All "Dog Friendly" Stories in Southern CA

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  Bald Statement

  If you’re going to have a rite of passage hiking in Sun Valley, the hike to the summit of Bald Mountain is one to check off your list. This 5-mile (one-way) trek requires some stamina, yet richly rewards with a variety of views and vantages, abundant wildflowers, and the chance to combine a free chairlift and gondola ride back down.

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  Two Wheels to Zen

  The family-friendly Wood River Trail goes over an historic bridge, past art sculptures and ranch-roaming horses, all amid sprawling green valley and a mountainous backdrop. Roll out from the Farmers Market at River Run Lodge and pedal the 8-mile (round-trip) ride to Sun Valley’s Sawtooth Botanical Garden.

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  Sunsets and Starry Nights in Sun Valley

  Sun Valley has the distinction of being part of Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve—the first of its kind in the country. The sky here has a signature clarity thanks to dedicated efforts at limiting light pollution. Here are some top spots for viewing and photography.

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  Daley Dose of Zen

  Trees, views, and solitude—that’s a top-tier trifecta when it comes to hiking. Get it at Escondido’s Daley Ranch via the 5-mile Engelmann Oak loop, featuring stunning north county vistas and rare sightings of its namesake oaks.

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  Malibu-tiful

  Malibu is the quintessential California beach town: 27 miles of coastal beauty and thousands of acres of neighboring parkland. See many of its natural highlights on this 3.75-mile out-and-back hike to Escondido Falls.

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  Going, Going, Gonzales!

  Find the secret geographical gem that is Gonzales Canyon Open Space and explore its surprisingly large network of trails through two hidden canyons on a 3-mile loop.

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  Turf's Up!

  Crest Canyon Open Space Park is a small and beautiful green space that can be explored on a 2.2-mile loop that features famous flora, lagoon views, and sandstone cliffs. 

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  Masterpiece Marshland + Beers

  San Dieguito Lagoon is one of the biggest wetland habitats in America. Uncover the magical marshland masterpiece on a gentle 3-mile out-and-back urban hike with a pit stop at a brewery.

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  Simply Sun Valley, Idaho

  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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  The Great Wall of Los Angeles

  The Great Wall of Los Angeles is one of the most impressive and beautiful works of art in the entire city. See the storytelling of this half-mile-long mural via a 1-mile out-and-back through the Tujunga Greenbelt in North Hollywood.

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  A River Runs Through It

  Even the most avid LA hikers don’t know there's a riverside hike at the base of the beloved San Gabriels in Azusa River Wilderness Park.

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  Triumphant in Triunfo

  Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

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  North Lake Tahoe, Naturally

  Where do you go to make this spring twice as fun? North Lake Tahoe, naturally! Just 45 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, North Lake Tahoe’s spring season lets you double up your days with diverse outdoor experiences.

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  Hike of Fame

  The 6-mile out-and-back Brush Canyon Trail to the summit of Mount Lee is a blockbuster with glamorous city views, and the closest and most unique perspective of the famous Hollywood Sign.  

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  Strawberry on Top

  There's no question that Strawberry Peak is a most challenging and rewarding peak in the front range of the San Gabriels. It’s a 7.75-mile out-and-back hike climbing 1,800 feet to unparalleled 360-degree views.

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  Constant Condor

  Condor Peak is one of the less traveled hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains, probably because it’s 16 miles (round-trip)! Get an early start for this challenging adventure, best done during the cooler months.

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  Do Denk

  Denk Mountain is the highest point in Carlsbad, reached via a 3.5-mile figure eight loop that nets 800 feet of elevation and delivers the best views in town.

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  Bobcat to Box Canyon

  Sometimes it’s good to focus on the little joys in life instead of the big picture. At Rancho La Costa Preserve, that means hiking the hidden 2-mile Bobcat loop amid its 500 acres. This petite escape combines small wonders and big views.

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  Holy Wow!

  Ready for a heavenly hike? Simi Valley’s Mount McCoy, managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District is a 2.5-mile (out-and-back) rambler that climbs 525 feet in 1.25 miles and features non-stop panoramic views and a giant white cross at the hill’s summit.

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  Simi's Secret Loop

  The secluded 2.8-mile Woodridge Loop at Long Canyon in Simi Valley rewards with rolling hills, grassy meadows, unique rock formations, and some of the most magical valley views in Ventura County.

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