Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Palm Springs, CA

There are 16 dog-friendly hiking trails within 20 miles of Palm Springs. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Coming from out of town? Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Palm Springs.

Pet Friendly Humber Park
Humber Park Humber Park in Idyllwild, CA, offers dog-friendly trails. There are paved parking and vault toilets at the trailhead. Adventure Pass or a National Parks Pass is required. Be sure Fido is leashed while hiking in this area. Please note that dogs are prohibited in the State Park Wilderness; check maps on their website for boundaries. See Details
Pet Friendly Whitewater Preserve
Whitewater Preserve Whitewater Preserve is a dog-friendly nature area in Whitewater, CA. This large nature reserve is over 2,800 acres near the Whitewater River, and trails range from easy to moderate difficulty. Make sure to wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water for you and Fido. Please note that there is no cell service in this area. See Details
Mission Creek Preserve 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. See Details
Idyllwild Nature Center Idyllwild Nature Center in Idyllwild, CA, is a dog-friendly recreational area where Fido is welcome on the trails on leash. Enjoy hiking, nature programs, picnic areas, guided tours, and more. Various seasonal events are held throughout the year, including the well-known Lemon Lily Restoration Day, Butterfly Daze, Trail of the Acorn Day, and the Wildflower Day. There are day-use admission fees for adults, children, and dogs. See Details
Pyramid Peak Trail 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. See Details
Palms to Pines Scenic Byway 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. See Details
Black Mountain Trail Black Mountain Trail is a difficult, 6.9 mile hike in San Bernardino National Forest that will take about 4 hours to complete with Fido. This beautiful, dog-friendly hike in Banning, CA, will have you thinking you are in the Sierra Nevada with its granite boulders, large pines, open vistas, and beautiful views. Although you will need an Adventure Pass for parking, no permit is required to use the trail. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Fred Wolff Bear Creek Nature Preserve 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. See Details
Coachella Valley Vista Point 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. See Details
The Cross Trail 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. See Details
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park 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. See Details
Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout trail is a difficult, though dog-friendly, 6-mile hike in Idyllwild, CA that will take about 4 hours to complete with Fido. This trail is less visited and more dog friendly than the other trail up to Tahquitz Peak. Leash laws apply as this trail goes through the San Jacinto Wilderness. Wilderness permits or Adventure Passes, depending on where you start your hike from, are required. See Details
Kitching Peak Trail Kitching Peak Trail is a difficult, 8-mile dog-friendly hike in Banning, CA. Located within the San Bernardino National Forest, this hike will take about 5 hours to complete with Fido. From the top of this trail you will see spectacular views of the mountains, drop-offs, and desert floor. It's advised to double-check with a San Bernardino National Forest ranger about any trail closures. See Details
Thomas Mountain Trail Thomas Mountain Trail is a difficult, 12-mile hike in Mountain Center, CA. This trail is located within the San Bernardino National Forest and will take about 6 hours to complete with Fido. This exquisite trail offers some amazing views on a trail that offers plenty of solitude. You will ascend through four climate zones and plenty of shade on this steadily inclining trail. See Details
Palm View Peak Trail 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. See Details
Sheep Mountain Trail 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. See Details
Palm Springs, CA, US