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!