Best Dog Friendly Hikes Joshua Tree – Traveling to Joshua Tree National Park with your dog? Worried you won’t see much because pets aren’t allowed on the trails? We have good news – there’s a lot you can do together in Joshua Tree!
There are several pet-friendly national parks in the United States that offer to welcome our furry travel companions. But in general, a friendly walk in the national park is a rarity. In fact, many national parks have strict restrictions when it comes to pets on the trails. This is what makes visiting Joshua Tree with a dog such a wonderful surprise!
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Joshua Tree
With few exceptions, most state parks require that pets be kept within 100 feet of a paved road, parking lot or campground. And whenever outside of your vehicle, pets must be in a crate, in a carrier or on a leash no longer than five feet.
Complete Guide To Joshua Tree National Park
When it comes to hiking, most national parks ban pets from all trails. So your experience in the park is limited to polling places and facing the sidewalk. Not that these comments are bad! There’s just so much more to see when you can get off the beaten path.
Before our visit, I checked the park’s website for their animal rules. Like most national parks, Joshua Tree allows dogs in picnic areas and campgrounds. This includes the Oasis of the Mara and the paved roads of the Keys. But as I expected, Joshua Tree does not allow pets on the hiking trails, in the fields, or in the park buildings.
However, I noticed that pets are welcome on all unpaved roads. This gave me a glimmer of hope, as Joshua Tree has miles and miles of dirt roads that provide access to a variety of terrain. And they have very little car traffic, so exploring on foot is fine!
Be aware that sidewalks and sidewalks in Joshua Tree are hot enough to burn your pet’s paws. Walk in the cooler parts of the day and consider bringing dog boots to protect your pup’s feet. Read more Your dog can be a bark guard in Joshua Tree!
Three Pet Friendly Ideas For Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree’s dirt roads provide access to spectacular scenery and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the desert environment with your pet. According to park rules, you can take your dog on a leash anywhere you can drive your car. So pick up a map at the visitor center and ask the rangers which routes offer the best scenery and suit your skill level.
Many roads in Joshua Tree have exits or nearby parking areas where you can start your hike. Of course, the basic etiquette of pulling and picking up after your dog always applies. Also, remember to bring plenty of water for you and your pet. The combination of altitude and desert air can quickly cause dehydration.
Some roads are more difficult than others, so choose the route that suits you. And although the roads listed below do not have much traffic, be careful and avoid passing vehicles.
Joshua Tree is one of our national parks that is easy to explore without having to hike miles and miles of back roads. I was able to drive on the side roads and even off the highway and see the rock formations and Joshua trees that make this park famous.
Climbing Jumbo Rocks In Joshua Tree
We started at the south gate, and by mid-afternoon we had reached the north end of the park. We stopped there to enjoy a picnic and watch a group of rock climbers soak up the sun on a beautiful day. It was a fun trip to a place I’ve always wanted to see.
Is rock climbing your thing? Or maybe you want to watch climbers masterfully climb the challenge. Either way, you’ll be happy to know that four rock climbing areas are within 100 feet of a road, a picnic or camping area, and are therefore pet-friendly!
Whatever you choose to do, a trip to Joshua Tree with dogs is one you’ll never forget!
Looking for more to do in the area? Check out the top 10 dog-friendly things to do in Palm Springs
Discover The Best Dog Friendly Campgrounds Near Joshua Tree, California
Mary Hohn is a photographer, artist and author of Stories From The Range, a blog about Mary’s passion for saving wild horses. She and her husband, Al, also an accomplished artist, travel full-time in an RV with their adorable dog, Tori.
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Unfortunately, we did not find any suitable listings for pets in our database. Make sure your search is spelled correctly or try entering fewer characters. Most national parks are not very animal friendly, and unfortunately Joshua Tree National Park is no exception. With the park covering nearly 800,000 acres, which is slightly larger than Rhode Island, there are surprisingly not too many options for places to explore with your pet. But don’t worry, I’ve compiled a short list of some of my favorite pet activities in Joshua Tree National Park so you don’t have to leave your best bud at home.
Hike To Wall Street Mine In Joshua Tree National Park — Chrissi Hernandez
Dogs are allowed on the roads and not all roads in Joshua National Park are paved. The main thing is to find dirt roads to walk with your friend. Most of these dirt roads are not crowded with cars and people which is an added bonus.
As we entered the park, I directed Lemon to the park ranger and asked if he had any suggestions for what I could explore with my pet. Keys Ranch Road was his recommendation and it did not let us down.
To get to this dirt road, just park in the Echo T lot, you will see a small dirt road near the parking lot. The dirt road is about a kilometer before reaching the restricted area of the park. You can walk around there and stand on your back for a quiet and peaceful two mile walk with Fido!
Geology Road is popular with travelers and their pets. This road is known for its 18 mile “drive”. Four-wheel drive is also recommended for part of the tour. Since it is a dirt road, you are allowed to bring your pet. And it’s a great place to walk the dog.
A Guide To Joshua Tree Campgrounds
At the time I was exploring I only saw a few cars and you can take a tour guide and walk around the different geological sites. Also, since it’s 18 miles you can walk as little or as much as you want.
So these are my two favorite places to get lemonade when visiting JTNP. I also read that Mara Oasis is pet friendly. A 0.5 mile loop where you explore a desert oasis. Located in the Oasis Visitor Center. I’ve never been here though so can’t comment on the walk.
And remember…wherever your car can go, your dog can go. There are plenty of dirt roads throughout the park, so if you can find one, feel free to walk your dog! Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its climbing, but also for its unique scenery. We’ve searched hard to find the best dog-friendly hikes in Joshua Tree for you to enjoy your weekend with your pooch!
This post may contain affiliate marketing links (including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program), which means I may be paid a commission for selling these products. These are products that I use and fully support, and my content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliates.
Top Dog Friendly Hikes In Socal
When planning your trip to Joshua Tree, it’s important to know what routes and places are available for you and your furry friend. Come discover the variety of dog-friendly hiking options in Joshua Tree and how to get the most out of your adventure.
First, while Joshua Tree National Park itself has strict regulations about where dogs can roam, you’ll find plenty of excitement on Joshua Tree’s fun dog hikes that are off the beaten path. These include scenic drives like Keys View, Big Horn Pass Road and Queens Valley Road, where you and your pet can enjoy a peaceful escape.
One of the great things about exploring dog-friendly hiking in Joshua Tree is the abundance of unpaved dirt roads. These trails offer a variety of terrain, from sandy to rocky terrain, and tend to have minimal vehicle traffic. So if you want to immerse yourself in nature while ensuring the safety and happiness of your dog, these trips will not disappoint!
Remember, traveling with your dog requires extra preparation. Always carry strong ropes, poop bags, enough food and water, and extra warm clothing for the coldest desert nights. It promises
