 360-degree views of the entire Conejo Valley, Tarantula Hill is the one. The 1.2-mile out-and-back trail climbs steeply to the top of a prominent hill between Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park, offering views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Channel Islands, and the Conejo Valley below. It is a favorite sunset hike for locals and their dogs.
Dog tips: There is zero shade on this trail, so avoid it during the heat of the day in summer. Bring at least 16 ounces of water per dog — there is no water source on the trail. The hillside is covered in dry grass during summer and fall, making it a high foxtail risk area. The trail is steep in places, so it is not ideal for senior dogs or dogs with joint issues.
Parking: Small dirt lot off Lynn Road near the intersection with Hillcrest Drive. Fills up fast at sunset — arrive early.
4. Solstice Canyon — Malibu
Solstice Canyon is one of the most beautiful and accessible dog-friendly hikes in Malibu. The 2.1-mile out-and-back trail follows a year-round creek through a lush, shaded canyon to the ruins of the Roberts Ranch house and a seasonal waterfall. The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for dogs of all ages and fitness levels.
Dog tips: This is NPS land, so dogs must be on leash. The canyon is shaded and cooler than inland trails, making it a great summer option for dogs that overheat easily. Watch for poison oak along the creek — it grows abundantly here. The creek provides natural water for your dog, but bring your own clean water as well. Foxtail risk is moderate — lower than the inland trails but still present along the trail edges.
Parking: Free NPS parking lot at the end of Corral Canyon Road off Pacific Coast Highway. The lot is small and fills up quickly on weekends — arrive before 10 AM.
5. Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa Loop — Newbury Park
This NPS site on the western edge of Newbury Park offers miles of trails through open grassland and oak savanna with views of Boney Mountain and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. The main loop is about 3 miles, but you can extend it to 5 or more miles by connecting to the Boney Mountain trail system. The wide, well-graded trails are perfect for dogs who like to stretch their legs.
Dog tips: The open grassland means high foxtail exposure during dry months. There is limited shade on the main trails, so hike early or late in the day during summer. Rattlesnakes are occasionally spotted on the trails here, especially in the rocky areas near Boney Mountain. Keep your dog on leash and on the trail. The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center near the trailhead has water fountains and restrooms.
Parking: Large free parking lot off Via Goleta in Newbury Park. Rarely fills up except on holiday weekends.
Post-Hike Grooming: The Best Thing You Can Do for Your Trail Dog
If you are a regular hiker with your dog in the Conejo Valley, a post-hike grooming routine is not a luxury — it is a necessity. The trails between Malibu and Thousand Oaks are beautiful, but they are also full of foxtails, ticks, burrs, poison oak, and other hazards that can hide in your dog's coat and cause problems days or weeks later.
Here is what we recommend for active hiking dogs:
Immediately After the Hike
Do a full body check in the parking lot before getting in the car. Check paws (between every toe), ears, eyes, nose, armpits, and belly. Remove any visible foxtails or burrs. Offer water.
At Home
Wipe down paws and belly with a damp towel. If you were near poison oak, give a full bath with degreasing shampoo. Brush out the coat thoroughly to remove any remaining debris.
Every 2–4 Weeks
Book a professional grooming appointment. We do a thorough inspection, trim paw fur short to prevent foxtail trapping, clean ears, and remove any embedded trail debris you may have missed.
Client story: A couple in Westlake Village who hike Solstice Canyon every weekend with their Labradoodle, Ziggy, started booking a standing groom with us every three weeks after Ziggy picked up three ticks on a single hike last spring. During one of those grooms, we found a small foxtail that had just started to burrow into the skin on his belly — something they never would have found at home under all that curly fur. They credit that catch with saving them a vet visit and potentially a lot worse. Ziggy now gets the full trail-dog treatment: short paw trim, ear flush, full body inspection, and a fresh-smelling bath after every few hikes.
Trail Etiquette: Be a Good Dog Ambassador
Dog access on trails in the Santa Monica Mountains is a privilege, and it depends on responsible pet owners following the rules. Here are the basics:
- Leash required. All trails in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Wildwood Park, and most Conejo Valley open spaces require dogs to be on a leash of 6 feet or less. This is federal, state, and county law — not a suggestion.
- Pick up after your dog. Always carry bags and pack out waste. Leaving dog waste on the trail is the number one complaint from other trail users and the fastest way to get dog access restricted.
- Yield to other users. Step to the side and keep your dog close when passing hikers, runners, and especially horses.
- Stay on the trail. Off-trail exploration damages native habitat and increases your dog's exposure to foxtails, ticks, and rattlesnakes.
- Know your dog's limits. Not every dog is built for long hikes in the heat. Senior dogs, brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs), and puppies under one year should stick to shorter, cooler trails.
Explore the Trails, Then Call Us
The Conejo Valley is one of the best places in California to be an active, outdoorsy dog owner. Whether you are hiking Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks, exploring Cheeseboro Canyon in Agoura Hills, climbing Tarantula Hill in Newbury Park, walking Solstice Canyon in Malibu, or trekking the Satwiwa trails in Newbury Park — your dog deserves a thorough, professional groom to stay safe and comfortable after every adventure.
Cuddles N Suds serves the entire area from Malibu to Thousand Oaks, including Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley, and Camarillo. We bring our fully equipped mobile salon to your driveway — so after a long hike, your dog can get cleaned up without ever getting back in the car.
Ready to book a post-hike groom? Book online or call us at (805) 409-7189.