Visitors to this nearly pristine wilderness area will experience San Diego’s backcountry as it was centuries ago. Consisting primarily of dense chaparral, the Preserve showcases the vegetation community that defines Southern California’s inland landscape. Peaceful oak woodlands, shaded streamside bowers, and seldom-visited meadows are scattered throughout if you have the energy and curiosity to explore the 1574-acre preserve.

Although hiking is the most typical way people experience Mt. Gower, the Preserve is also very popular with equestrians, so you’ll want to stay alert on the trails. The preserve has approximately eight miles of trails within its boundaries, offering plenty of variety depending on how far you want to go with your dog. Several streams support woodlands of sycamore, willow, and oak—keep an eye out for poison oak along the water sources and shaded areas.

The wildlife here is genuinely wild. Mule deer, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and bobcats all live in the park, which means this isn’t a place for off-leash wandering even if you think your dog is well-behaved. Rattlesnakes are residents here too, as are coastal horned lizards and orange-throaked whiptails, so watch where you step and where your dog’s nose goes. The rocky terrain and exposed chaparral sections can get hot, so plan accordingly and bring extra water beyond what’s at the trailhead.

The trailhead has water and vault toilets available, which is helpful since the preserve is located southeast of Ramona with limited services nearby. Dogs must stay on leash throughout, and you’ll need to pack out what you pack in. The combination of water sources, shade from the oak woodlands, and genuine backcountry feel makes this a solid choice if you want to get away from more developed parks without needing a long drive from San Diego.