Dog Friendly Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is famous for climbing but also for its unique landscape. We did a lot of searching to find the best dog-friendly hikes in Joshua Tree so you can enjoy a weekend with your pup!

This post may contain affiliate marketing links (including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program), which means I may be paid a commission on sales of those products. These are products I fully use and endorse, and my content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships.

Introduction to Dog Friendly Hikes in Joshua Tree

When planning your trip to Joshua Tree, it’s essential to know which trails and areas are accessible for you and your furry friend. Let’s explore the various options for dog friendly hikes in Joshua Tree and how to make the most of your adventure. 

Firstly, while Joshua Tree National Park itself has strict regulations about where dogs can roam, you’ll find plenty of excitement on the dog friendly hikes in Joshua Tree that are off the beaten path. These include scenic routes such as Keys View, Big Horn Pass Road, and Queens Valley Road, where you and your pet can enjoy a serene escape. 

One of the great things about exploring dog friendly hikes in Joshua Tree is the abundance of unpaved dirt roads. These trails offer a range of terrains, from sandy stretches to rockier paths, and tend to have minimal vehicle traffic. So, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature while ensuring your dog’s safety and happiness, these hikes won’t disappoint! 

Remember, hiking with your canine companion requires extra preparation. Always bring a sturdy leash, poop bags, enough food and water, and additional warm clothing for those cooler desert nights. This ensures that your experience on the dog friendly hikes in Joshua Tree is both enjoyable and responsible. 

One tip to make your journey seamless is to take advantage of the camping facilities in Joshua Tree. Staying at one of the dog friendly campgrounds like those at Keys View will serve as a perfect base for setting off on dog friendly hikes in Joshua Tree, allowing both you and your dog to rest in comfort after a day filled with exploration. 

Wait – Are Dogs Allowed in Joshua Tree National Park?

Are dogs allowed in Joshua Tree? Are there dog-friendly activities in Joshua Tree?

Those are two of the most common questions I get from friends when planning a visit to Joshua Tree. The answer is, unfortunately, yes and no. You will definitely see dogs in Joshua Tree but your activities in the actual National Park will be limited. That said, I actually don’t think bringing a dog is too restrictive and would still recommend dog parents to bring their pups!

See below for some dog-friendly Joshua Tree activities including some of my favorite hikes in the area.

Best Times of Year for Dog Friendly Hiking

The best months to visit Joshua Tree with your furry friend are from October to March. Winter is particularly safer and more enjoyable, as the temperatures are cooler, making it a comfortable experience for both you and your pup. During these months, the desert landscape reveals its magical aura without posing risks associated with extreme heat. 

A key reason winter stands out for dog-friendly hikes in Joshua Tree is the reduced risk of hot pavement. The desert sun can be relentless, and during the hotter months, the ground can easily burn your pet’s paws. That’s why it’s crucial to stick to cooler parts of the day if you’re hiking outside the suggested months. Always carry plenty of water to ensure both you and your canine companion stay well-hydrated. 

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park

When going to Joshua Tree, you have two primary dog-friendly accommodation options: Airbnb or Camping.

We stayed at a great airstream called the Joshua Tree Land Yacht. If you haven’t used Airbnb yet, you can sign up here. We looked at a ton of other Airbnb options, but very few of them are dog-friendly.

If you want to camp, there are a lot of good camping options. (The temperatures dropped to 20 degrees when we went, and we were afraid it’d be too cold for a young puppy!)

Dog-Friendly Hikes in Joshua Tree

Dogs aren’t allowed on any of the park trails, but they are allowed on unpaved roads (where cars rarely drive on anyway). The thing about Joshua Tree is that there aren’t a ton of big landmarks like Glacier Point, Maroon Bells, etc. That makes your experience walking on unpaved roads almost the same as if you walked on a regular hiking trail. Anywhere you look, the desert landscape is beautiful!

We particularly liked Bighorn Pass Road and Geology Tour Road. These two roads are the only dog friendly hikes in Joshua Tree.

If you want to hike here, just look at your map (they hand one out at the entrance center when you pay to get in) or GPS. You can drive along this road for however long you want, park on the side, and then hike and explore. Both of these roads are fairly maintained – you can see the road in the photo above. Remember when you park to park on the side so other cars can get by.

Stargazing is also amazing at Joshua Tree. Even though ‘civilization’ is close by, there isn’t a ton of light pollution! Even though it was freezing cold at night, we bundled up with blankets and looked up at the stars from our airstream. You can do this almost anywhere. 

Lastly, the Cholla Cactus Garden trails are not dog friendly, but the ‘garden’ is a wide patch of cholla cactuses, and you don’t need to go on the trails to enjoy! You can see them from the parking lot and from the other side of the road where there are no trails. Exploring the cactuses doesn’t take a very long time. When we went, we ended up doing a ‘switch’ where I went to explore for 5 minutes while my husband held onto Ty in the parking lot, and vice versa.

Dog-Friendly Dining

If you don’t feel like cooking, there are lots of dog friendly options in Joshua Tree and the surrounding area! Our favorites were:

• Joshua Tree Coffee House
• Natural Sister’s Cafe
• Pappy & Harriets (you can make a half-day out of it by checking out the rest of Pioneertown!)

Must-Have Gear for Dog-Friendly Hikes in Joshua Tree

When heading out for dog-friendly hikes in Joshua Tree, having the right gear is essential. First and foremost, make sure you pack plenty of water for both yourself and your canine companion. The desert environment can be extremely dry, and staying hydrated is crucial. A collapsible water bowl can make it easier for your dog to drink on the go. For myself, I carry my water in a MSR Dromlite 2L. Drom bags are preferable to water bottles because you can keep hiking while drinking water through the tube straw. You don’t need to keep reaching back for your water and then putting it back in your backpack.

Next, bring along a sturdy leash and waste bags. Although your dog might love to roam free, it’s important to keep them leashed to prevent them from disturbing wildlife or delicate desert plants. Waste bags are essential for cleaning up after your pet, ensuring that the trails remain clean for other hikers. 

You will also want to pack a good hiking backpack to keep all of your belongings and your dogs. I really like my Topo Designs Mountain Pack (similar here), although Osprey also makes really comfortable backpacks.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your JT Adventure with Your Pup

Exploring dog-friendly hikes in Joshua Tree is one of my favorite activities in the Southern California area. Always keep your dog’s safety and comfort in mind by packing all necessary supplies, and choosing trails that best suit your companion’s stamina and temperament. 

If you’re planning a trip to Joshua Tree with dogs, it’s crucial to understand the regulations and be respectful of the natural environment. Stick to the dog-friendly areas and follow the prescribed guidelines — it makes a huge difference in preserving this beautiful destination for future visits. It also ensures that Joshua Tree can remain dog-friendly in some areas.

The best times to enjoy dog-friendly hikes in Joshua Tree are during the milder months in the winter, which help you avoid the extreme desert temperatures and ensure a more pleasurable experience for both you and your pup. 

Have you hiked in Joshua Tree National Park with your dog before? What did you think?