This One's for Hank, and All Dogs

For 11 years Hank was Weekend Sherpa’s unofficial mascot. Sadly, he passed away last week. Hank lived a lot of life in his years, including many outdoor adventures across California. In celebration of Hank and all dogs (including the ones who now run free in our hearts), here are some top dog-friendly adventures in Southern California.

Week: 06.15.2022
Regions: Southern CA

Big Sky SoCal

Hike Big Sky in Simi Valley Southern California

Hiker at Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley
Hiker on trail at Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley
Hiker on a trail at sunset at Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley
Hiker walking a wide open hiking trail at sunset with huge sky and mountain views in Simi Valley
When does hiking through a neighborhood feel like you’re worlds away from civilization? When you’re in SoCal's Big Sky territory! Big Sky Trail is a 4-mile loop over rolling hills, all with incredible vistas of the surrounding valley and, of course, that big blue beautiful sky.
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Simply Sun Valley, Idaho

Mindfulness in the Mountains in Sun Valley

yoga on the mountain
spa in Sun Valley
hiking Sun Valley
A change of scenery is like a breath of fresh air, and you benefit from both when you experience the Sun Valley, Idaho, very few people know. Nature nurtures here in the original mountain town.
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Dog Heaven

Dog-Friendly Hiking in Will Rogers State Historic Park

Will Rogers once said, “If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” So it’s fitting that Will’s 186-acre Pacific Palisades ranch, preserved as Will Rogers State Historic Park, is heaven on earth for dogs.
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Ancient Volcano and a Labyrinth

Hike to Mount Calavera and the Hidden Labyrinth

Hike to a new point of view, and find a hidden labyrinth too! Tucked in the urban sprawl of Carlsbad is Lake Calavera Preserve, with trails criss-crossing the terrain, including a 4-mile loop leading to a panoramic vista, rock formations, and an oasis.
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Pawfect Double

Dog-friendly LA hike with great views at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails

Two hikers and a dog at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in Los Angeles County
Hiker and a dog at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in the Santa Monica Mountains
Dog drinking out of a waterbowl at a dog station at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in Los Angeles County
Two hikers coming to the crest of a trail at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in Los Angeles county
It might be the best doggone hike in LA! Double up on the fur-friended fun in the northeastern Santa Monica Mountains of the San Fernando Valley. Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails deliver countless panoramic city views.
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Make it a Margarita Day

Fallbrooks hike in Santa Margarita Preserve North San Diego County

Fallbrook is the self-proclaimed avocado capital of the world, with an annual April festival celebrating the fruit. But that’s not its only unique distinction. It’s also home to the very last un-dammed, un-diverted, un-channeled river (in other words, nearly untouched by man) in
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  1. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

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  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

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  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

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  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. Sundialed

    Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....

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  3. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

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  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

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