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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!