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Dog-Friendly Hikes in Greater Palm Springs

Dog-Friendly Hikes in Greater Palm Springs. While local Dog Parks are fun to take your dogs to in the Desert, you may want to take them with you hiking the trails in the Greater Palm Springs area. Here are some great dog-friendly hiking trails.


MISSION CREEK PRESERVE

One of the more popular spots for four-legged hikers, Mission Creek Preserve offers more than 17 miles of dog-friendly trails through stunning desert scenery. Far removed from the bustle of modern life, Mission Creek Preserve lets you see the natural side of Greater Palm Springs. Walk along sandy trails, see local wildlife like rabbits and roadrunners and get the perfect vacation photos in front of the historic stone buildings found throughout the preserve. Mission Creek’s namesake stream also flows all year long (results may vary depending on conditions). Check out the Mission Creek Stonehouse Trail  

WHITEWATER PRESERVE

Scenic trails and sparse traffic make the Whitewater Canyon Loop Trail a great pick for a dog-friendly hike with beautiful views of this Southern California oasis. See the beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains and desert canyons on this 3.5-mile trail, where the Whitewater River not only keeps the area lush but also lets you cool off with a quick splash (water results may vary). Take your dog up the 600-foot climb to take in some of the best views of the surrounding mountainsides.

HOMESTEAD TRAIL (THE CROSS HIKE) 

For a good workout for both you and your pup, don’t miss the Homestead Trail, also known as The Cross Hike, in Palm Desert. Tucked inside the 27-acre Cap Homme/Ralph Adams Park, Homestead Trail is a favorite for dog-friendly hiking in Greater Palm Springs. The inclines keep dogs and their humans challenged, but the panoramic views at the top of the trail make it worth the work. The trail is especially popular for nighttime hiking, as you’ll get to see Greater Palm Springs light up under starry skies. Even if you decide not to hike up the trail, the expansive park area at the base of the mountain offers plenty of room for dogs to sniff and explore (on leash).

LA QUINTA COVE OASIS 

Discover the natural beauty of La Quinta at the Cove Oasis trail network, tucked away at the top of La Quinta Cove. Two short, flat trails take you and your four-legged hiking buddy from the parking lot to the Cove Oasis, making this one of the easier options for a quick jaunt into the desert’s beauty. Dogs are also welcome to join you on the but cannot go past this landmark. Leashes are a must when exploring La Quinta Cove Oasis.
While these are great trails to take your dogs on, please respect the trails that don’t allow dogs in efforts to protect and conserve the local Bighorn Sheep population. 


Article provided by Visit Greater Palm Springs.com

Image provided by Canva

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