Simon Preserve, a sprawling 650-acre preserve just outside Ramona in San Diego County, offers serious hiking with dogs in an area not as crowded as some of the county’s more famous destinations. The main draw here is the trail to Ramona Peak, which climbs about 550 feet and delivers real views once you reach the top. It’s legitimately steep in sections, so this isn’t a casual stroll—bring water for both of you and expect to work for those vistas.

The preserve welcomes multiple trail users, which means you’ll share paths with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Dogs need to stay on leash, which makes sense given the mixed-use nature of the trails. The rocky terrain is rough on paws, so consider whether your dog’s feet can handle it, or plan for one of the flatter sections if a steep climb feels like too much.

What makes Simon Preserve stand out for dog owners is the honest-to-goodness backcountry feel without requiring a serious technical hike. You get genuine elevation gain and quiet trails that still let you bring your dog along. The area around Ramona itself is rural and open, so the whole experience has that inland San Diego County character—drier than the coast, quieter, and with that particular kind of clear light you get in the inland valleys.

If you’re coming from San Diego proper, it’s about an hour drive, which makes it reasonable for a long day trip. Just be prepared for the terrain and bring plenty of water. The preserve doesn’t have developed facilities like restrooms or water stations at the trailhead, so plan accordingly before you head out.