California is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, and everyone deserves to experience them — including hikers with guide dogs, service dogs, and mobility needs. Whether you use a wheelchair, walk with a cane, or rely on a guide dog to navigate the trail, these ADA accessible paths welcome you and your working companion.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service dogs and guide dogs are permitted on all public trails and in all public spaces, including national forests, state parks, and regional preserves. Unlike pet dogs, service animals are not subject to breed restrictions or “no dogs” rules on trails. California law extends the same protections.
We have compiled the best accessible, dog-friendly trails across the state — organized by region so you can find one close to home or plan your next adventure.
San Francisco Bay Area
The Bay Area has the largest concentration of ADA accessible trails in the state, thanks to its extensive regional park system.
Presidio of San Francisco
The Presidio is a national park site with miles of paved paths winding through eucalyptus groves, historic batteries, and stunning Golden Gate Bridge overlooks. Many paths are flat and wheelchair-friendly, and the park welcomes service dogs throughout. The Crissy Field promenade is particularly smooth and level, with water views the entire way.
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Coyote Hills in Fremont offers paved bayfront trails with sweeping views of the salt marshes and San Francisco Bay. The Bayview Trail is flat and wide, ideal for wheelchairs and strollers. Birding is exceptional here, and the park also has accessible camping facilities.
Alameda Creek Regional Trail
The Alameda Creek Regional Trail runs 12 miles along the creek through Fremont and Union City. The paved surface is flat and well-maintained, making it one of the longest accessible trails in the East Bay. Great for a longer outing with a service dog who needs room to stretch.
Tilden Regional Park
Tilden in the Berkeley Hills has paved paths around Jewel Lake and the Botanic Garden area. The Nimitz Way trail at the park’s northern end is a wide, mostly flat fire road with panoramic views of San Pablo Reservoir and Mount Diablo — accessible and beautiful.
Jean Lauer Trail at Pillar Point Bluff
This coastal trail in Moss Beach on the San Mateo County coast offers dramatic blufftop views of the Pacific. The main trail section is a compacted surface suitable for wheelchairs on dry days, with benches along the route for resting.
Bean Hollow State Beach
Bean Hollow near Pescadero features a short, accessible boardwalk trail along dramatic rocky tidepools. The boardwalk is wheelchair-friendly and provides close-up views of the coastline without navigating sand or uneven terrain.
Wine Country
Doran Regional Park
Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay is a two-mile sandy beach with accessible parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. The park road runs the length of the beach and provides a paved route with ocean views. Camping is available, making this a great accessible overnight destination on the Sonoma Coast.
Verano Trail
The Verano Trail in Sonoma is a paved multi-use path that connects neighborhoods to open space. It is flat, shaded in sections, and a pleasant walk through the heart of Wine Country.
Lake Tahoe and the Sierra
Taylor Creek
Taylor Creek on the south shore of Lake Tahoe is one of California’s most iconic accessible nature trails. The Rainbow Trail and Stream Profile Chamber are paved and wheelchair-accessible, running through pine forest along Taylor Creek. In autumn, you can watch kokanee salmon spawn from the trail. The visitor center is also fully accessible.
Trout Creek Trail
The Trout Creek Trail near Truckee follows a gentle creek through meadows and forest. The flat, packed-dirt surface is navigable for many mobility devices, and the peaceful setting is perfect for a quiet walk with a guide dog.
Hidden Falls Regional Park
Hidden Falls near Auburn in the Gold Country foothills has a network of trails, with the main path to the falls being a wide, well-graded route. The park’s accessible paths wind through oak woodlands and offer views of seasonal waterfalls.
North Coast
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach in Crescent City, near the Oregon border, offers wide, firm sand that is navigable for wheelchairs near the waterline at low tide. The beach access point has paved parking and accessible restrooms, and the views of the rocky coastline are spectacular.
Shasta Cascade
Crystal Creek Falls
Crystal Creek Falls in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is a short, accessible trail leading to a beautiful waterfall. The paved path makes this one of the few waterfall hikes in Northern California that is wheelchair-friendly — a rare and rewarding experience.
Central Coast
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
The Bluff Trail at Fiscalini Ranch in Cambria runs along dramatic coastal bluffs above the Pacific. The main bluff path is a wide, compacted surface with ocean views, whale watching opportunities in season, and benches along the route.
Southern California
San Bernardino National Forest — Big Bear
The San Bernardino National Forest around Big Bear Lake has several accessible trails, including the Alpine Pedal Path — a paved lakefront route perfect for wheelchairs — and the Happy Hills Trail, a gentle path through the mountain forest.
Know Your Rights on the Trail
Under the ADA and California Civil Code Section 54.1, guide dogs and other service animals are permitted in all public places, including trails where pets may be restricted. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Service dogs are not pets. Even on trails marked “no dogs,” service animals are legally permitted. You do not need to show certification or paperwork.
- Leash rules may vary. While service dogs should be under handler control at all times, they do not need to be leashed if a leash interferes with the dog’s work.
- Two questions, that’s it. Staff may only ask: (1) Is this a service animal required because of a disability? (2) What task has the dog been trained to perform? They cannot ask about your disability or require documentation.
- Bring water for both of you. Many accessible trails are paved and can get warm. Pack extra water for your guide dog, especially in summer.
Explore All ADA Accessible Listings
We have over 60 ADA accessible parks, trails, beaches, and dog parks across California in our directory. Browse all ADA accessible listings here.
Do you know of an accessible trail that welcomes guide dogs and service animals? Let us know and we will add it to our directory.
