This One's for Hank, and All Dogs

For 11 years Hank was Weekend Sherpa’s unofficial mascot. Sadly, he passed away last week. Hank lived a lot of life in his years, including many outdoor adventures across California. In celebration of Hank and all dogs (including the ones who now run free in our hearts), here are some top dog-friendly adventures in Southern California.

Week: 06.15.2022
Regions: Southern CA

Big Sky SoCal

Hike Big Sky in Simi Valley Southern California

Hiker at Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley
Hiker on trail at Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley
Hiker on a trail at sunset at Big Sky Trail in Simi Valley
Hiker walking a wide open hiking trail at sunset with huge sky and mountain views in Simi Valley
When does hiking through a neighborhood feel like you’re worlds away from civilization? When you’re in SoCal's Big Sky territory! Big Sky Trail is a 4-mile loop over rolling hills, all with incredible vistas of the surrounding valley and, of course, that big blue beautiful sky.
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Simply Sun Valley, Idaho

Mindfulness in the Mountains in Sun Valley

yoga on the mountain
spa in Sun Valley
hiking Sun Valley
A change of scenery is like a breath of fresh air, and you benefit from both when you experience the Sun Valley, Idaho, very few people know. Nature nurtures here in the original mountain town.
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Dog Heaven

Dog-Friendly Hiking in Will Rogers State Historic Park

Will Rogers once said, “If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” So it’s fitting that Will’s 186-acre Pacific Palisades ranch, preserved as Will Rogers State Historic Park, is heaven on earth for dogs.
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Ancient Volcano and a Labyrinth

Hike to Mount Calavera and the Hidden Labyrinth

Hike to a new point of view, and find a hidden labyrinth too! Tucked in the urban sprawl of Carlsbad is Lake Calavera Preserve, with trails criss-crossing the terrain, including a 4-mile loop leading to a panoramic vista, rock formations, and an oasis.
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Pawfect Double

Dog-friendly LA hike with great views at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails

Two hikers and a dog at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in Los Angeles County
Hiker and a dog at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in the Santa Monica Mountains
Dog drinking out of a waterbowl at a dog station at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in Los Angeles County
Two hikers coming to the crest of a trail at Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails in Los Angeles county
It might be the best doggone hike in LA! Double up on the fur-friended fun in the northeastern Santa Monica Mountains of the San Fernando Valley. Upper and Lower Canyonback Trails deliver countless panoramic city views.
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Make it a Margarita Day

Fallbrooks hike in Santa Margarita Preserve North San Diego County

Fallbrook is the self-proclaimed avocado capital of the world, with an annual April festival celebrating the fruit. But that’s not its only unique distinction. It’s also home to the very last un-dammed, un-diverted, un-channeled river (in other words, nearly untouched by man) in
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

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  2. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

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  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

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  4. Devilishly Hairy

    Mount Diablo is a devilish name but it’s home to some hairy spiders that don’t need to send a chill down your spine. Tarantulas come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. One of the best places to see them is on the northern slopes of Mount Diablo.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

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  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

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  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

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  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

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