Whatta? Yucca! (Valley that is….) Bahaha! That totally sounds like something I say when Mom gives me medicine 🙂 What’s not funny was our AMAZING Vacation in Dog-Friendly Joshua Tree! My BFF Becky met us and we had so much fun! We were only there 4 night (3 days) but Mom found 7 Dog-Friendly Activities in Joshua Tree and the Yucca Valley area for us to check out…..
Where to go
1. Our AirBnB, The Graham Residence! We had Fantastic Views, amazing Sunrises, a Fire pit and acres to explore… We LOVED IT!
2. Sand to Snow Summit – Looked amazing but we did not venture that far
3. Pipes Canyon – Looked great too but did not go.
4. Pioneer Town & Pappy & Harriets (if patio is open) – The Patio at Pappy and Harriets was closed so we walked around Pioneer Town which is a small “Old West” Set that’s pretty cool for photos! Characters dressed in Period clothing hang out at the little shops and they occasionally perform skits for visitors. Pioneer Town isn’t very big but makes for a fun morning outing.
5. Joshua Tree dog-friendly zones – We loved Joshua Tree so much we went both days! Take layers, a heavy jacket, wind-breakers, hats, water and snacks for humans and pups because once you enter Joshua Tree, hours will fly by while you drive the park to explore and find the perfect gravel road for some light walking. So, pack a lunch and have a picnic. The weather can change from warm and sunny to FREEZING winds very quickly. Mornings are cool and beautiful with plenty of gravel and asphalt roads for doggy walks and photo shoots! Mom wished we went for sunrise but she wanted to sleep in during the cold mornings. I also recommend visiting during late afternoons for a pretty walk an hour or 2 before sunset. The MAGIC happens at Sunset…..WOW! The skies turn Yellow, Orange, Pink, Purple, Magenta (and more) and sets behind picture perfect Joshua Trees. Don’t forget your camera!
Joshua Trees at Sunset
6. Joshua Tree Saloon (Yard) – The patio was closed so we picked up lunch to go at Natural Sisters Cafe which was perfect for a picnic in Joshua Tree! Mom said the soup, smoothie and sandwiches hit the spot.
7. Whitewater Preserve – closed
When to Go……
Winter is the Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree with your Dog
The Desert is much too hot the majority of the year for dog walks, hikes and exploration but, January through early April is usually PERFECT! Consult the forecast beforehand, however, so you are properly prepared.
Joshua Tree may not seem very dog-friendly online but, if you’re content staying on gravel or paved roads then there’s tons of dog-friendly meandering to be had! Dogs are not allowed on hiking paths and cannot be 100 feet away from a road, picnic area or campground. Dogs must also remain on leash and never unattended in cars. These rules are for the health and safety of your dog. The excessive heat, rattlesnakes, coyotes and other wildlife can be very dangerous for your pets. So, plan accordingly and stay alert!
I hope you enjoy my 7 dog-friendly activities in Joshua Tree and the surrounding area and have a fantastic visit! If you find other pawesome dog-friendly activities, please let me know!
Woofs and Hugs!
Scoobs
