Hiking is for the dogs (Griffith Park)

The dog days of summer are here and you don't want to leave Fido at home while you're exploring the great outdoors. If you're looking for good hiking trails where your pooch is welcome, you will find no shortage of suggestions from a stack of books on the subject. You energetic and athletic types can try hiking up Solstice Canyon from Malibu into the Santa Monica Mountains. You'll get a good workout and see some gorgeous views. But be warned that the park rangers have been cracking down on dog owners who ignore the leash law.
But for those who are looking just to have a short adventure with man's best friend, try meeting up with the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club. These friendly tree huggers meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights around 7 p.m. at the upper Merry-Go-Round parking lot at Griffith Park. The hike along dirt trails is not strenuous but it stretches out into the night so bring a flashlight and water for you and your dog. The highlight of the hike comes when you reach Bee Rock, a summit that offers a view of exotic, glimmering Glendale after dark. For details, call the chapter headquarters at (213) 387-4287.
(Photo: An unleashed dog hikes toward Bee Rock in Griffith Park. Credit: Los Angeles Times.)