Traveling with your dog in the California deserts

A canine companion rests peacefully on a picturesque desert trail in the expansive Californian wilderness. The landscape is adorned with arid, golden grasses and sturdy shrubs, all under an unbroken azure sky. Majestic mountains rise subtly from the distant horizon, lending an aesthetic touch to this photogenic vista. Framing this serene scene is a grand yucca plant flourishing against all odds in the rugged terrain behind our furry friend.

Maggie in the California desert. Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs @visitgreaterps.

Embark on a canine adventure through the California deserts! From Death Valley's awe-inspiring vistas to Anza-Borrego's rugged trails, explore the raw beauty of the desert landscapes while creating unforgettable memories with your furry friend. Remember to pack essentials, respect park regulations, and prioritize safety.

Death Valley dalliance with your dog

Photo by Carter Baran.

Think Death Valley is nothing but a parched and endless patch of wind-blown sand? You’ve been watching too many old TV shows. This Southern California national park is in reality one of the most colorful and breathtaking places on earth, and inevitably takes first-time visitors by surprise.

Tips for visiting the desert with your dog

husky dog sits in desert with cacti in background

Photo by Daniel Tuttle.

While winter temperatures in Southern California deserts are mild, heat can still build up fast inside a car. Read more.

Death valley, heavenly in winter

Obi and Lola in Death Valley. Photo Credit: Marc Smith (CC) Death Valley National Park is one of the most colorful and breathtaking places on Earth—and winter’s exceedingly pleasant temperatures (60s in the daytime; 40s at night) make February a prime time to visit. Nowhere else on the planet will you see salt-crusted badlands 282 feet below sea level walled in by mountains 11,000 feet high. Geologic oddities abound, all encased in air so clear it seems like it could shatter. The valley’s human history, incorporating cowboys, Indians, burro-packing miners, outlaws, stranded pioneers, wealthy eccentrics and twenty-mule teams hauling borax, is equally rugged and colorful. Read more.

Winter tips for visiting the desert with your dog

Desert Dog: Photo by Askii Traveling in the desert with your dog this winter? Here are some things you should know . . . our tips for safe comfortable desert dog travel. Read more.