Dos Picos County Park, located in the Ramona area of San Diego County, offers a genuinely peaceful setting for hiking and camping with your dog. The park’s name comes from the two prominent peaks visible from the grounds—hence “dos picos,” or two peaks in Spanish. These mountains frame the landscape nicely, and the surrounding ranchland gives the whole area a remote feel even though you’re not far from town.

The trails here wind through scrubby oak and chaparral terrain, ranging from easy walks to more demanding hikes depending on which route you take. Most paths are shaded enough that you and your dog won’t be completely exposed to the sun, which matters when you’re out there in the afternoon heat that’s common in this part of San Diego County. The ground is generally packed dirt and rock rather than pavement, so it’s easier on paws than hiking in town.

If you want to make a full trip of it, the park has camping spots available. Bringing your dog for an overnight stay means you get to experience the quieter hours early morning and evening when wildlife is more active and temperatures drop. The campgrounds aren’t fancy—think basic sites with picnic tables and fire rings—but that’s part of the appeal if you’re after an unpretentious outdoor experience.

The park has picnic areas scattered throughout if you’d rather do a day visit. Pack water for both you and your dog since the park doesn’t have many developed facilities. Ramona itself is worth exploring before or after your time at Dos Picos; it’s wine country with some good casual spots around Main Street. The park is about an hour northeast of downtown San Diego, making it a reasonable drive for a weekend getaway without needing to commit to the desert heat further inland.