Jon and Rado sit overlooking the views from Sawmill Mountain. Rado is turned back looking at the camera.

Trail Log: Hiking Mount Pinos to Sawmill Mountain

Sawmill Mountain via Mount Pinos is a moderate, dog-friendly, 7.5 mile out-and-back trail with approximately 1,550 feet of climbing.

Jon walks along the trail with Chase and Rado

This two-peak hike is popular because it bags Mount Pinos, the highest point in Ventura County, and then Sawmill Mountain, the highest point in Kern County. While there are sections of the trail that can be challenging, it definitely doable for most by going slow and taking breaks, which is easy to do with the views along the way. It’s also one of the summit options on the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge and is dog-friendly. All of this means you’ll likely run into other people and dogs along the trail.

Ready to go?

Be prepared with the essentials

  • Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Even though a good chunk of the trail is shaded, you’ll still spend some time in the sun at the peaks; especially if you like to stay to enjoy the view for a while like we do.
  • Carry plenty of water. We recommend at least 2L per person, and more if you’re bringing your dog.
  • Bring snacks to keep you (and your dog) fueled.
  • Don’t forget the first aid kit.

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

Getting to the trail and parking

The drive up to the trailhead is beautiful. You’ll park at the Nordic Base parking lot, which is very large and typically has plenty of space available. A Forest Adventure Pass is needed to park here. We displayed our National Parks pass. Sometimes there are porta-potties here, but if not, there are vault toilets available at Chula Vista Campground. When you’re ready to get started, the trailhead is off to the left hand side when you enter the parking lot.

We used the directions to the trailhead on AllTrails (note: we only did a portion of this hike; AllTrails doesn’t seem to have a trail option that only hits Mount Pinos and Sawmill Mountain).

Hiking to Mount Pinos

Julianna, Chase and Rado sit on top of Mount Pinos.

The trail begins at the parking lot as a wide fire road. At one point we saw a couple of dirt bikes come through, but otherwise it was quiet and there were no other motor vehicles. You’ll follow the main trail past a gate. At the first fork in the trail, turn left. You’ll gradually climb a windy dirt road covered in shade from the pine trees.

When you come out of the pines, continue left along the wide trail up towards the meadow. When you reach the meadow you’ll start to see the Mount Pinos radio towers. There are two ways up to Mount Pinos from the meadow. We took the smaller trail to the right for sweeping views of the mountains on our way up (then took the other way down later). This detour is a little longer than the main road up, but the views are much nicer.

Follow the trail up to Mount Pinos (and the radio towers). Stop here for a quick break, enjoy the views, and take your summit selfie. Mount Pinos is the highest peak in Ventura County at 8,847 feet.

When you’re ready to continue on, follow the trail straight down to the main dirt road and continue straight to the Condor Observation Point (if you turn left, you’ll be headed back to the parking lot).

Condor Observation Point

After a few minutes you’ll walk up to the Condor Observation Point. There are some nice views here, but there are plenty more along the trail too. Continue on to the right of Condor Observation Point to follow Tumamait Trailhead towards Sawmill Mountain.

At the first junction, you can head right to a nice panoramic viewpoint, or you can continue straight along the main trail.

Hiking to Sawmill Mountain

As you head down the main trail, you’ll follow some exposed switchbacks down into the Chumash Wilderness before you’re reunited with some shade.

Eventually you’ll descend into the saddle before heading back uphill towards Sawmill Mountain. Most of the descent and climb is gradual, but there are a couple of sections where you might feel more comfortable having trekking poles.

Eventually you’ll meet another fork (lined with branches and rocks when we were there) that you’ll turn right to follow up to the peak. Follow this trail up. Soon in the distance you’ll see the the massive stone marker– you’ve made it! Sawmill Mountain is the highest peak in Kern County at 8,822 feet.

Jon stands at Sawmill Mountain with Chase and Rado.

Enjoy the views and then head back down the way you came. Remember you can skip Mount Pinos and continue down the main dirt road back to the parking lot.

Happy Hiking!

Rado stands with his tongue out in front of Escondido Waterfall.

6 Dog Friendly Summer Hikes near Los Angeles

Summer doesn’t have to mean your dog stays indoors while you get to have all the fun. Here are a few of our favorite dog-friendly summer hikes near Los Angeles.

Dogs can overheat just like humans, so it’s important to take precautions when planning your summer hikes. Check out our 7 Tips for Summer Hiking With Dogs before heading out to the trail.

Ready to go? Check out some of our favorite summer hikes around Los Angeles listed below. These hikes are generally shaded, and feel rewarding with water features; but we still recommend going early to avoid the hottest times of the day and crowds around these popular trails. Dogs are allowed on all of these trails but you should keep them leashed.

Hiking with your dog for the first time? Make sure you’ve packed all the essentials.

Have additional recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!

Switzer Falls

Three humans and five dogs sit in front of a water fall.

A generally easy to moderate 3.6 miles out-and-back hike with approximately 695 feet of elevation gain. Most of the trail is shaded, with only about half a mile exposed in a rocky section.

Be sure to park in the lower lot (follow the directions/signs down to the campground), otherwise you’ll have quite the trek back up to your car. An adventure pass is required to park so be sure to purchase one before you go. We used our annual National Parks Pass.

View more information about Switzer Falls on AllTrails.

Eaton Canyon Falls

Julianna, Jon, Chase and Rado stand in front of Eaton Canyon WaterFall.

There are a few trail options to get to Eaton Falls that range from 1.9-4.4 miles out-and-back. We usually take the 4.4 mile hike to enjoy a longer hike with multiple water crossings.

This is generally an easy hike, but do be careful at the water crossings. Rocks and logs can be slippery. If you do fall in, the water is usually only about ankle deep.

It’s easy to find parking at this park. The park offers a main parking lot with additional overflow parking in a dirt lot. There are plenty of signs to help guide you to additional parking. No parking passes were required during our visits.

View more information about Eaton Canyon Trial on AllTrails.

Millard Canyon Falls

four dogs and their three humans sit in front of Millard Falls.

A relaxing and easy 2.5 mile out-and-back hike. There are two ways to access the trail to Millard Canyon Falls.

You can park near and start at the point shown in the AllTrails link below, or you can drive to the lower Millard Canyon Campground parking lot and start from there for a shorter version of the hike.

Shortly after you pass the campsites you’ll meet a 4.5-5 foot tall wall that you’ll need to climb to access the trail. There are some rocks that act as steps, but might require a little jump up for you and your dog. This is the hardest obstacle you’ll encounter.

There is nice shade throughout the trail, and a few shallow river crossings. Rocks and logs are placed to help you at these crossings.

View more information about Millard Canyon Falls on AllTrails.

Gabrielino Trail: Jet Propulsion Laboratory to the USFS Dam

Julianna, Chase and Rado stand in front of the Dam.

This is a longer trail that totals about 9.3 miles out-and-back, but is otherwise pretty easy terrain with about 954 feet of elevation gain that is very gradual along the way.

The first half of the trail is wide and much more trafficked. You might even run into some horses.

Once you pass Gould Mesa Campground the trail begins to narrow and you’ll see people less frequently. There are a few water crossings after the campground, most of which have a path laid out by rocks or logs, before you’re met with the sounds and view of the Dam.

View more information on the Gabrielino Trail to USFS Dam on AllTrails.

Escondido Fall

Rado stands with his tongue out in front of Escondido Waterfall.

Escondido Falls is an easy 3.7 mile out-and-back trail near the beach. There isn’t much elevation gain throughout the hike, but there is one section at the start of the trail that might be a little steep for some.

There is a very small parking lot that requires a parking pass just off of PCH. This lot fills up fast, and many will opt to park across the street along the Pacific Coast Highway. Since the start of the trail is in a residential area, you’ll need to walk up through the neighborhood from the parking lot to access this trail.

The walk from the parking lot to trailhead is exposed along a road. Once you make it to the trailhead, most of the trail is covered. You’ll follow the trail, cross two small water features, before making it to Escondido Falls.

View more information on Escondido Falls on AllTrails.

Paradise Falls

Paradise Falls is located in Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, California. There are a number of trails you can access in this park, and many of them connect to Paradise Falls. Generally speaking you can follow the trail for a 2.1 out-and-back hike to the waterfall, or you can turn it into a 3-4 mile loop by connecting it to a few other trails.

There are some picnic tables near the Falls should you choose to bring a snack to eat while you stop and enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfall.

View more information on Paradise Falls on AllTrails.

Happy Adventuring!

Chase and puppy Rado tug on a stick together.

7 Tips for Summer Hiking with Dogs

Summer is around the corner, which means we have to be even more thoughtful about how we plan our hikes, especially with our dogs. Below is a list of tips to stay safe on summer hikes with your dog.

We love hiking with our dogs, and we hike with them a lot. However, I would be doing a disservice if I didn’t say we definitely take some breaks from hiking in the summer when the heat is too much.

Dogs can overheat just like humans, so it’s important to take these precautions when planning your summer adventures.

Rado, a tan and white labradoodle, sits on top of Chief Mountain in Colorado. He's wearing a teal harness and checkered bandana.

Avoid the hottest times of day

There are a number of variables we keep in mind when it comes to the heat. This is definitely number one. Summer means we take on more early morning or the occasional late evening hike.

Going early in the morning helps us avoid the hottest times of the day, and the ground is usually at it’s coolest.

Why do I bring up the ground temperature? Because we want to protect our dogs paws from burning. The ground can be a lot hotter than the air temperature. We usually start to double check the ground when the air temperatures start to reach mid to high 70’s (F).

If you’re unsure if the ground is too hot, try the seven second test by placing the back of your hand on the ground and wait several seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

Find shaded hikes

Although shade doesn’t actually make temperatures cooler, it does make a difference in how you feel. Generally, it’ll feel 10-15 degrees cooler in the shade because you’re avoiding direct sunlight, which is still a benefit in my opinion!

Chase and puppy Rado tug on a stick together.

Hike closer to water

If you have access to areas by the beach, the cooler ocean waters bring in a comforting sea breeze.

One of our favorite things to do is hike to a water feature, usually a waterfall or a lake. It’s feels like a treat when we make it to our destination and are rewarded with both the views and mist from the falls. Chase especially loves when we hike to a lake that he can swim in, like Rainbow Lake in Colorado (pictured below).

Julianna and Chase, a tan and white labradoodle, stand in front of Rainbow Lake.

Note: Be careful around stagnant water as that can be a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi that’ll make you and your dog sick.

Hike in higher elevation

Higher elevation usually means cooler air temperatures.

The exact amount of change, however, depends on factors like sunshine (which is more intense at elevation), clouds/fog, wind, and if there’s any precipitation. Be careful about how high you decide to go though! There may still be snow in the summer. And in some cases, inversions might actually make it feel hotter, which basically sounds like a long winded way of saying you should still always double check the weather.

Julianna and Chase sit in front of Flower lake holding hands.

Plan to give yourself more time

Hike slower – It’s not a race! Take it easy and enjoy the view. Plus, it’s better for your joints and can add an element of meditation, which is good for your mental health too!

Preparing for the heat

Just like you have to adjust your planning, the things you bring will also change.

Pack plenty of water

I’m always under the mindset that I’d rather have carried too much water than not enough, and this is even more important when it comes to a warm day. Plus, any “extra” water can also be used to help cool you or your dog off, like soaking your bandana or your their cooling vest.

Adding electrolytes to your water can also be beneficial in the summer to keep you hydrated and avoid cramping. If you need to encourage your dog to drink more, one trick that has worked for us is mixing in some bone broth to their water.

Wear the appropriate clothing

For us this means moisture wicking clothes (avoid cotton) with SPF protection, and a good sun hat.

We also pack items like dog booties and cooling vests for the dogs, just in case. (Links to Kurgo’s Blaze Cross Dog Shoes and Dog Core Cooling Vest. Although we are Kurgo Ambassadors, these are not affiliate or sponsored links. We just genuinely love their products.)

For a full list of hiking essentials, check out our blog post Hiking With Your Dog: The Essentials. And if you are looking for new gear and want to save a few bucks, you can check out our discount codes here.

Jon puts boots on Rado, a tan and white labradoodle, to protect his paws from the hot trail and rocks.

Think about other options

Sometimes it’s just simply too hot to hike, and that has to be OK. Consider other fun summer adventures like kayaking or paddle boarding. This can be relaxing alternative, or at least an excuse to try something new. And, if your dogs are anything like mine, they might jump off and prefer to swim around to keep things exciting. As long as they’re OK with water, I see that as a benefit (they go home tired!).

Chase and Rado, two tan and white labradoodles, sit together smiling at the camera. Behind them are views of Yosemite National Park.

Planning a day in Yosemite National Park with your Dog

Most National Parks aren’t very dog friendly, but of the handful we’ve visited along the West Coast, Yosemite is one of the best.

Julianna sits with Chase and Rado, two tan and white labradoodles. Behind them are views of Yosemite National Park.

Being a California Native, I can’t believe my first time visiting the Park was last Fall (2021). It’s quickly become one of my favorites and I’ve looked for any excuse to go back – like signing up for my first half-marathon because it was just miles from the Park!

Before I go on about all the things you can do, I should mention that some of our visits to the Park were during COVID-19 and weather/fire restrictions that limited some of our experience. Oh, and if it isn’t already obvious, I’m focusing on the dog-friendly options here!

Have additional dog-friendly recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!

One of the great things about this list is if you are short on time you can still experience many of the recommendations below in one day.

Before your visit

Be sure to double check if a reservation is required to visit the Park. Although we did not need them during our visits, as of late May 2022 and seasonally, reservations are required. It’s also important to note that depending on the time of year, some entrances and roads might be closed. You can find more information on reservations, road closures, and general Park alerts HERE.

Visiting Yosemite

Now that you’re in the Park you might be wondering, where can I go with my dog?

Here comes the good stuff!

Visit Yosemite Valley and Plan Your Hikes Early

Whether you’re visiting in the summer or a random long weekend, you’ll want to beat the heat and crowds.

Chase, a tan and white labradoodle, stands tall and looks off into the distance. Behind him is a view of Lower Yosemite Falls.

Leashed dogs are welcome on most fully paved roads, sidewalks, and paths, and most of Yosemite’s most popular points are within view from these trails.

Short and popular dog-friendly hikes

Bridalveil Fall – 1.2 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain
Bridalveil Falls is often the first waterfall you see when entering the Park. It’s not as tall as Yosemite Falls, but it is still very impressive. It’s famous for the mist that wafts off in the breeze that make it look much like a bridalveil.

Lower Yosemite Falls – .5 miles from trailhead, or 1.5 miles round trip from Yosemite village and very little elevation gain
Yosemite Falls is the tallest in North America and fifth tallest in the solar system. The 2,425 foot waterfall is broken up in two parts called upper and lower falls. Lower Falls is the shortest section of the waterfall at 320 feet.

Cooks Meadow – 2.25 miles and no elevation gain
This flat, easy hike takes you around the Yosemite Valley Meadows and includes views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.

Glacier Point – 1 mile round trip and no elevation gain
Some of the best views in Yosemite and California.

Mirror Lake/Mirror Meadow – 2.4-4 miles and approximately 100 feet of elevation gain
One of the closest points to Half Dome, and a popular swimming pool. You can often see the crown of Half Dome reflected in the lake’s water in some locations.

Not sure what to pack when hiking with your dog? Find a list of essentials here.

All of these hikes are central to Yosemite Valley, where you can also find the village and Visitor Center.

We always make a stop at the Visitor Center to pick up souvenirs. Recently our “thing” has been collecting National Park multitools with one of our names engraved in them. What sets Yosemite’s Visitor Center apart from many other National Parks, however, is that they offer a BARK Ranger program!

Become a Bark Ranger

With Yosemite being one of the most dog-friendly National Parks, it’s only fitting that they offer the Bark Ranger program. Chase and Rado earned their first Bark Ranger tags here by following the BARK Rangers pledge to always:

Bag your pet’s waste
Always leash your pet
Respect wildlife
Know where you can go

We were sworn in and picked up our official BARK Ranger tags at the Visitor Center in Yosemite Village. Find more information about becoming a BARK Ranger HERE.

Picture Worthy Stops

Pictures or it didn’t happen, right?

After you take your obligatory “Yosemite National Park” sign selfie, there are a number of stops just off the main roads that make for a great scenic tour on hot summer days when you don’t want to spend too much time walking in the heat.

Tenaya Lake

Julianna and Rado take a selfie in front of Tenaya Lake. Rado is sticking out his tongue.

Take a scenic drive along HWY 120. Bring a snack and enjoy the views at Tenaya Lake. We saw people out on kayaks and families having picnics. There’s plenty of shade around the lake to sit and relax.

Tunnel View

A very popular stop, and rightfully so, is Tunnel View. Don’t pass it up! The point offers views of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Half Dome. In the Spring you can also see Bridalveil Falls flowing.

We actually passed on stopping at Tunnel View the first time we drove by because it was crowded, but went out of our way to drive back because the views are so unique.

Doing more without your dog

Of course there is much more to do in the park, but to protect the Park and wildlife, they aren’t all dog friendly.

If you’re looking for some time to explore those options, you might consider Yosemite’s Dog Kennel in Yosemite Valley. Owners must provide vaccination records, and the daily rate of $10 per dog (or $20 overnight). The kennel closed in 2020 during the pandemic. It is unclear if they have fully reopened since then.

Have additional dog-friendly recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!

Happy Adventuring!

Julianna, Jon, Chase and Rado stand on top of Strawberry Peak.

Trail Log: Strawberry Peak via Redbox Canyon

Strawberry Peak via Redbox Canyon is a moderate, dog-friendly, 7.2 mile out-and-back trail with approximately 1,720 feet of climbing.

Strawberry Peak is a popular trail because it is the highest summit in the front rage of the San Gabriel Mountains, offers a ton of great views, and is a good challenge. For some, it is also one to check off the fun SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge. Bonus? It’s dog friendly! With all that in mind, it’s likely you’ll run into other people and dogs on the trail.

Sound like something you want to do?

Be prepared with these essentials

  • Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (most of the trail is exposed)
  • Carry plenty of water, at least 3L per person is recommended. Note: there are no water sources on this trail. If you’re bringing your dog, make sure you bring additional water and a water dish.
  • Bring snacks to keep you fueled. We packed a few bananas, power bars, and strawberries (duh!) for the peak. We shared some bananas and strawberries with our dogs, and also packed them some high protein treats.
  • Consider bringing a cooling vest for your dog. There is little to no shade on the trail and depending on the time of year, it can get pretty hot on the trail.
  • Always pack a First Aid Kit. Don’t have a first aid kit? Our favorite is Kurgo’s Dog First Aid Kit. It’s lightweight and easy to throw in your pack.

Shop and save on our favorite adventure gear here.

Getting to the trail and parking

We followed the directions on AllTrails. Parking is available with a permit across the street from the trailhead at the Redbox Picnic Area. Our National Park Pass was an acceptable parking permit. Arrive early so you’re not hunting for parking. Once you park you’ll see the trailhead across the highway marked with a brown trail marker that reads “Strawberry Pk.” Cross the highway carefully to start your hike.

Hiking Strawberry Peak

The trail begins parallel to Angeles Crest Highway with a very gradual incline for the first couple of miles. Don’t worry, you won’t have views of the highway or power lines very long. About a mile in you’ll hit the first saddle. You’ll ignore the two wider trails to your left and right. Instead, you’ll continue on straight and take a slight left onto the narrow trail. At the time of writing this there is a small trail marker held up by a few rocks that point you towards the narrow trail to Strawberry Peak.

You’ll spend the next 1-1.5 mile hiking along a ridge with beautiful views of the canyon to the west, before meeting the next saddle at the 2.5 mile mark. This is a good spot to take a quick breather, eat a light snack and drink some water before the tougher part of the hike.

You’ll continue on to the smaller trail that leads up hill. This is where the climbing gets harder and the trail is completely exposed. You’ll work your way through sandy, rocky and narrow paths as you pass three false peaks before your final climb. I recommend using trekking poles in this section if you have them, but they aren’t required. Either way, just make sure to take your time.

You can’t miss Strawberry Peak. There are a number of Strawberry Peak signs available for summit photos. Eat your obligatory summit strawberries, take some selfies, and enjoy the views before heading back down the way you came.

Check out our hike to Strawberry Peak in May 2022:

Happy Hiking!

Julianna hugs Rado, a tan and white labradoodle, as they sit on a rock overlooking Flower Lake.

Hiking with your dog: The Essentials

Whether you are a veteran hiker or are just getting started, there are a list of basic essentials everyone needs to hike with their dogs.

Notice that we’re missing something in this post? Let us know in the comments.

Preparing your pup for the trails

If you love the outdoors and own a dog, then you and your pup are likely to be great hiking buddies. It’s important, however, to make sure that you’re prepared to take care of yourself and your furry companion before you head out on the trail.

Be sure to consult with your vet, brush up on obedience training and trail etiquette, pick appropriate trails, and pack accordingly.

Ready to head out? Remember to double check the weather and trail conditions before you go. Slight changes may call for additional gear, like an extra base layer for you or booties for your dog.

You should also consider downloading a trail map, and telling a friend about your route before you go. Many trails don’t have cell service so it’s a good idea to take these additional steps for safety.

Essentials for the trail

What you bring on each hike can vary depending on length, terrain type, weather, etc. However, there are things that you should always bring like identification, plenty of water, and treats/snacks for you and your pup. Check out some of our favorite companies for more adventure gear recommendations.

Gear

Collapsible bowl (for water/food), Collar and/or harness, Leash, Poop Bags

Nutrition

Food (depending on length of hike), Treats, Water

Safety

First aid kit, Flea & tick spray, Tag/ID with contact information

Additional Accessories (optional or depending on weather)

Backpack, Boots, Clothing (i.e. vest, jacket, rain coat), Cooling collar or vest, Long line leash, Tab leash, Reflective gear or lights, Towel, Treat pouch

** Safety is a top priority, so be sure to always have identification on your dog/s in case you get separated. **

BONUS: We asked our Instagram friends for some of their tips, and here’s what they said

What we wish we knew when we started

“As a first time hiker, harnesses are the way to go (vs collar). The support is better, and if you fall or accidentally pull on them, it’s not choking them!” says @murray_themountainpup

Rado sits in the car wearing a grey harness. The car is protected by a blue and orange Kurgo car hammock.

@tumbler.ridge recommends owners to “buy a seat cover to save your car!”

“One of the things I wish I knew when we started was the appropriate amount for a pup to hike at their age” says @kopadoodle.

@the_koa_chronicles says they definitely recommend “a harness. Especially one with a pack so you’re able to carry extra snacks. We also love the water bottles with the attached bowl, giving us the option to put the water back inside so nothing goes to waste.”

@kaleiahskyy hikes alone with her pup a lot and recommends “always telling your friends and family where you’re going and packing a first aid kit. For safety we also bring pepper spray, a whistle and flashlight.”

Hiking with more than one dog

@findbluedog says, “if you’re into photography and want free hands, get a waist leash.” (also referred to as a hands-free leash).

“The #1 tip I have is to train an emergency whistle recall. Even if you have dogs with solid recalls, nothing beats the emergency” says trainer Katie @themaniacmutts.

“It’s hard! Especially when the trails get narrow and they can’t be off leash. PS, Always bring a leash!” says @adogbymyside.

Hiking with small dogs

“Warmth! Sonny gets cold easily when we stop moving, so we always like to keep a warm layer handy. Also, backpacks! When we were in snow deeper than Sonny is tall, it was easy to have him ride along on our hike in the backpack. It’s also great for biking!” says @sonnybymyside.

@sunnysbestlife warns us all to be especially aware of our surroundings – including the sky. “Small dogs are prey. Sunny is never off leash but I’m always aware of our surroundings in the sky.”

Happy Hiking!