Heading to Joshua Tree National Park with your dog? Like most National Parks, there are restrictions to a pet’s visit, but with a little compromise, there is plenty to enjoy!

Nestled in the heart of California, Joshua Tree National Park is a desert wonderland for adventurers. Whether you’re a hiker, climber or simply love the outdoors and stargazing, you’ll love the unique landscape and iconic Joshua Trees. For those who also prefer to travel with their dogs like we do, your trip might be more limited but there is still plenty to enjoy.

Safety First! While Joshua Tree offers a great environment for adventure, it’s essential to prioritize safety for both you and your dog. The desert can be harsh and the combination of desert air and elevation can quickly lead to dehydration, so be sure to carry enough water for both of you, protect your dog’s paws from hot surfaces, and be most mindful of the temperature. It’s best to keep your dog at home in the summer months.

You should also review the park’s rules on pets in the park. Generally speaking, leashed pets are allowed as long as they remain within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. You can check park maps for the most up to date acceptable locations.

So where can you go with your dogs in the park?

We have found that the best way to enjoy the park with your canine companion is by entering through the West Entrance Station. This entrance is closest to the trails and campgrounds we enjoy.

Luckily, according to the park’s rules, you are allowed to walk your dog anywhere you can drive your car, so we enjoyed walking the pups on a handful of dirt roads that the park has. This offered several paths to stretch our legs and enjoy the views. Some of our favorites include the roads around Hidden Valley Campground and the Geology Tour area. You can find many of these roads designated on the park map. We also suggest asking a ranger which roads offer the best scenery and are most appropriate for your skill level.

Most of the roads start near a parking lot and have pull-outs along the way where you can begin your walk. Just be sure you are not blocking traffic and that your dog is leashed the entire time. And also remember to pick up after your dog. Some roads have more traffic than others, so be sure to stay alert and move out of the way of any vehicles that need to pass.

One of our favorite pet-friendly paved trails is Keys View Trail. This is an easy and family-friendly trail (just about a quarter mile long in total) that offers a nice little loop to a spectacular overlook of the valleys below. There you’ll also be able to see the shining surface of the Salton Sea, San Jacinto Peak, and the usually snow-covered peak of San Gorgonio Mountain. Some have noted that on really clear days, you might be able to see Signal Mountain in Mexico, but that has become somewhat rare due to the poor air quality over the years. Our favorite time to visit Keys View is at sunset. However, traffic picks up quickly at that time so you’ll want to head over a little earlier to grab a parking spot.

Joshua Tree is one of the national parks that is pretty easy to explore without having to hike for miles. You’ll be able to stop at pullouts or take side roads to see the rock formations and Joshua Trees that make this park so special.

If rock climbing is your thing, or maybe you just enjoy watching the climbers while having your favorite snack, you’ll be happy to know there are four rock climbing areas within 100 feet of a road, picnic area, or campground and therefore pet-friendly. Check out the climbing areas at Belle Campground: Castle Rock, Hidden Valley Campground, Indian Cove Area (there are a few climbing areas here), and the Quail Springs Area.

And if you enjoy camping, there are plenty of campgrounds in and around the park to choose from.

So whatever reason brings you to the park, with a little compromise, there are ways to enjoy Joshua Tree with your dog.

Happy Adventures!

Los Angeles may be known for its sunny beaches and city life, but there’s another side to this iconic city that many visitors often overlook – the stunning natural beauty. Southern California is home to a plethora of incredible hikes perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, or anyone looking to escape the city for a few hours. In this list, we’ll highlight some of our favorite dog-friendly waterfall hikes near Los Angeles (not in any particular order). So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the stunning beauty of Southern California’s waterfalls.

Eaton Canyon Falls

Located in Pasadena, Eaton Canyon Falls is a popular hike that offers stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding wilderness. Depending on which trailhead you take, the trail is just up to four and a half miles round-trip and offers a moderate level of difficulty. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful forested areas and cross the creek several times, eventually reaching the waterfall, which cascades over a series of tiered rocks and into a pool below. This hike is great for families and is also dog-friendly, but I would not recommend it if your dog is not great with a generally crowded trail with other dogs.

Solstice Canyon Falls

Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Solstice Canyon Falls is a beautiful and relatively easy hike that takes you to a stunning waterfall and historic ruins. The trail is about 3 miles round-trip and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and the waterfall itself, which cascades over a series of rocks. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the ruins of a burned-out mansion, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history. A fairly mellow trail for kids and dogs to explore alongside you.

Escondido Falls

Located in Malibu, Escondido Falls is a breathtaking hike that takes you through rolling hills and lush forests to a stunning 150-foot waterfall. The trail is a 4-mile round-trip hike with a moderate level of difficulty, but the views along the way are truly breathtaking. Along the way, you’ll pass through dense forest areas and cross several streams, eventually reaching the waterfall, which cascades down a series of rocks and into a serene pool below. The trail has both wide and narrow sections, which can be tricky if you have any special spacial needs for you or your dog/s.

Switzer Falls

Switzer Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Angeles National Forest, just a short drive from Los Angeles.

The hike to Switzer Falls is a moderate 4/4.5-mile round-trip trek that takes you through a beautiful canyon, past glistening streams, and over rocky terrain. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forested areas.

As you approach Switzer Falls, you’ll hear the sound of rushing water in the distance. The falls themselves are a 50-foot cascade that tumbles down a series of rocks and into a pool below.

Paradise Falls

Paradise Falls is a hidden gem located in Thousand Oaks, California. This stunning waterfall is part of the Wildwood Regional Park, a 1,765-acre wilderness area that is home to a variety of trails, picnic areas, and outdoor activities.

The hike to Paradise Falls is a moderate 2.5-mile round-trip trek that takes you through lush forests and over streams. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains, with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and the sound of birds chirping in the background.

As you approach Paradise Falls, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of this 40-foot tall waterfall, which cascades down a series of rocks and into a tranquil pool below. The best view of the falls can be seen by crossing the river and climbing up along the rocks.

Millard Canyon Falls

Millard Canyon Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, just a short drive from Altadena. This hidden gem is part of the Millard Canyon Trail, a 1.2-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a shaded canyon, past a seasonal stream (likely several times depending on how much water is flowing), and over rocky terrain.

As you approach Millard Canyon Falls, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of this 50-foot tall waterfall, which cascades down a series of rocks and into a tranquil pool below.

Whitney Canyon Falls

Whitney Canyon Falls is a hidden gem located in the Santa Clarita Valley, just a short drive from Los Angeles. This stunning waterfall is part of the Whitney Canyon Park, a 442-acre wilderness area that is home to a variety of trails, picnic areas, and outdoor activities.

The hike to Whitney Canyon Falls is a moderate 3-mile round-trip trek that takes you through a picturesque canyon, past scenic vistas, and over rugged terrain. Along the way, you may also spot wildflowers, oak trees, and other plants that are native to the area. As you approach the falls, you’ll hear the sound of rushing water and be treated to stunning views of the 30-foot cascade, which tumbles down a series of rocks and into a serene pool below.

So what are you waiting for? There are so many waterfall hikes to choose from near LA, and they are all running full this season! Just be sure to do your trail research and be extra cautious if it has been raining recently.

See you on the trails soon!

Planning a visit to Sedona but short on time? This post is for you.

Sedona, Arizona is a beautiful destination that offers a little something for everyone. Whether you are looking to explore the great outdoors or simply relax and unwind, this city has it all.

While there are many, our favorite draw of Sedona is its natural beauty (AND that its incredibly dog-friendly). The city is surrounded by red rock formations that provide a stunning backdrop for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. There are a number of trails to choose from, which make it the perfect place for any level hiker. We’ll share some of our favorite dog-friendly trails that are perfect for maximizing a short weekend trip.

With so many to choose from, it is really hard to pick just a few trails. Inevitably, you’ll be itching to come back for more. Here is a list of our favorite short hikes (less than four miles total) in Sedona. If you plan your route right you can easily complete multiple hikes per day. For example, we planned a loop of hikes that included Bell Rock, Raven Caves, and Fay Canyon.

Fay Canyon Trail – 2.3 mi
Bell Rock – 1 mi
Seven Sacred Pools – 1.2 mi (note: there a number of trails that lead here)
Sedona Airport Loop – 3.2 mi
Teacup Trail to Coffeepot Rock – 2.7 mi
Oak Creek Trail – 1.3 mi
Devils Kitchen – 1 mi
Raven Caves – 1 mi
Sugarloaf Loop Trail – 2 mi
Doe Mountain Trail – 1.5 mi
Keyhole Cave via Sugarloaf Trail – 2.4 mi
Devil’s Bridge Trail – 3.9 mi
Submarine Rock and Devil’s Dining Room Trail – 2.8 mi

All of these trails can be found on AllTrails.

Looking for places to enjoy a meal between activities? Stop by the main village in Sedona and grab a bite at the Vault UpTown. The patio is dog-friendly and it’s the perfect spot for lunch with a view, just take a look at the views we had from our table!

Are you a pizza person? Check out Sedona Pizza and Pasta Company. Enjoy lunch with your friends and your dogs on their dog-friendly patio (and they have a DOG MENU!!).

Sedona is truly a perfect destination for anyone looking to explore, relax, and rejuvenate. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! So grab your bags and hit the road —

See you on the trails!

Did you know that there are a handful of hotels and casinos along the Las Vegas (NV) strip that are pet friendly? This means it’s easy to plan a weekend full of fun AND adventure with your dog. Below are three dog-friendly outdoor activities within one hour of the strip.

Want more dog-friendly travel tips? Like, comment, and follow @thisdoodchase on social channels for more day-to-day tips and itineraries. See you on the trails!

Traveling with your dog might feel overwhelming, but the more prepared you are the easier it gets. I still remember the first time we stayed in a hotel with Chase, I was so worried that he’d get nervous and bark as people passed by or any new sounds. Luckily, things went well, and we’ve stayed in dozens of hotels since. To help you navigate staying in pet-friendly hotels, here are some of our tips and recommendations from doing your hotel research to avoiding accidents and complaints.

Where to start: Do your hotel research

As I’m sure you already know, not all hotels are pet-friendly. Most hotels that are pet-friendly will advertise it clearly on their website through the booking process, FAQ page or pet policy. If you can’t find information on their website then it’s best to contact the hotel directly. Doing so also gives you more up-to-date information in case their rules have changed.

It’s also important to note that some hotel chain’s pet policies are different for each location, so don’t assume that because you stayed at one Hilton, for example, that all Hilton’s have the same rules.

Some popular pet-friendly hotels are:

StayPineapple – A chain of cute boutique hotels that are all pet friendly.

Kimpton – Owned by IHG hotels and resorts, this chain welcomes cats, dogs, and pets of all sizes at no extra charge.

Red Roof Inns – Pets are welcome and stay free, but keep these rules in mind.

La Quinta – Find their pet friendly locations here.

Book the pet-friendly rooms and check for any pet restrictions or fees

It’s critical to follow up with the hotel on any pet restrictions or fees. This might include, but isn’t limited to size (weight), number of pets, or even breed restrictions. Failing to check these details could mean you’re turned away at check-in.

Many hotels also require a pet deposit or a pet stay fee. These fees might be a flat fee or charged per night. Once you’ve double checked all the rules and fees and you’re ready to book, be sure that you’ve selected the pet-friendly room at a hotel, and if possible, consider booking a ground-level rooms for more convenient bathroom breaks. For some, this can also help alleviate potential anxiousness around elevators. If we do end up on the second or third floor then we request a room close to the stairwell. While our dogs are fine in the elevator, we like having the option of running up or down the stairs for a quick bathroom break versus waiting for the elevator. It’s usually less crowded this way, too.

Preparing for your trip & What to pack

Now that your hotel is booked, it’s time to get ready for your trip. While some hotels might provide some pet-friendly items like beds and bowls, the majority do not. Here’s how we pack for success:

• Bring a travel bed or blanket that’s their own and they’re already familiar with.
• Pack plenty their normal food and treats. Sometimes we pack a special treat but you shouldn’t change your pet’s diet when traveling.
• Keep a set of travel bowls handy for food and water.
• Bring chews and/or enrichment toys to keep them entertained. If your pet is on the more anxious side, you might consider bringing calming chews.
• Have a copy of your pet’s vaccination records handy.

We also like to review some obedience training before we travel. We usually brush up on behavior like loose leash walking, sit and stay, and spending some time in public spaces to avoid barking at new sights or sounds.

For additional travel packing tips, check out our Planning Dog-Friendly Road Trips.

Stick to a schedule

Dogs like routines. Sticking as close to your regular schedule as much as possible can help your dog feel a little less anxious. One thing we know that benefits our dogs the most is sticking to their regular wake up and meal times.

Leaving your pet in your room

Hotels have different rules around leaving pets unattended in rooms. Always double check if this is permitted and whether or not they need to be crated. If leaving your pet in the room is permitted, be sure to prepare them for success. Give them time to acclimated to the new space, and start by only leaving them for short periods of time. If it’s their first time staying in a hotel, it’s probably best not to leave them alone.

Note: be sure to use the do not disturb signs (or some pet-specific sign if provided) when you are out of the room.

Mount Baden-Powell is a dog-friendly trail that is considered a hard, 8 mile out-and-back hike with 2,775 feet of climbing.

Mount Baden-Powell Trail, originally called North Baldy, packs a lot in a relatively short distance. Named after Lord Baden-Powell – founder of the boy scouts – the challenge of approximately 40 switchbacks over 8 miles out-and-back and 2,775 feet of climbing is a popular one. It’s also a segment of Pacific Crest Trail and one of the trails offered in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge.

Here’s the general route we took following AllTrails‘ Mount Baden-Powell Trail.

Ready to go?

Be prepared with the essentails

• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. While a decent amount of the trail is shaded, there are sections including the saddle and peak that are in the exposed alpine zone.
• Carry plenty of water. We recommend at least 2.5L per person, and more if you’re taking a longer route and/or your dog.
• Bring snacks to keep you and any company fueled.
• Don’t forget your first aid kit.
• You’ll need to pack additional hiking and safety gear if hiking in the winter. Please do not attempt this hike in the winter if you are new to hiking or don’t have experience hiking in the snow/ice.

Not sure what to pack? Check out our full list of hiking with your dog essentials and shop our favorites.

Getting to the trailhead

The coordinates for the parking lot are 34.373309453020276, -117.75200149924005 (though we successfully used the directions provided by AllTrails). The drive up is scenic as you wind your way through the mountains.

The parking lot is large, as it acts as a hub to a number of trails including the PCT. But it does fill up fast so I recommend getting to the trailhead early.

The parking lot also has a well-maintained bathroom. As someone who is very particular about public restrooms and would rather pee outside than in a stinky outhouse, this one passed the cleanliness test.

A parking pass is required for this lot. We used our National Park Pass, which gets us into any National Park, monument and National Forest. You can purchase a day pass for $5 at the rangers office.

In the winter some of the roads may be closed, and the trail is covered in snow and ice. I would not recommend hiking this trail in the winter if you are not a seasoned hiker with mountaineering experience.

Hiking Mount Baden-Powell

From the parking lot you’ll see two trailheads. To the left the trail leads to an abandoned mine. Instead, begin climbing the more narrow trail to the right. You’ll walk along the fence and see the PCT sign as you pass the back side of the bathrooms.

You’ll face a gradual but constant climb through 40+ switchbacks. The trail is well marked and the switch backs are pretty obvious. If you feel yourself challenged by the climb or altitude, there are plenty of shaded rocks to take a break at and around .9 miles in there is a nice bench to sit on.

About a mile past the bench you’ll see a sign for Lamel Springs. Continue to the right.

Just after the 3M marker (mile 3) there is an overlook with a log. You can sit here and take a break before the last few switchbacks to the saddle. You’ll start to see the trees thinning as you get higher.

At around 3.6 miles you should be at the saddle. There are great views here so take your time and enjoy looking around. Along the saddle you’ll run into the Wally Waldron Tree, which is said to be the oldest living thing in the San Gabriel Mountains at around 1,500 years old. Chase and Rado appreciated the shade Wally Waldron provided.

At this point you’re almost at the peak. Continue on up the last climb and you’ll soon see the Monument and summit register. Just behind that is usually an American Flag and summit signs. You’ve made it!

Take your summit selfies, eat some snacks, and then head back down the way you came.

Happy Hiking!

Hiking is a great way to get away from your busy work week, day-to-day responsibilities, and stress. It offers unplugged quiet time with fresh air, views, exercise, and a chance to reset our minds. After all, studies have shown that hiking not only improves your fitness, but also positively effects your mood, and overall well-being. It’s not a surprise that hiking has become more popular.

If you’re looking to beat the crowds, follow these tips to improve your chances of avoiding crowded trails.

If you’re new to hiking, remember to always pack the 10 essentials, let someone know where you’re going, and practice leaving no trace. If you’re new to hiking with your dog, check out our blog on Hiking with your dog: The essentials. Need new adventure gear? Shop now at REI.

Go early

Head out early. For some trails that might mean before 8am, others it might mean hitting the trail at sunrise. Generally speaking, if you go early, you’ll likely beat the mid-day crowd and can enjoy more of the trail to yourself.

Go late

Just like many do not like to get up and hit the trails early, most also don’t like being on the trail when it’s getting dark. If you feel comfortable doing so, then we say go for it. Plan a sunset hike. See the trail in a different light, literally. But remember this means you need to pack additional gear, like a headlamp.

Go during the week, avoid holidays

It makes sense that most people are heading out to the trails on the weekend and holidays. If able, going during the less popular times, like during the work week, is an easy way to avoid those weekend adventurers.

Hike year round

The average joe likely hits the trail only in the best conditions. Consider hiking in the off-season or in “bad” weather (keep yourself safe though, of course), and find excitement in checking out the trail in a different way. Some of the best memories are made overcoming different challenges, like hiking in colder temperatures, snow, or rain. The photo above is from a hike we did on one of the coldest days I’ve ever experienced (it was like 5*F?) but it’s one of my favorite memories now.

Avoid the most popular hikes

The internet and resources like popular hiking apps make finding trails a lot easier. This means a lot of people are searching for the best and highest rated trails. Take some time to look for gems that might be flying under the radar. Here are some ways to find awesome trails that might not be at the top of the search list:

Check for alternate routes

Coupling going early and finding an alternate route might be the ticket to visiting a popular hike while avoiding much of the crowd. You might still get some when you get to the destination, but at least you’re avoiding the popularity of the main trail.

Look for harder or farther hikes

Generally speaking, most people are open to hikes that are a few miles and have easy to moderate elevation gain (something that only takes about an hour or two). But the longer or harder the hike, the less likely it will be crowded. I guess a simple way to put this is: avoid shorter trails.

Find trails off of the main roads, drive further away

This is where the benefit of having a 4×4 or all-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance comes in. You can make your way to some neat trails that less people have access to.

If you don’t have a suitable vehicle for dirt roads, or don’t mind driving far, you might consider getting away from the big city. Hikes near a big city are often the most popular because they’re easy to access. If you drive more than an hour away, your odds to lesser trafficked trails increases.

Need help finding trails? Check out the AllTrails app to search your area and beyond.

Do you have additional tips to avoiding crowded trails? Leave them in the comments!

I bet you’re here because you love traveling with your dog. Me too.

This past spring we planned a big coastal road trip from Southern California to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with our dogs. A lot of people asked how we did it, and if it was hard. Generally speaking, no, it wasn’t hard. With the right paperwork, vaccinations and preparation, most dogs can travel by car from the US to Canada.

Here are the things we learned based on our experience:

Preparing your dog for a road trip

Doing a little extra prep-work will help support a smoother, safer trip.

Remember to plan a check-up with your vet and to double check that they’re all up to date on their vaccines. Some places, like Canada, require a certificate of health along with a copy of vaccines.

Make sure that your dog’s ID tags/ microchip’s contact information is all up to date, in case you are ever separated.

If your dog is anxious or gets car sick, consider acclimating them to longer drives and packing some calming supplements.

If you have an active dog, plan how you will incorporate exercise into their routine on heavier driving days. Will you take a longer walk in the morning? Plan to do some trick training or puzzles during your gas and bathroom stops?

If you haven’t planned a road trip with your dog before, be sure to check out our blog: Planning your Dog-Friendly Road Trip for more tips and checklists.

What to Pack… for Canada

Our blog post linked above provides a packing checklist, but when it comes to traveling between the USA and Canada specifically, here are additional things to keep in mind:

Paperwork

Prior to our trip to Canada, both of our dogs went in for a wellness check and we obtained all necessary travel forms. As of May 2022, that included a copy of vaccine records, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate. You can find more information from the Government of Canada here. Border officials will request these documents upon entry.

Note: always double check that your vet has signed all the necessary forms before you leave their office, and keep in mind that the health certificates have an expiration date so be sure to plan your appointment appropriately.

Food and Treats

There are also regulations around bringing food into Canada. Some of the regulations include a limit of 20kg (approximately 40lbs), must be of US origin and commercially packaged, both food and pet be in possession of the traveler at time of entry, and that the food only be fed to the pet that accompanies the traveler. Some types of protein are also prohibited so do double check the contents of your food and treats before your trip. For more information on food regulations, you can find more information from the Government of Canada here.

For my overpacking friends, my one tip is to only pack what you need when traveling through customs. We were a little worried about the rules around food so we only packed what wouldn’t be a big deal to lose if they were confiscated.

The one thing I did not research, however, was traveling with pet medication or whether or not there are any breed restrictions.

Crossing the border

At the time of our visit, travelers were required to fill out and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination through the ArriveCAN app (May 2022). Be sure to double check if this is required before your trip. We actually didn’t know and were turned around at the border to complete that first. Luckily it only took about 10-15 minutes to complete for three travelers and we were able to include everyone on one application.

Once we got back to the border, we showed them the approval code the app provided. The border official then asked us a few questions like where we were from, what was the purpose of the trip, who’s car we were driving, and where we’re staying. If you haven’t driven through the border before, this can be a very nerve-wracking experience. Just know that it’s part of their job to make you at least a little uncomfortable as they make sure you’re not lying or suspicious.

We let our border official know that the dogs were with us and we showed them that we had the paperwork. They didn’t look at it closely, and didn’t end up asking about their food, but we have heard that some people do get pulled over to the side for inspection. Although that is rare.

Wrap up

Canada is beautiful and if you have the opportunity to visit, you should. Know that if you want to bring your dog, it is most certainly doable. However, as any trip goes, make sure that the activities you plan are dog-friendly as well.

Happy Adventuring!

Santiago Peak via Maple Springs is a moderate, dog-friendly, 7.5-9.5 mile out-and-back trail with approximately 1,650 feet of climbing.

Santiago Peak is the highest point in Orange County and Santa Ana mountains at 5,689 feet. Typically hikers will approach this peak via the scenic Holy Jim Trail, but due to recent fires and trail closures (as I write this in May 2022), many are taking alternate routes like Maple Springs and Joplin.

Here is the general route we took as posted on AllTrails.

Some might choose to turn this hike into a 2-peak challenge, bagging Santiago and Madjeska Peak as they make their way along Saddleback Mountain. We followed a portion of the trail towards Madjeska to avoid portions of the OHV trail on the way up to Santiago Peak, but did not end up taking the turn up to Madjeska this time.

The views, the trail being dog-friendly, and the challenge (also included in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge) make this hike popular. Make sure to go early to beat the crowd, especially the vehicle traffic.

Ready to go?

Be prepared with the essentails

• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. There are long sections of the trail that’re exposed, and you’ll likely spend some time in the sun at the peak.
• Carry plenty of water. We recommend at least 2L per person, and more if you’re taking a longer route and/or your dog.
• Bring snacks to keep you and any company fueled.
• Don’t forget the first aid kit.

Not sure what to pack? Check out our full list of hiking with your dog essentials and shop our favorites.

Getting to the trail and parking

The drive up to the trailhead is scenic and fun. You’ll take Santiago Canyon Road to Silverado Canyon Road until you hit the Maple Springs Trailhead entrance. At this point the road will narrow and it will soon turn into a dirt road. We recommend taking a high clearance vehicle, preferably something with 4×4 capabilities or all wheel drive. You’ll follow the road up to four corners, where a handful of OHV trails meet. A lot of people stop here for the views and small obstacle walls.

Adventure passes are required for parking. We parked along the gate to the entrance of the OHV road that heads up Santiago Peak and displayed our National Park Pass.

Hiking Santiago Peak

The trail begins at four corners. We found there are a couple options to hike up to Santiago Peak from here. You can follow the wide OHV trail all the way up, which ends up being about 9.5 miles. We decided to follow the trail that heads up to Madjeska Peak and cuts through a portion of the mountain. This small trailhead starts about 0.1-0.2 mile in from the gate and it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

We liked this trail because it was more hiker friendly than the OHV trail, which can get pretty busy with 4×4 vehicles, motorcycles, and cyclists. While there are some portions of the trail that are overgrown and narrow, the benefits are that it offers shade while still being fairly easy to follow.

When you reach the fire road, you can either turn left and make the trek up to Madjeska Peak, turn right and follow it back to the main OHV road, or go straight and continue down the other side of Madjeska towards Santiago Peak. We accidentally missed the small trail that was straight ahead and ended up making a right and taking the fire road back down to the main road; which might actually be easier on the knees in comparison to the downhill on the smaller trail.

When you meet the main OHV road you’ll turn left to continue on up towards Santiago Peak. Again you can either follow the road all the way up or you can turn left on to the hiking trail that is a little more of a straight shot up to the peak. We took the hiking trail. I believe it’s a little steeper than the main road, but there is less motor traffic and more shade.

When you pop back out from the hiking trail to the main road, you’ll head up to the right towards the big signal towers. You’re getting close to Santiago Peak.

The summit can be a little tricky because there are a lot of roads and towers. As you approach the towers, stay right and head towards the taller towers. Just as you pass the main tower, you’ll see a small trail that leads up to the highest point. There used to be a summit register and summit signs, but they were missing when got there.

This summit feels anticlimactic because of the towers and all the motor traffic, but it’s still a fun one to at least check off the bucket list! Unfortunately for us there was a ton of cloud coverage that blocked our views, which means we may need to make another trip.

Let us know if you attempt this hike and how it goes, and contact us if there are any updates we should share in this log!

Happy Hiking!

So, you’ve decided to take your dog on a road trip! Although it requires a little more planning, we believe the extra effort is definitely worth the companionship. There’s also the added benefit of not having to be separated, board your dog, or hire a pet sitter.

Check out the tips and checklists below to help you prepare for your next road trip with your dog.

Planning your trip

You’ll need to dedicate a little extra time to planning your stops and stays for your trip, but not too much more than you’re already doing for yourself.

We usually plan to stop approximately every 2-3 hours to stretch our legs and use the bathroom. Our favorite stops are gas stations that have dog runs or dog parks nearby where we can let the dogs run around freely. We find these quick stops are the hardest to plan, especially if you’re not familiar with the route.

Don’t forget to look for places to eat along the way. Depending on our time frame, we usually pick places we can pick up and eat in the car, or restaurants with dog-friendly patios.

You’ll also need to find pet-friendly places to stay. Some large chains, like Hilton and Marriot are hit and miss. They offer select hotels that are dog friendly; usually with an additional fee and weight restrictions. La Quinta’s are known to be dog friendly and don’t usually require an additional fee, but they do have a 2 pet maximum. Our most recent favorite, however, is StayPineapple, who I would describe as dog-inclusive! StayPineapple offers a number of dog-friendly accommodations including dog beds, bowls, treats, and more. They’re definitely our top recommendation for anyone visiting a city that has one.

Preparing for your trip

Has your dog spent much time in the car? If they haven’t, make sure to spend time acclimating your dog. Road trips are definitely less fun if it’s the first time dealing with your dog’s anxiety or car sickness. Make sure you also have a crash tested crate or harness/ seatbelt.

Remember to plan a check-up with your vet and make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccines, and bring have a copy printed to bring on your trip. Depending on where you are traveling to, you may also need a certificate of health.

Be sure to also double check that your dog’s ID tag/ microchip contact information is all up to date, just in case you are ever separated.

If you have an active dog, it’s also important to plan how you will incorporate exercise into their routine on longer driving days. That might look like a longer walk in the morning before you depart, or bringing puzzles and working on tricks for mental stimulation.

What to pack

Your dog-travel checklist should include the following:

• ID tag with current contact information, Vaccine records
• Plenty of food and water for the entire trip, Treats
• Travel bowl/s
• Poop bags, Wipes
• Collar/Harness (with ID tag), Leash
• Crate/ Car harness & Seatbelt, Seat Cover
• Travel bed, Blanket
• Their favorite toy, Chews
• First Aid Kit, Medication, and any additional calming aids (if needed)

You might also decide to bring some of the following depending on your destination and the weather:

• Flea & Tick repellants
• Brush, Comb
• Towel, Life Jacket
• Cooling vest or Jacket
• Dog boots

You can find our favorite dog essentials and discount codes here. If you’ll be hiking with your dog, be sure to check out our list of hiking essentials here.

We are usually able to pack the essentials for our two large dogs in a duffle bag, but will sometimes use a suitcase for longer trips.

Happy Adventuring!