Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian sits on about 2,900 acres of mixed conifer forest in San Diego County’s backcountry. The main draw for most visitors is the 5-mile round-trip hike up to Volcan Summit, which takes a few hours depending on your pace and how many times your dog wants to stop and sniff. The views from the top really do span from the desert floor out toward the coast—it’s legitimately impressive. The trail climbs through ponderosa pines and oaks, and the elevation keeps things cooler than down in the valley, which helps on warmer months.

The preserve offers guided hikes led by County Rangers and docents if you’d rather not navigate on your own. These tend to happen during summer months and give you better insight into what you’re seeing along the way, though you’ll want to check ahead for current schedules. The Hubbell Gateway is your starting point, and trails here are dog-friendly throughout, so your dog can walk the whole thing with you.

This is real hiking country, not a casual walk around town. The terrain gets steep in sections, and there’s plenty of exposed sun on parts of the upper trail, so you’ll want to bring water for both of you and start early if you’re going in summer. The forest smells incredible—all that pine and cool air—and dogs seem to enjoy the varied terrain and scents as much as the views.

Julian itself is worth exploring if you’re making the drive up. It’s a small mountain town about an hour northeast of San Diego, and there are a few dog-friendly spots to grab a bite or just walk around afterward. The preserve has trail maps available, and it’s smart to review the regulations before you go, especially regarding any seasonal closures or trail-specific rules.