The South Bay is surrounded by some of the best hiking in Northern California - oak-studded ridgelines, redwood canyons, and bay-front marshlands, all within a 30-minute drive of Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. And most of them welcome dogs.
Whether you're looking for a flat, easy loop or a challenging climb with panoramic views, here are our favorite trails for dogs of all sizes and energy levels.
Ed Levin County Park - Milpitas
3100 Calaveras Rd, MilpitasSanta Clara County Parks: (408) 355-2200
The crown jewel of South Bay dog hiking. The Monument Peak trail climbs over 2,000 feet with sweeping views of the entire valley, while the lower Tularcitos and Spring Valley trails offer gentler terrain through rolling grasslands. Dogs hike on-leash on the trails, and there's a bonus: a fenced off-leash dog park (run by the City of Milpitas) right next to Sandy Wool Lake for burning energy before or after a hike.
Tip: Start early - there's minimal shade on the upper trails. Bring at least a liter of water per dog.
Uvas Canyon County Park - Morgan Hill
8515 Croy Rd, Morgan HillSanta Clara County Parks: (408) 355-2200
A hidden gem south of San Jose. Uvas Canyon follows a creek through a shaded canyon with multiple small waterfalls. The Waterfall Loop trail is just over a mile and visits several cascades - perfect for dogs who love water (on-leash). The canopy keeps temperatures 10–15 degrees cooler than the valley floor, making this an excellent summer option.
Tip: Day-use parking reservations are required - book ahead at gooutsideandplay.org. The road in is narrow and winding, and weekday visits are much less crowded.
Calero County Park - San Jose
23205 McKean Rd, San JoseSanta Clara County Parks: (408) 355-2200
Calero wraps around a reservoir with miles of rolling trail through grasslands and oak groves. One important rule: dogs are only allowed (on-leash) on the Bald Peaks Trail and the trails north of it - not the rest of the system, so check the trail map at the trailhead before you set out. Where dogs are allowed, it's a quieter, shadier alternative to the busier preserves nearby.
Tip: Seasonal ticks are common here. Check your dog thoroughly after every visit, especially ears, armpits, and between toes.
Trail Safety Reminders
- Foxtails line every trail May–October. Check your dog after every hike.
- Rattlesnakes are active April–October. Stay on marked paths and keep dogs leashed.
- Ticks are year-round in the Bay Area. Use a preventive and do full-body checks.
- Heat can be dangerous on exposed trails. Start early and carry water. See our summer heat safety tips.
If your dog needs midweek exercise while you're at work, our dog walking service covers trails and parks throughout the South Bay. Book a meet-and-greet and tell us your dog's favorite terrain - we'll match them to the perfect route.
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