Dog-Friendly Activities in Mountain Center, CA

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.

Bring Fido to Rick Barker Dog Park in Idyllwild-Pine Cove, just outside Mountain Center, CA. The park is located within Idyllwild Pines Camp but is open and accessible to the public. The space is fully fenced and separated into sections for large and small dogs. Fresh water is available on site.

Hurkey Creek Park is a dog-friendly nature getaway for you and Fido located southeast of Mountain Center, CA. This beautiful park is a vast and remote getaway with plenty of luscious pine trees, seasonal creek, numerous trails and stunning mountain views. Fishing is available nearby at Lake Hemet. Extensive hiking and biking trails are accessible from within the park. A small general store is located approximately one mile away. The campground also has large group areas with 5 separate loops that can accommodate 80-100 campers each. Hurkey Creek Park is the ideal destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether it is an overnight stay or a day visit everyone will experience superb outdoor adventures and spectacular events.

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.

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.

The dog-friendly Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs, CA, is home to one of the world’s largest collections of flyable from aircraft WWII, and the Korea and Vietnam wars. All exhibits in the air-conditioned hangars are rope-free, allowing visitors to get an up-close look at these historical marvels. In addition to the aircraft, exhibits and activities allow visitors of all ages to gain a fresh perspective of World War II. Friendly, leashed dogs are allowed to tour the attractions.

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.

The pet-friendly Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs, CA, is used for many different activities, including dog walking. The area offers 22 acres of recreation area, featuring tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball courts, plus picnic tables and grills. Please ensure Fido is leashed at all times.

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.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you while you visit the pet-friendly Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs, CA. This historic botanical garden opened in 1938 and features several rare cacti. Visitors can also view crystals, colorful rocks, ancient fossils, pioneer and gold mining relics, and cacti of varying sizes from miniature to giant! Plants are also available for purchase from the nursery.

Idyllwild Regional Park is a dog-friendly, 202-acre recreational area in Idyllwild, CA. Hike with Fido on one of the five breathtaking trails overlooking the majestic skyline. Campers can enjoy access to fire rings, picnic areas, restrooms, and showers at any one of the individual camping sites. There are both camping fees and day-use fees for adults, children and dogs.

Bring Fido to experience the Palm Springs Windmill Tours in Palm Springs, CA. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you on a pet-friendly Self-Driving Tour of this private windmill farm. You'll be guided by an app through 10 marked destinations, including historical sites, such as successful and failed wind turbine designs. You must have your own vehicle to participate, and pups must stay inside the car at all times.

Sunny Cycle in Palm Springs, CA, welcomes dogs with advance notice and staff approval. Pups must be 25 lbs or less, leashed at all times, and not seated or held on bike seats—portable kennels are encouraged. This outdoor electric group ride features a driver/safety host, Bluetooth stereo, LED lights, seatbelts and adjustable seats for a fun, pet-friendly cruise.

Bring Fido to visit the Forever Marilyn sculpture located by the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Springs, CA. This pet-friendly roadside attraction, built by American artist Seward Johnson, stands 26 feet tall and weighs 24,000 lbs. Two- and four-legged friends are invited to snap a photo together in front of this iconic celebrity of the 1950s.

The David H. Ready Palm Springs Dog Park is located behind City Hall in the city of Palm Springs, CA. The park consists of a fenced 1.6 acres of rolling grass with fire hydrants, dual-purpose canine/human drinking fountains, picnic tables and benches made from recycled materials, solar lighting, and shade structures. This is a great recreation area for Fido to run and play leash-free. There's also a separate play area for small dogs.

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.

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.

The Rustic Theatre and Entertainment Center welcomes Fido to join you for a movie at their pet-friendly theater in Idyllwild, CA. Grab a bucket of popcorn and sit with your leashed pup for an evening of entertainment. They also have an outdoor patio where you can enjoy food and drinks.

The finest Temecula wines can be sampled at the pet-friendly Oak Mountain Winery in Temecula, CA. Visitors can taste delicious olive oils and vinegars. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at this vineyard and inside the tasting room. They even host doggy date nights and a range of other fun activities for dogs and their owners.