Hike the Barker Dam Trail, Joshua Tree National Park
While most national parks restrict dogs to paved areas, Joshua Tree has a hidden gem: the Barker Dam Trail. This short 1.3-mile loop is one of the few official trails where leashed dogs are allowed in parts (check local updates), and even where restrictions exist, the views from nearby unpaved roads make for a spectacular and dog-legal workaround.
The loop takes you past petroglyphs, a historic water reservoir and massive granite boulders perfect for posing your pup in front of. Cooler mornings and evenings are best, and always bring extra water—for both of you. The park’s surreal landscape is especially magical during golden hour.
Pro tip: Stay nearby in one of the dog-friendly cabins around Yucca Valley, where many allow fenced yards and easy access to unpaved dog-walking routes.
Relax Palm Springs
Avalon Palm Springs
Hilton Palm Springs
Explore Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
California’s largest state park is also one of its most dog-welcoming. Anza-Borrego allows leashed dogs on all roads, most campgrounds and select trails—including the must-see Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. This moderately strenuous 3-mile out-and-back trek leads to a shaded palm oasis fed by a natural spring, making it a rare spot with both shade and water in the desert.
Wildflowers bloom from late winter through early spring, and bighorn sheep sightings are common—so keep that leash on tight. After the hike, enjoy a mellow afternoon at the visitor center where shaded patios and water bowls are usually available.
Pro tip: Visit midweek or in shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and hot temps. Nearby pet-friendly inns and vacation rentals in Borrego Springs cater to desert-loving travelers and their canine companions.
Splash at Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area, La Quinta
Yes, water in the desert! Lake Cahuilla is a man-made reservoir nestled against the Santa Rosa Mountains and surrounded by campgrounds, picnic areas and paved walking paths. Dogs are welcome throughout the park (on leash) and can splash around the shore at designated spots. It’s one of the few desert destinations that blends aquatic fun with mountain views.
The park is open year-round and is especially popular in the winter months when daytime temperatures are ideal. Fishing is allowed, and the surrounding area offers hiking trails and dog-friendly patios in La Quinta and nearby Palm Desert.
Pro tip: Bring a long lead or tether for your pup and claim a picnic spot early. Afternoons tend to fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Freedom Dog Park
Stargaze at Mojave National Preserve
The Mojave National Preserve is a lesser-known desert expanse between Barstow and the Nevada border, with ghost towns, lava tubes, sand dunes and some of the darkest skies in California. Dogs on leash are allowed on most trails, roads and campgrounds here—making it a fantastic place to hike by day and stargaze by night.
Check out the Kelso Dunes for a surreal, dog-friendly climb (in cooler months) and camp under the stars in Mid Hills or Hole-in-the-Wall campgrounds. There are few services, so bring everything you’ll need—including extra water, dog boots (hot sand!) and waste bags.
Pro tip: Arrive before sunset to find a safe spot, and keep an eye out for nocturnal wildlife like coyotes or desert kit foxes.
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (yes, dogs allowed!)
This is the desert’s most surprising dog adventure: leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed seasonally on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which climbs from the Sonoran Desert floor to the alpine forest of Mount San Jacinto. The temperature drops 30 degrees during the ride—making it a refreshing break from the heat.
At the top, enjoy dog-friendly walks in the Long Valley area near the Mountain Station (but not deep into the wilderness preserve). Always call ahead to confirm pet policies, as they can vary by season or maintenance status.
Pro tip: Pack layers for both you and your pup—it can be snowy up top, even while it’s blazing in Palm Springs.
Final note
Desert adventures require careful planning with pets. Always carry extra water, check for foxtails and cactus spines, and avoid hiking in peak heat. With the right prep, the California deserts can offer you and your dog unforgettable adventures across otherworldly landscapes.
