Just a 25-minute drive from downtown Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, the Hanna Flat trail is a 7.8-mile loop that works well for dogs who can handle moderate terrain. You’ll access it from the Hanna Flat Campground north of Fawnskin, and the route takes you through a real mix of landscapes—dense pine forests, open sandy sections, and low shrub areas that change enough to keep the hike interesting.

The trail sits at elevation, so the temperature stays reasonable even on warmer days, which your dog will appreciate. The pine forest sections offer plenty of shade, and the sandy stretches give you good footing without being technical. It’s an intermediate-level hike, so you’re looking at a solid workout but nothing extreme—most dogs in decent shape can handle it. You’ll want to bring water since there aren’t reliable water sources along the route, and the elevation means the sun can feel intense in the open areas.

The trail gets decent traffic, especially on weekends, so you’ll likely see other hikers and occasionally other dogs. That means the path is well-maintained but also means you should keep your dog under control, particularly in the more open sections where it’s easy for them to wander. The sandy parts are actually nice—they’re softer on paws than rocky terrain, though your dog will probably shake sand out for a while after you finish.

The views from higher points give you sightlines across the San Bernardino peaks, and the variety in vegetation means you’re walking through different environments rather than the same terrain for seven miles straight. Plan on three to four hours for the full loop depending on your dog’s pace and how many breaks you take. The campground area where you park has bathrooms and water spigots, which is convenient for rinsing off muddy paws before heading back to town.