Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Indian Wells, CA

Mission Creek Preserve is a dog-friendly nature preserve in Desert Hot Springs, CA. The area is home to old buildings along a dusty pathway that you can walk with your leashed pup. On the way, you'll pass historic structures and stunning desert plant communities, all with the backdrop of Southern California’s tallest peak in the background. Don't forget to pick up after your pooch.

Pyramid Peak Trail is a moderate, dog-friendly, 8-mile hike in Mountain Center, CA. This trail is located within the San Bernardino National Forest and will take about 4 hours to complete with Fido. This trail lies along the Desert Divide, a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. The view is incredible with mountains to the north and south, the Salton Sea to the west, and the valley below. This area is rather vacant due to the extremely hot temperatures and constant sun exposure. The trail is primarily used for hiking and snowshoeing and is best used from June until October. Fido must be kept on a leash while on this trail.

Fred Wolff Bear Creek Nature Preserve is a dog-friendly park and trail in La Quinta, CA. Your leashed dog is welcome to join you on the trails and walking paths, but is not allowed on the picnic tables. Please note that the trails are within the nature preserve, so your dog must be under your control at all times.

The Palms to Pines Scenic Byway is a dog-friendly scenic route that begins in Palm Desert, CA. Enjoy 67 miles of winding roads that traverse through the desert and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. There are plenty of places to pull off the road to allow your pets to stretch their legs while you appreciate the changing scenery.

As Highway 74 winds out of the Coachella Valley south of Palm Desert, admire the panoramic views from Coachella Valley Vista Point. This popular roadside overlook offers you and Fido 360º views of the vast landscape, nearby desert communities of Indian Wells and La Quinta, and beyond to the San Jacinto and Gorgonio mountains. On clear days visitors can catch a glimpse of Salton Sea, a shallow, landlocked, highly-saline body of water which lies forty miles to the southeast.

Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany you for a hike along The Cross Trail in Palm Desert, CA. Beginning at Homestead Trailhead and accessible year-round, embark on a 2.3 mile hike over a heavily trafficked out and back trail. Named for the iconic cross standing at the end of the trail, hikers can admire an abundance of wildflowers and the rocky desert landscape which lies beyond. A moderately difficult rating and fairly steep rocky terrain doesn't deter the many hiking enthusiasts and their dogs who frequent this scenic trail. Visitors should bring plenty of water and snacks for their journey.

Leashed dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, a stunning 710-acre park situated at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains in La Quinta, CA. Lake Cahuilla is set in the midst of expansive lawns and picturesque mountain tops making it a spectacular destination. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Pups are not allowed in the water due to it being a reservoir.

Sheep Mountain Trail is an extremely difficult, 12.5-mile hike in Mountain Center, CA. This trail is located within the San Bernardino National Forest and will take about 8.5 hours to complete with Fido. This trail will have you feeling far more exhausted at the end than you would expect. The trail has constant ups and downs, sun exposure, rocky ground, and is literally uphill both ways. Those attempting this beautiful trail, including your dog, should be used to hiking at least a few times a week.

Palm View Peak Trail is a difficult, though dog-friendly 8.6-mile hike in Mountain Center, CA. This trail is located within San Bernardino National Forest and will take about 4 hours to complete with Fido. If you are looking to hike to a peak with a dramatic view, then this might not be the trail for you. This trail is for those who want to enjoy a trail and don't necessarily need it to lead somewhere epic. It is a little hard to find the path to the top, but with a map and some trail sense you can find the peak and trail register. Fido must be leashed while on this trail.