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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  1. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

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  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

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  3. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

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  4. woman kneeling and signing peak book at Mount Olympia in Mount Diablo State Park

    Double Up on Diablo

    Set the tone for 2024 with this twofer summit hike at Mount Diablo State Park. Embark on a 7-mile out-and-back up Mount Olympia and Diablo’s lesser-known summit, North Peak.

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  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

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  2. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

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  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

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  4. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

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