All "Dog Friendly" Stories in Southern CA
Go For Guajome
Head to Guajome County Park in Oceanside for a hidden lake twofer hike via a 4-mile loop trail traversing most of the 394-acre haven.
ViewGo Galena
Close to Reno yet truly in the wilderness: This long out-and-back epic hike goes up a ridge with huge views of the magnificent Washoe Valley and its marquee mountains.
ViewWaterfall Chaser
Reno's Hunter Creek Falls is accessible year-round but especially fantastic in spring when the desert peach wildflowers paint the landscape, and the marquee waterfall has snowmelt mojo.
ViewBeer Best
It seems like every city in the West tries to claim best craft beer and spirits status, yet Reno’s quietly done the work behind the scenes to emerge as a true best in brew—from beer to spirits, and innovative mead!
ViewJosephine Journey
Standing at 5,558 feet, Josephine Peak is no ordinary summit hike. The 8.5-mile (round-trip) trek goes to an old lookout with tremendous views of the San Gabriels, including Strawberry Peak.
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Outdoor Zen in Sonoma County
Sonoma County’s abundant natural beauty is good for your mind, body, and spirit. From redwoods and rhododendron walks, to yoga in a vineyard, here are five ways to soothe your soul in Sonoma County.
View Porter Ranch Wander and Ponder
Hidden Canyon? Yes! Rock Garden? You got it! Redwoods? Wait ... really? Yes! Head to Limekiln Canyon Park in Porter Ranch for a 3.75-mile out-and-back hike with super San Fernando surprises.
ViewLovers Loop
Peaks, canyons, streams, meadows, trees—Lovers Loop in Los Olivos is the hike of your dreams in the Santa Ynez Valley. Explore it on this 4-mile hike where beautiful vistas abound. Then, wine taste!
ViewDo it Yourself Walking Tour of Solvang
Solvang has long been described as a “little slice of Denmark in Southern California." Experience the historic village on a 3-mile walk that explores the architecture, food, wine, and green space.
ViewWater and Wine
Visit the largest water source on the Santa Ynez River— Lake Cachuma—on a 4.5-mile out-and-back hike along the shores of the reservoir. Follow it up with some Gruner Veltliner Sauvignon at a winery.
ViewMighty Among Giants
It’s not the tallest summit, but at 4,624 feet Stoddard Peak near Los Angeles is still mighty among nearby giants like Mount Baldy and the popular Potato Mountain. And the reward? Huge views!
ViewMarshall Mellow
The 3-mile (round-trip) Marshall Peak Trail might not be the most epic in the San Bernardino National Forest, but this lightly used trail is beautiful in spring when the wildflowers come out.
ViewSecret Stair Master!
Step up to a wonderful 2-mile, nearly 1000-step workout in peaceful Pasadena that is part leg labor, part suburban stroll, and all serene secret.
ViewStairstruck in Hollywood
Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.
ViewHidden Stairway in Silver Lake
Life in Los Angeles can be vibrant in so many ways, including stairways! This hidden stairway hike in Silver Lake features colorfully artistic and historic steps via 1.5 miles, four unique staircases, and countless local food options for a bite to eat.
ViewLA's Memorial to MLK
The 400-acre Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is home to trails, lawns, picnic areas, and—at the park’s highest point, overlooking LA’s skyline—the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tree Grove.
ViewBruce's Beach Belongs
Every community has heroes “really intent on making this a better place for all people,” as Maya Angelou put it. For Manhattan Beach, it was the Bruce family. Explore their namesake beach and learn about its history.
ViewSanta Year Round
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale is an 836-acre county park with a namesake dam. Explore highlights on a 4-mile loop featuring a lake, a beach, and beautiful mountain vistas.
ViewHot Dams!
Hot dam! Head to Santiago Oaks Regional Park for the best dam hike in Orange County. This 3.5-mile loop goes through riparian and chaparral environments with mountain vistas and two impressive dams.
ViewOn A Mission
Feeling dammed up? Head for Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego for a 3-mile out-and-back trail that features a historic dam, ancient oaks, and a fresh perspective on the value of green space.
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The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!
Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
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