Jeff Dorman
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Joshua Tree – Two unique desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado, meet in Joshua Tree National Park. Diverse flora and fauna and surreal geological features add to this magnificent park, sculpted by strong winds and occasional rains.
Although the Joshua Tree area had been inhabited by humans for at least 5,000 years, until the late 1920s, the construction of new roads into the wilderness brought an influx of land developers and cactus poachers. As concerns grew about the removal of cacti and other vegetation, 825,000 acres were designated as Joshua Tree National Monument in 1936.
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Joshua Tree
The monument was granted park status in 1994 within the framework of the desert protection bill. The bill also added 234,000 acres after earlier cuts. The new boundaries of the park follow natural features and include complete ecological units, such as an entire mountain range covering 500,000 hectares.
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Before we talk about what you can and can’t do with your dog in Joshua Tree National Park, let’s talk about when to visit and plan your trip.
Temperatures are most comfortable during the fall and spring months, with highs ranging from 70-85°F (21-29°C) and lows around 50 (10°C). In winter, high temperatures are usually around 60 °F (15 °C) and near or below freezing at night. At high altitude it snows from time to time. Summers are hot and I suggest you avoid them. Highs are typically around 100 °F (38 °C) and lows are typically 75 °F (24 °C) at night. Spring and the holidays are the busiest times of the year and the park can be very crowded. Try to avoid or plan for large crowds on weekends from October to May and during the spring break season (March to mid-April). Be prepared for long lines, limited parking, busy roads and full campsites.
I like to visit in the winter months for milder weather and fewer crowds. Even the spring months can be too warm for your dog’s paws on the park sidewalk.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning to camp in the park, there are a few things you should plan ahead of time.
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We also visited Joshua Tree National Park when we visited Palm Springs, so we only did day trips vs. camping. I don’t think there is enough to do with your dog to make your day last beyond a full day or half day visit.
Joshua Tree National Park is a few hours’ drive from several major metropolitan areas. The park is located approx
Do not rely on GPS guidance to navigate through or within Joshua Tree National Park. Car navigation systems sometimes try to guide you on streets or soft sand roads that your car may not be able to navigate.
You can approach Joshua Tree from Interstate 10 or California Highway 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway). The nearest airport is in Palm Springs.
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The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can drive in and out at any time. There is an entrance fee, but sometimes the toll is closed. You may be asked to show your permit or pay an entry fee at the exit. No reservation is required to enter.
One of the coolest things about the Joshua Tree area is all the unique lodging options to choose from for your stay. The vibes are always high desert oasis, super luxe or out of this world unique.
For a weekend getaway, we wanted an upscale experience that wasn’t disruptive and had enough room for a small group traveling with a dog. Mesa Tavira was perfect for our stay and just minutes from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. The house has three bedrooms and a bathroom with laundry. A fully equipped kitchen with two seating areas and our favorite feature is the containerized pool with hot tub just steps from the deck. Enjoying the cotton candy sunset next to the fire pit was a little high for us too. A full tour of the property can be found on our Instagram.
Here’s a great list of some unique Joshua Tree options, or check out AirBnB or VRBO to explore options for your pet filter.
Wonderland Of Rocks
There are no restaurants, cafes, grocery stores or gas stations in Joshua Tree National Park. If you plan to eat in the park, you should pack food with you.
There are many restaurants and cafes near the park entrances that offer great options for when you’re in and out. We stopped and had lunch at Twentynine Palms at GRD SQRL before heading to the park for the afternoon. They serve American fare and serve good beer. We both enjoyed our burgers and the beer cheese pretzels were a tasty start. There are also several options in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley and Pioneertown. If you’re staying in the area, don’t miss the best barbecue at Pappy + Harriet’s in Pioneertown. Their patio is dog friendly and they usually have live music every weekend.
Now for the boring but important part… all the rules. It’s no secret that national parks aren’t very dog-friendly, so here’s what you need to know when visiting with your dog.
Because the park has to protect ecosystems and wildlife, as well as manage multiple visits, there are areas where your dog is not allowed. However, if you follow a few simple rules, you and your dog can enjoy the many sights of Joshua Tree and what makes it unique.
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Leaving pets unattended or tied to a facility is prohibited by 36 CFR 2.15. Leaving your pet in the car can be deadly.
Now that we’ve got all the rules out of the way, let’s dive into all the dog-friendly things to do in Joshua Tree National Park.
Although there are restrictions when it comes to visiting Joshua Tree National Park with your furry friend, these dog-friendly activities still allow you to experience the different landscapes of the park and truly embrace the essence of Joshua Tree.
These activities can easily be enjoyed in a half-day visit, but if you’re looking to explore more by hiking or not staying in the area, I’d recommend a full day at the park. Enter the park entrance at Twentynine Palms to get started to simplify your route to these activities without turning back, and end the day at Keys View for sunset.
Best Hikes In Joshua Tree National Park
Oasis of Mara is a short 0.5 mile trail located in Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree National Park headquarters. This oasis is unique within the park for its more alkaline conditions, with large areas of honey mesquite and surrounding beaches and fans dominated by desert salt and shrubs that prefer heavier soils. This flat, paved loop is the most accessible place to see California palms, as well as some plant species found in very few places in the park, such as arrow weed and Mojave sea buckthorn. Along the way, interpretive signs inform visitors of the site’s historical significance and local ecology, and there are several places to sit and enjoy the view.
This trail is open year-round and is the most frustrating dog activity in this guide because the best part of the hike is in the first 2 minutes and you won’t see any Joshua trees here. But since this is the only officially designated dog trail in Joshua Tree, we stopped.
This is a great place to stop for water and toilets in or out of the park.
This 2.6 mile hike takes you to Jumbo Rocks Campground. It is an easy walk that takes an average of 35 minutes. It’s a very popular spot for camping, jogging, and hiking, so you’re likely to meet other people as you explore.
Hike To Wall Street Mine In Joshua Tree National Park — Chrissi Hernandez
Since this is a paved path in the park, you can bring your dog as long as it is on a leash. However, dogs are not allowed off the cobblestone path. Be careful with vehicles as this walk is entirely on a camp road. There are several parking lots for non-campers at the entrance, otherwise you will need to park on the main road side of the park.
Big Horn Pass Rd. The trail is a 4.6 mile round trip that is generally considered a fairly difficult trail. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading, and you probably won’t meet many other people while exploring. The best time to visit this trail is from October to May.
Back roads are designated by the park for mountain biking, and these are just a few of the places you can take your dog for a walk in the park. This route can also be done as a scenic drive. 4WD is not required for this road, but your vehicle must be street legal as OHV vehicles are not allowed in the park.
This trail has limited shade and is not cell safe
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