Sawmill Trail is a dog-friendly 14-mile strenuous hike within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, offering serious elevation gain and equally serious desert views. The route climbs from 3,000 to 7,000 feet, so bring plenty of water for both you and your dog.

The first 5.5 miles follow the rough Sawmill Truck Trail road, which is open to hikers, mountain bikers, horses, and four-wheel drive vehicles. The surface is rocky and uneven, so watch your dog’s paws. After those initial miles, the trail continues upward and eventually connects with the Santa Rosa Truck Trail road, where you can turn around or continue depending on your fitness level and your dog’s energy.

The real payoff is the view. As you gain elevation, the desert floor drops away below you, and on clear days you get genuine panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape—the kind of perspective that makes the steep climb worth the effort. The air cools significantly as you climb, which helps on hot days, but the exposed sections offer little shade, so start early.

This isn’t a casual walk. The rough truck road surface, sustained elevation gain, and length mean you need a dog that’s conditioned for serious hiking. Younger dogs with good joint health handle it best. Bring a map or download offline trail information before you go—cell service is spotty up there.

To reach the trailhead from Highway 74, look for it across from Pinyon Flats Campground. Turn south onto the road leading to the designated parking area, which you’ll find just before the Pinyon area Riverside County Transfer Station. This same parking area also serves Cactus Spring Trail if you want to explore multiple routes during your visit. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.