1 day with 2 dogs in Joshua Tree NP
1 day with 2 dogs in Joshua Tree NP
Everyone who is a dog owner bemoans the fact that most national parks are not dog friendly. All parks allow dogs in parking lots, or campgrounds, but not many offer places to hike with your dog. Joshua Tree NP is a real treat for people who want to be able to hike with their dogs, and enjoy a national park.
Before I went to Joshua Tree, I checked the website for their pet policies and was pleased to see that dogs are allowed to walk on any of the dirt roads. There are miles, and miles of dirt roads in the park, that provide a variety of terrain to see.
The standard rules apply, of walking on a leash, and picking up after your dog.
It was nice for me to be able to explore, and have the dogs along. The first place we walked, I found this incredible flower. It’s a western jimson weed, or datura. I love that curly end.
Joshua Tree NP is pretty easy to see, without having to get out and hike for miles on back trails. I was able to drive down side roads, or even pull off the main road and see the rock formations, and of course the joshua trees that make this park famous.
The giant granite formations are very interesting, and I walked in and around a few of them for a couple minutes, while the pooches waited in the truck. That would not work in the summer however, as the heat would be unbearable in a very short time. The weather was low 60’s the day I went, so the truck never got warm inside.
By mid afternoon, we were well in the north part of the park and stopped at hidden valley. This was a great spot for the dogs. The parking lot was large, and there is also a campground right there.
The dogs and I sat on a rock and watched a bunch of rock climbers waaayyyy up on the boulders.
Several years ago I did a lot of climbing in a gym, so I can see how hard this is. Especially this guy.
Made me nervous just watching.
Roxy on the rocks. She got to be queen for a little while. (well, she is queen all the time)
It was a fun excursion to a place I have always wanted to see. Such an amazing landscape.
If you go with your dog, be sure to get a park map showing all the dirt roads you can walk on. Take water for you, and them, and be courteous to other people. I saw other dogs enjoying Joshua Tree too, and it was so nice to see.
Beautiful. And your pictures were so wonderful I think I got a little bit warmer just looking at them.
I’m glad I could warm you up.
It looks like you all enjoyed yourselves thoroughly! What a lovely park, and so great that you can bring the dogs.
It was nice to take the dogs, such a refreshing change from other parks.
Wow! That is one of the most liberal dog policies in a NP that I’ve heard of. Dirt roads are almost like trails. It does look like a very cool place. I’m glad that you had fun.
They have set themselves apart to be more dog friendly, I like it and wish they all would. And on your comment the other day, the park was cool, and I’m really glad I went. But, I don’t think I would drive from Colorado to get there.
Roxy looks like she’s on top of the world! LOL! I’ve never been to this place, but your beautiful, clear shots give me a sense of quiet, a aroma of ancient earth, and a sun-kissed embrace. Lovely as always, Mary and happy holidays!
Roxy is on top of the world, she thinks so anyway. Lol. And Happy Holidays to you!
That is really nice. It’s sad when we are not allowed places, especially out in nature. Love Roxy on the rocks!
It’s so nice to find a dog friendly place.
Hello, Roxy and Torrey are so cute. Very photogenic doggies. I have never been to Joshua Tree NP, it looks interesting with the rocks and pretty trees. Great post and photos.
Happy Monday, enjoy your new week. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
If you ever get out this way, you should visit Joshua tree for sure. And Merry Christmas to you, and yours.
Fantastic shots – as always. (I so want to steal that little Roxy!!!) :) It’s so nice that they are dog friendly. Makes me so bummed that most other parks don’t allow dogs on hikes. The hubs has some time off over the holidays… maybe we should head out there for a day. (Although Rita is limping and on restricted walks so she wouldn’t be able to come along…) :(