From our view, Houston is a dog-lover's paradise for outdoor adventures! You've got everything from green urban parks to woodsy trails and even bayou adventures. With mild weather usually on your side, it's a year-round fiesta for you and your furry friend. Plus, Houston is all about green spaces, making it a tail-waggin' haven for dog-friendly outdoor escapades. For those ready to drive right in, we've put together a guide to some of the best hikes in Houston that are both pet-friendly and fun!
Buffalo Bayou Loop
Dive into this easy 5.1-mile loop around Houston, Texas – it's like a walk in the doggy park! Also known as the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail, this hike is found on both sides of the bayou’s banks with several scenic pedestrian bridges connecting the paths. Taking about 1 hour and 39 minutes on average, this hotspot is a hit for bird-watchers, hikers, and mountain bikers, so get ready to make some trail buddies. Open 24/7, this scenic route is a year-round treat for your eyes. Bring your furry sidekick along, just keep 'em on a leash.
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Outer Loop Trail
A great trail for the whole family, the Houston Arboretum has many different trails, boardwalks, and educational field stations to explore. A 2.3 mile loop with very little elevation gain, this easy route takes an average of 41 minutes to complete. Open year-round this beautiful destination gives hikers a glimpse of Houston before urban development.
Memorial Park: Purple and Red Loop
Memorial Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, covering approximately 1,500 acres inside the 610 Loop! Offering several dog-friendly tails–we mean trails– ranging in distance and difficulty, this is a popular option for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. Memorial park has several routes to choose from, but the 3-mile Seymour Lieberman Trail may be best for pups as it is pedestrian-only with a crushed granite surface and plenty of stops for taking a water-break at drinking fountains.
Triangle Trail
Triangle Trail offers a great escape into a wooden area in the heart of Houston. With several inclines and a decent amount of elevation, this moderately challenging route takes an average of 32 minutes to complete–a perfect option for those people short on time, or those pups short on legs. Heads up! It may be a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out as several places along the underpasses of Memorial and Woodway can become flooded after heavy rainfall. Just don’t worry too much about muddy paws–that’s where a Barkbus spaw day at home comes in!
The Quail Trail from Sam Houston Tollway
Get ready for the Quail Trail, a cool paved path along Buffalo Bayou's northern bank, perfect for runners, cyclists, and adventurous pups. If you're up for the challenge, hop on the Anthills Trail on the south bank for some mountain biking fun. This 9.9-mile trek near Houston is a moderate challenge, taking around 3 hours out-and-back, but the scenic views make it worthwhile. Whether you're into birding or biking, this trail's got you covered. Open year-round, so leashed-up pups are welcome to join the adventure!
Pamper Your Pup After a Day of Hiking in Houston
After a busy day of dog-friendly hiking in Houston, your pup deserves a pampering session to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. From the Bayou to Barkbus, book an appointment with us today and let our professional Pet Stylistsgive your dog the post-hike TLC they deserve.
