Tips for Hiking With Your Dog

• Start small. You will have a good idea about your dog’s endurance, however, your first hike should be less than 3 miles.
• Bring plenty of water and treats for your dog.
• Carry Poop Bags and clean up after your dog.
• Make sure you know trail etiquette.
• Bring a first aid kit.
• If hiking where it’s okay for your dog to be off leash make sure they have 100% recall.
• Double-check if dogs are allowed on the trail you are planning to hike. A lot of National parks and California State parks don’t allow dogs on any unpaved trails.

Start Small

Before heading out on a big hike, take your dog on a few smaller hikes and see if they like it. Ideally, you should incorporate a little incline to see how they do. Things like the breed of dog and the weather can really affect their hike.

Bring Water & Treats

Dogs can overheat quickly on the trail even when the weather is mild so be sure and offer them plenty of water. Dogs don’t sweat like humans and panting is their way of cooling off. If the weather is warm offer your dog water every 15 minutes.

Pet Waste

People not cleaning up after their dogs is one of the reasons dogs are being banned from trails. Even worse than not cleaning up is when an owner bags poop and leaves it on the side of the trail. Bag your pet’s waste and dispose of it properly.

Trail Etiquette

Hikers going uphill have the right of way and should yield to hikers coming downhill. Everyone needs to yield for horses and mountain bikers need to yield for everyone. In a perfect world, your dog should scoot off the trail and let other hikers pass.

First Aid Kit

My first aid kit also has supplies for my dog in case I need them. I have Benadryl for a bee sting, gauze to wrap up a leg, and a pair of infant socks that I can duct tape to my dog’s leg in case she hurts a paw.

Off-Leash

There are a lot of places in the Sierras that allow dogs to be off-leash, however, dogs need to be under voice command. This means your dog needs to have a really good recall. Fellow hikers don’t want your dog running up to them or jumping on them.

Is Your Location Dog-friendly?

Some states are more restrictive and depending on where you live there are different rules as to where your dog is allowed. I took my dogs to Death Valley National Park and the only place they were allowed to hike was on a 4-wheel drive truck road that was hot and had no shade. They would have been happier at home.

Always Ready to Hike

The best part of having a dog that likes to hike is I always have the perfect companion ready to go. With a little bit of training and planning your dog can be the perfect hiking companion too.

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Location:

Mt Hillyer is located in Angeles National Forest. From the 210 W exit CA-2 (Angeles Crest Highway) Approximately 30 miles up CA 2 you will see the sign for Chilao Campground. Instead of heading to the campground continue straight for ¾ of a mile past a boarded-up visitor center. About ¼ mile past the visitor center is a small parking area. There is a sign for the Silver Moccasin Trail to Horse Flats Campground.

Mileage:

Starting from the Chilao trailhead the roundtrip is a little over 6 miles. 

Difficulty:

As far as a peak goes this is an easy trail, however, it is rated as moderate on All Trails. There is some elevation gain in the first mile. It levels off at Horse Flats. Some reviews stated that from the Horse Flats campground you should go counter-clockwise because then you will be walking on the paved section of the trail on the way up instead of the sandy and loose rocks trail. 

Dog Friendly:

The hike to Mt Hillyer is extremely dog friendly. We only saw one other dog and very few people. Because we did this hike as a loop we chose to use a trowel and bury the poop. The morning we hiked it was very cold, but if you hike in the summer there is very little shade and no water so plan accordingly for your dog. 

Trail Details: Silver Moccasin Trail

Chilao to MT Hillyer is in Angeles National Forest so you need to hang up your Adventure Pass before leaving your car. You can either buy an annual or daily pass at Big 5 or REI and at visitor centers if they are open. We started our hike on the Silver Moccasin Trail for the first mile. This part of the trail is a little steep.

Horseflat Trail

Horseflat Camp is where the loop to Mt. Hillyer begins and it is 2 miles from the sign. We went clockwise. There are some steep, loose sand areas on the way up. The highlight of this section is the giant boulders. There was a group set up with their foam mats and they were practicing rock climbing.

Mt Hillyer

After you have hiked 2 3/4 miles be on the lookout for a small trail leading up because this is the way to the peak of Mt Hillyer. Thankfully, I had downloaded the map from Alltrails so I was able to follow that. There is not a sign or survey marker to let you know you made it to the top and furthermore, there’s not much of a view. When we got to the top it was freezing. The temperature was in the ’30s, but the wind was howling and it made it feel so much colder.

Returning to the Chilao

We could have turned around and gone back the same we had come up, but we continued the loop. At Rosenita Saddle we left the dirt trail for the paved road that lead to Horseflat Campground. After walking through the campground we completed the loop and returned back to the car via the Silver Moccasin Trail.

Final Thoughts About Chilao to Mt Hillyer

This is an easy hike as far as peaks go. It’s good for dogs because we only saw two other groups of people the whole morning. This hike is probably better suited for Spring or Fall because there’s not much shade and I can imagine roasting on the trail in the summer.

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Mileage

The hiking trail for Stoddard Peak is an out-and-back trail. Depending on which parking lot you park in, the trail is almost 6 miles. 

Difficulty 

Hiking to Stoddard Peak is rated as moderate. The first part of the trail is actually pretty easy. You will be walking up a fire road that has a moderate incline. It isn’t until the last ½ mile that it gets steep and you need to do some rock scrambling. 

Location 

Head towards Mt. Baldy on Mt Baldy Rd about 1 ½ mile before the village of Mt Baldy be on the lookout for a sign for Barrett-Stoddard Road. The sign is on the right side of the road if you are heading up the mountain. Follow the road down to a small parking lot. There are trash cans, but no bathrooms. An adventure pass to park in the lot. Adventure passes can be bought annually or as a day pass and can be found at places like REI and Big 5. 

Dog Friendly 

Good news for your furry friends. Dogs can join you while you’re hiking to Stoddard Peak. The first part of the hike is on a road that passes many private homes and cabins so be sure your dog is on a leash. 

Trail Details 

From the parking lot head down the fire road towards the power station. Walk past the sign that says that this is a private driveway. The sign is for vehicles only hikers are allowed to use the road. At about 1 mile you will need to walk around a closed gate, again this is for cars and not hikers.

After you have hiked about 2 ½ miles be on the lookout for a trail on the right that leads up. This is where the trail gets steep. The trail has a lot of loose dirt and bushes that poke. When you get to the top you will see a summit, but it’s a false summit. Continue on the trail. At times there are multiple trails and some rock scrambling is necessary. At about 3 miles you reach the metal triangle sign that denotes Stoddard Peak. I’ve been there when there was a wooden trail sign and other times it’s missing. There is an old ammo box that has a register to sign in. There are a few boulders to sit on before you return. 

For the return trip just follow the same trail back. Make sure and take in the views of the local peaks. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Saddleback Mountain. On the hike back you will have views of Sunset Peak and Mt Baldy. Hiking to Stoddard Peak is especially nice in the spring with all the wildflowers in bloom.

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Tip #1 Conditioning

Start small. Dogs, just like people, need to build up their strength and endurance. It’s not a good idea to start off with a 10-mile hike. If you are already walking your dog every day then a 2-3 mile hike would be a good place to start. I walk Jinx 5 miles a day and her first big hike was 5 miles. At any time during the hike, I was ready to turn around if it looked like it was too much for her, but she loved it.  

Tip #2 Paws

Be mindful of your dog’s paws. Your frequent daily walks before you take your dog hiking not only build up their endurance but it will help to toughen up their paws. In summer you need to be aware of how hot the ground is and in winter of snow and ice. Some people suggest booties for your dog but check with your veterinarian first. Booties for a long hike when it’s warm is probably not a good idea because dogs sweat through glands in their paws. Booties can cause them to overheat. I always have a container of Musher’s Wax in my backpack. This wax can be used to coat their paws if they are walking on a lot of snow or ice or I’ve even used it to massage Jinx’s rough paws after a really long hike. 

Tip #3 Water & Food

A good rule of thumb is if you are thirsty so is your dog. You need to bring plenty of water for both you and your dog and a lightweight water bowl. A water filter is a great idea if you are hiking in a place where you can filter water. Your dog shouldn’t be drinking unfiltered water. I’m guilty of letting Jinx drink unfiltered water and twice it has been a problem. She got sick. You know your dog best, but dogs are just as susceptible to bacteria in untreated water as we are. As far as food goes, bring snacks. Your dog is using a lot of energy hiking so they may need some extra calories. Jinx rarely eats breakfast when she first gets up so I bring her breakfast and plenty of treats. 

Tip #4 Vaccines and Flea & Tick Meds 

Check with your veterinarian and make sure your dogs are up-to-date on their vaccines. Fleas and ticks can make your dog miserable. Here in Southern California, we have both, therefore Jinx takes a monthly oral medication. We found out the hard way that she is allergic to fleas. I also carry a tick pick in my backpack and as soon as we get home I give her a thorough once-over looking for any ticks. 

Tip #5 First Aid 

Hopefully, you’ll never need to provide first aid for your dog, but it’s better to be prepared. I carry a normal first aid kit in my backpack. I can use the gauze inside to wrap a wound or cover a paw. I also have duct tape. The tape can go over the top of the gauze to hold it in place. In addition, I have a pair of baby socks that I can put over the gauze and then put the duct over the top to hold it in place. In case of an allergic reaction, I carry Benadryl for myself but talk to your veterinarian because dogs can also take it. 

Tip # 6 Poop

Everyone poops, but nobody wants to see dog poop in nature. You have two choices: to bag it or bury it. Bagging is fine as long as you actually carry it out to a trash can. Nothing is worse than seeing old poop bags littering the trail. I assume hikers think they will pick it up on their way out, but they often forget. I carry a lightweight titanium trowel. I dig a hole and bury the poop, that way I don’t have to worry about finding a trash can for the poop bag. 

Tip # 7 Heat 

Jinx is an all-black dog and on a hot sunny day, she will overheat quickly. First, if it’s going to be over 80 degrees without any shade she has to stay home. Last summer I took her backpacking and I knew the first 2 miles would be hot and no shade. The second part of the trail was shaded and next to a creek. I was worried about her overheating before we got to the creek so I bought her a cooling vest. It is a light color and I soak it in water before putting it on her. The vest retains moisture and helps her stay cool. We took breaks and I encouraged her to rest in the shade on the way up the mountain. 

Tip #8 Off-leash 

Off-leash is a sensitive topic for many dog owners and hikers. The entire first year I hiked with Jinx she was always on her leash. I bought a hands-free bungee leash that goes around my waist. Year number 2 I started letting her off her leash on some hikes. However, it’s vital for me to say that Jinx has 100% voice recall. If I see people or other animals I call her and she returns for me to put her leash on. If your dog doesn’t have good recall, this might not work for you. Even if hikers like dogs they don’t want your dog jumping on them. Regardless of whether your dog is on or off leash, they should be wearing identification preferably with your cell phone number. Microchipping is great, but a tag with a collar is extremely helpful.  

Tip # 9 Exhaustion 

Dogs love to please their humans and they will continue to hike because you do. Keep a close eye on your dog for signs of fatigue. Some signs to look for are wanting to lay down, foaming at the mouth, or excessive panting. Make sure to allow them sufficient rest and water and be prepared to turn back.  

Tip #10 Have Fun 

Hitting the trails with your dog is a great bonding activity for you and your dog. Hiking not only provides your dog with exercise but also stimulates their brains from the new smells and sights. Have fun and enjoy the benefits of being outside and enjoying nature with your best friend. 

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The Details

Trailhead: West Foothill Parkway, just past Trudy in Corona

Parking: Parking is free along West Foothill Parkway

Length: 12 miles round trip to the Doppler from Foothill 

Elevation Gain: 2,337 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Total time: 4-5 hours

Dogs: Yes on a leash

Water: There is a refillable water station at the trailhead.

Parking

When you hike to the Doppler you want to park on West Foothill Parkway. You will see the cars parked on the curb and they have all headed to the same place as you are going. Parking is free. Do not park in the neighborhood, because you will either get a ticket or have your car towed. There are signs on every street stating that parking is for permitted residents only. 

Starting the Hike 

On West Foothill Parkway there is a sign for the Skyline Trail and this is where you want to start in order to hike to the Doppler. The first part of the trail is paved and it is directly behind houses. Signs along the way ask that users of the trail respect the neighbors and keep their volumes low. There is a place to refill water bottles at the beginning of the trail and there are several trash cans. After you pass the houses the trail changes to a wide dirt track. At about ¾ of a mile, you will come to a giant map showing all the different hiking trails in the area. If you want to hike to the Doppler you will need to veer right and head up the fire road. 

The Fire Road to the Doppler

Hiking the Fire Road to the Doppler is a constant uphill. You will be sharing the trail with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. The day we hiked we saw 3 cars on the trail, but I don’t think that is the norm, because the gate at the bottom is locked. The trail consists of one switchback after the other. If it’s a clear day it doesn’t take long to have views of the Inland Empire. We were able to see the city of Corona, Blue Mountain, Mt. Jurupa, Box Springs Mountain, and Mt. Baldy.  

Beware of the Heat

You should not plan to hike to the Doppler Ball if it is hot outside. There is no shade at all. This is a hike that calls for a hat and sunscreen. If it is warm, bring a lot of water. There is nowhere to refill your water once you start up the fire road.

Hiking in the Rain

Unfortunately, the day we hiked we had the opposite problem. It was cloudy and it rained. Sally and I had both checked the weather forecast the night before and no rain was predicted. About 4 miles into the hike it started to rain and at first, it was light, but at times, it really came down. Sally had a rain jacket in her backpack, but I didn’t. The weather was only 60 degrees, but by the time we had finished the hike and made it back to the car I was completely drenched and cold to my core. During one of the heavier downpours I tried to shelter under a bush and I looked in my backpack and found my emergency space blanket in case I needed to wrap it around myself.

I always bring a backpack and I usually have all of my 10 essentials, because I never know when I will need them. Needless to say, my raincoat is going back in my backpack. Every hiker should have the following with them:

Ten Essentials For Hiking 

1. Appropriate footwear: I always fear for the people I see sliding down the hill in their Vans or Converse or worse yet flip-flops. 
2. Maps/Compass/GPS: Cell phones are a great tool, but 9 times out of 10 I don’t have service. Furthermore, living in Southern California I need to be able to find another route off the mountain in the case of a forest fire. 
3. Water: A good rule of thumb is to plan for ½ liter of water for every hour you’ll be hiking for moderate and strenuous hikes. For long hikes, I also bring a filter if I think there might be a water source that I can filter from. 
4. Food: Bring calorie-dense snacks. I always have emergency protein bars or wrapped snacks in my backpack in case something happens and I have to spend the night in the woods. 
5. Rain Gear: – fast drying layers: Although it rarely rains in California I can attest to how miserable it is to hike in the rain without a jacket. Moisture-wicking clothes are key to being happier. I keep a pair of gloves and a beanie in my backpack as well. 
6. Safety Items: A light, matches, and a whistle. You should have some sort of light in your backpack in case a hike takes longer than expected. I always have a headlight with me. Waterproof matches or something to start a fire and a whistle to call for help. After many years of debating, I bought a Garmin GPS mini. It gives both me and my family a peace of mind that I can call for help even if I don’t have a cell signal. 
7. First Aid Kit: Your kit should have supplies for injuries and illness. My kit also has an epi-pen because I’m allergic to bees. 
8. A Multi-tool or knife: Even though you might think you’ll never use it you might be surprised how often you actually do. 
9. Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. 
10. Shelter: I only have a tent with me when I’m backpacking, but I always have an emergency space blanket in case I need to shelter in place. 

Ruins On The Way To The Doppler

When you are almost to the Doppler ball you will come across two ruins. It looks like two separate shelters, but there was no information about them. All that is left are some stone walls amongst some mature trees that are definitely not native to the area. According to Corona Heritage.org, the ruins are the remains of two cabins that were built in 1930 by Joseph Beek. One cabin was a vacation get-a-way and the other was for the caretaker. Mr. Beek also planted the trees around the ruins and installed a few cisterns to supply the water for them.

The property is still owned by the family, but they stopped using the cabins in the ’80s because it was too hard for them to keep up with the theft and vandals. I saw this location listed on a site about local ghost towns, but I’m not sure if two houses add up to a ghost town.

One Last Push 

After the ruins, it’s about 800 feet of climbing to the Doppler ball. The Doppler ball was “meh.” We took a picture to prove that we were there and looked around for a minute, but the view wasn’t great because of the rain. On a clear day, you can see Catalina, but all we saw were clouds. We went back down to the ruins to eat our lunch. Luckily, it had stopped raining for a few minutes, while we ate. After lunch, we walked the 6 miles back to our car. Of course, it started raining again, and we were drenched and splattered with mud by the time we got to the car.

Final Thoughts 

If I lived in Corona I would use Skyline Drive Trail as a conditioning hike, but I think for me this hike goes in the “one and done category.” I can’t stress this enough, do not plan on hiking here if it is hot or even on a warm day with full sun, because you will roast. 

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Shoreline Inn 

Nicole, Jinx, and I met our friends at the Shoreline Inn in Cayucos for a New Years’ Eve getaway. The Shoreline Inn is beachfront. All the rooms have views of the ocean and pier. As an added bonus they are pet-friendly. Our room was downstairs with a sliding door that opens onto a grassy area and the beach. We had two Adirondack chairs outside our room to enjoy the view. Inside we had 2 double beds, a coffee maker, a mini-refrigerator, and a microwave. The downstairs rooms are going to be refreshed in the winter of 2022. The rates are pricey, however, the Shoreline Inn is the only beachfront hotel in the area and we loved being able to walk everywhere.

Cayucos is Pet Friendly

Our room at Shoreline Inn allowed dogs. We paid a $40 pet fee and they provided a water bowl for the room, two sheets to cover the beds and a pet towel to dry off those wet paws. There are a few grassy areas with potty bags for late-night potty breaks. On the beach we saw lots of dogs, some were leashed and some were not. Depending on the tide the beach can be wide and there is plenty of room to play ball or fetch sticks. We took Jinx into a few antique stores that welcomed dogs and we sat on a few patios with her as well. A Cayucos getaway is ideal if you want to bring your 4-legged friend with you.

The Beach in Cayucos 

When the tide was low we took long walks on the beach. Jinx chased after sticks and Nicole and I looked for shells and sea glass. I only found one piece of sea glass. Nicole found a few shells, but the rocks were the real stars of the beach. We found small rocks with variegated stripes runny through them. While the tide was out we explored a few tidepools. We saw one big seastar, loads of sea anemones, muscles, and a few crabs. Even though it was a chilly day there were lots of people playing games on the beach or out walking their dogs. 

Polar Bear Dip 

On New Year’s day at noon was the 42nd annual Polar Bear Dip. After eating breakfast we stood on the boardwalk and watched the proceedings. People started to gather on the beach in all sorts of costumes. We saw inflatable dinosaurs, lots of Care Bears, mermaids & mermen, sharks, an entire school of jellyfish, and even a leprechaun. You name it and we saw it. There was a drum circle getting everyone hyped up. Out in the ocean past the wave break was a Coast Guard boat and a few jet skiers in case anyone needed to be rescued. The countdown started and at exactly noon hundreds of revelers dove into the cold Pacific to start off the New Year. This annual event is a fundraiser and the Chamber of Commerce was selling official shirts designed by a local elementary school student. Most people came out of the water just as quickly as they had gone in and soon were on their way to ring in the New Year. 

Coffee in Cayucos

We tried a few different places for coffee during our stay. The first was Bijou Bakery. It is located on the Cass House property, but its address is 222 North Ocean Ave. We ordered at the window and then sat in their newly opened outdoor area. The seating area looks like a beautiful veranda from a Southern home. I had a delicious latte and a lemon scone with a side of whipped French Butter. Both were very good. Nicole had coffee and an almond croissant. I could see the flakes floating off of her croissant so I imagine the chef has a french pastry background. They have quiche and avocado toast on the menu so I’ll have to try that next time. 

On another morning we stopped at Cayucos Coffee. This time instead of coffee we tried Maca Cocoa Jade. This is a hot drink that has Matcha maca, raw cacao, and cacao. It is mixed with milk and a bit of honey. The matcha and cocoa balance each other out and the drink isn’t overly sweet. 

The morning we left Cayucos we stopped on the way home at Top Dog Coffee in Morro Bay. Morro Bay is about 8 miles from Cayucos and we could see the iconic Morro Rock from the beach. Top Dog serves coffee, beer, kombucha, and food. They have an inviting secret garden and they are a coffee shop that gives back. Supporting Veterans and First Responders with PTSD and incarcerated men from the local prison. In addition to all of that, they allow dogs on their patio I had a delicious caramel latte and Nicole had an Ube IPA there.

Brunch in Cayucos

On New Year’s Day, we ate at Hidden Kitchen for brunch. We ordered at their take-out window and then sat on their beachfront patio because they allow dogs outside. We ordered coffee and the San Luis Sunrise which is free-range eggs, bacon ends, avocado, and HK sauce all served atop a blue-corn waffle. The coffee is self-serve and they have a collection of mismatched cups. We picked a table on the patio and a waiter brought out our food when it was ready. The waffle was savory and the egg and avocado were tasty, however, I wasn’t prepared for the amount of bacon ends they put on it. I would eat at Hidden Kitchen again, but I would try something different. 

Gas Station Tacos  

Hands down the best food that we had on our entire trip came from a corner of a gas station at Cayucos Gas Mini Mart. The sign painted on the building says Cayucos “Deli Mexican Food Hamburger & Bakery.” We found them on Yelp and we were warned they close at 5:00 p.m. Nicole and I walked over around 4:30 p.m. and ordered our food to go. I got a chicken burrito and Nicole tried their street tacos. We brought our dinner back to the beach and watched the sunset while we ate. The burrito is huge! Nicole said the tacos were amazing and their hot sauce is so good with the red being really spicy. We liked our dinner so much that we also ordered food from there on New Year’s Eve I had chicken nachos and Nicole had street tacos for a second time. Both nights our food was fresh, hot, tasty and really good. I highly recommend Cayucos Deli.

Warm Cookies in Cayucos

Brown Butter Cookie Company’s flagship store is located in Cayucos. They are open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. We visited during COVID so they have a walk-up window and they have the ordering all set up to be contactless. Nicole and I decided we should try their namesake cookie first. We ordered a 3 pack of the original Brown Butter Sea Salt Cookie for $4.00 and we tried two of the Classic Cookies in lemon and chocolate chunk. The Classic Cookies are $2.75 each. Both Nicole and I decided we like the classic cookies better than the original. We went back the next day and tried Ginger Molasses and that was my favorite flavor that we tried.

A Fun Getaway

Nicole and I had a relaxing time in Cayucos. There are some cute antique shops, some fantastic Mexican food, and plenty of beach time. If you are looking for a dog-friendly beach getaway Cayucos might your ideal destination.

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Two things dominate the iconic view when you are downtown. The first is Morro Rock which resides in the middle of the bay and the second is the smokestacks from an old power plant. The plant stopped operation in 2014 and the city just voted to permanently remove the smokestacks. 

Walking the Embarcardaro in Morro Bay

We arrived in Morro Bay around 11:00 am on a Sunday morning and we headed towards the Embarcadero. It was early enough that we were able to find plenty of free street parking with a 3-hour time limit. It was a little too early for lunch so we took a walk. We poked our heads in a few stores. The highlight was The Garden Gallery. They have an amazing collection of succulents and native plants along with unique pottery for sale.

 Along the Embarcadero there is also public access to the waterfront. We could hear the deep barking of elephant seals so we headed to the waterfront to look for them. They were basking on a floating dock anchored out in the bay. While we were watching the elephant seals we also noticed otters going back and forth. They looked like they were hard at work, maybe looking for lunch. 

Lunch in Morro Bay

For lunch, we got in line at Giovanni’s Fish Market. It’s located directly on the wharf at 1001 Front St. You order at the window and they give you a buzzer to come collect your food when it’s ready. I checked in with Yelp and got a complimentary cup of clam chowder and I ordered the halibut & chips with an 805 ale. Nicole ordered 6 oysters on the half shell, a Bluefin Wasabi Sando, and an 805. The patio seating is waterfront and part of it is covered with a net to keep out the seagulls. We sat at a picnic table with an umbrella and took our chances with gulls trying to steal my chips. The food was excellent. Everything was hot and fresh and the view was outstanding. 

Coffee for a Cause

After lunch, we walked up a tiny hill to the actual downtown of Morro Bay to Top Dog Coffee Bar. We had our dog Jinx with us so we were interested in supporting dog-friendly businesses. Top Dog serves coffee and food, but they also have beers and kombucha on tap. They have an amazing secret garden in the back where you can enjoy your drinks and food. The garden has little nooks with comfy furniture to sit on and they have water bowls set out for the dogs. 

This coffee shop is all about giving back. Inmates make art for proceeds to support K9 rescue programs. Portions of coffee sales go to support therapy dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD. I had a caramel latte and Nicole tried Ube IPA. Her beer was an amazing violet color. While we were enjoying our drinks the owner came out to talk about the IPA and his rescue dogs. He brought us out a sample of a blood orange beer he had on tap and it was really good. Top Dog is a very welcoming place to hang out with or without a dog.

Outdoor Activities

Nicole and I didn’t get a chance to partake in any outdoor activities but we saw plenty of options for our next visit. On the Embarcadero we saw boats advertising whale and dolphin viewing trips. There are places to rent kayaks or stand-up paddle boards and we saw a few people kayaking through the bay. Furthermore, Alltrails lists some local hiking trails or you can explore Morro Rock.

Planning a Future Trip to Morro Bay

Because Morro Bay has beautiful weather, yummy food, and drink, and all kinds of different activities I will definitely be going back. Its relativity close proximity to Los Angeles makes it a fun weekend destination.

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The Nitty-gritty Details

The Long Beach location is only open on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There isn’t a phone number to call, you just show up. Jerry’s website is updated on Thursday mornings so check it out before driving there. Really, just show up rain or shine and he’ll be there. You need to bring a chair, a leash, water, and cash. The sheepherding lesson is $50 and it is cash only. Any dog can try to herd and they do not need to have the experience to try it.

Directions

Good luck, I suggest you check Jerry’s website and look at the map. He has posted pictures of how to find him. I think the first time trying to find the ring is the hardest. I can’t find an address to put into a GPS, but we just used the pictures as a guide.

From: The 710 S/Long Beach exit Del Almo Blvd. Head East on Del Almo Blvd. Immediately turn right at the unmarked driveway right under the SCE power lines. The corral is sandwiched between the 710 freeway and the LA River. There is plenty of parking.

Signing a Waiver for Sheepherding

The first time you show up to train you need to sign a waiver. Basically, you can’t hold Jerry liable for anything that happens in the ring. Furthermore, you are financially responsible if your dog harms his sheep. We signed the waiver and paid our training fee.

First Time in The Ring

The first time in the ring is to let your dog get used to the smells, the sheep, and having the freedom of being off-leash. When it was our turn Jinx and I stood on one side of the ring with her leash on and Jerry stood on the other side. When he was ready he told me to let her off leash and for me to walk over to him. My job, while I was in the ring, was to walk next to him. He is training the owners as well as the dogs. The first time he is watching to see how they react and their instincts. We walked around the ring and in between the fences in the middle. Jinx did a little chasing and a whole lot of sniffing. Her best doggie friend “Kona” was on the other side of the fence cheering her on. When Jinx did something Jerry liked he gave her lots of positive verbal praise. Our first round was probably only 10 minutes and then we came out and got water and let Jinx cool off.

Second Time in The Ring

Kona took her second turn before Jinx. At first, she didn’t realize what her job was, so Jerry went and got one of his dogs. Once the other dog was in the ring herding the sheep it was like a light bulb went on and Kona knew what to do. She ran around and herded the sheep. After she came out it was Jinx’s turn. As soon as I let her go she immediately started herding. There’s a difference between chasing the sheep out of prey instinct and actually herding. Jinx was a natural and she only got in trouble one time for growling at the sheep. Barking is okay, but growling or biting is not. Jinx’s turn was over when Jerry thought she had done enough. You are paying for training and not for time. He will spend as much time with you as he thinks your dog can handle.

Cooling Off

The day we were in Long Beach it was over 80 degrees even though it was at the beginning of April. After the dogs come out of the rink Jerry likes them to jump into a kiddie pool he filled up with water which helps them cool off. After our turn, Jerry told us how he thought our dogs did and what we can expect the next time we train with him. The goal will be for Jerry to be on the outside of the ring and just Jinx and myself inside the ring with the shepherd’s crook.

Should You Try Sheepherding?

I had a feeling Jinx would like to herd sheep, but I was a little nervous for her to try it. We had a great time and the experience wore both dogs out. They did a lot of running and a lot of sniffing. I would go back more often, however, Thursday on a work week and traffic to Long Beach will make that tough. If you think that your dog has any herding instinct then I would for sure give it a try. Jerry is a gem and he has a great rapport with the dogs. Jinx is standoffish and she even gave Jerry a kiss on his hand. If you are anywhere near Long Beach, California on Thursday afternoon you should stop by.

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The Hike Details

We followed the directions from Alltrails. This hike to Teepee trail is 5.1 miles roundtrip and it is listed as easy, however, this rating is open for debate. The hike gains over 1,000 feet in elevation and it feels like a steady uphill. We hiked on a wide fire road the entire time so in that sense, it is easy, however, because of the elevation gain I rate this trail on the upper end of easy.

Starting Our Hike

To start the hike to Teepee Trail we had to cross Highway 2 and walk past the Ranger Station. Just past their main buildings is a closed gate to keep out cars and a signpost. Following this trail, we could have continued on to Grizzly Flats and Mt. Lukens. Once you pass the gate it’s just up, up, and up on the fire road. At about the 1-mile mark there is a nice bench with a view of Glendale and Los Angeles. On a clear day you would be able to see the ocean, but the day we were there it was hazy. Be sure and wear a hat, put on sunscreen, and bring water, because there is little to no shade for the entire hike.

Turn Left at the Mailbox

If your final destination is the teepee and not Mt. Luken then at a little over the 2-mile mark look for the mailbox on the left side of the trail. There is a chain across the trail to keep vehicles from entering, but hikers can walk past the chain and continue on the trail. This portion of the trail is private property, but the owner is allowing hikers on the trail. From the mailbox, there is a loop and we went counter-clockwise.

Beware of Bees

Following the trail, we saw signs warning of bee crossings. I appreciate the sign, because I’m allergic to bees, but since it was still winter I figured I would be good. We saw stacks of hives off to the side of the trail, but we didn’t get close because I didn’t want to tempt fate and the hives are behind a barbed-wire fence.

Lavender Fields

Just past the bee hives is a patch of lavender. The lavender looks beautiful, but I couldn’t really smell anything, however, I saw a few bees so maybe that’s where they were getting pollen from.

Rock Labyrinth

After passing the lavender patch there is a small opening that will take you to the rock labyrinth. We missed the opening the first time and we had to walk back around the loop a second time to look for it. It is a small labyrinth, but we followed the path and tried to concentrate on some mindfulness.

The Teepee

After the labyrinth, the teepee is up a small trail to the left. The day we were there it was just the poles in a conical shape. The teepee covering was taken down. There is a nice view of Glendale and the ocean on a clear day. I was also able to spot the top of Mt. Lukens because there are a lot of antennas on top. We sat down next to the teepee and gave the dogs some water. It was about 60 degrees and a beautiful day.

Heading Back Down

After taking a break and rehydrating it was time to head back down. Although this trail is rated as easy and it is a fire road there is some loose gravel and it is steep in parts so make sure and watch your step. We saw a few mountain bikers and only 2 other hikers the entire day. This trail was perfect for social distancing and dogs are allowed, however, there are no bathrooms or trash cans.

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Huntington Beach Dog Beach is located between Goldenwest and Seapoint Streets. The physical address for your GPS is 20211, Huntington Beach Bike Trail, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Parking

Dog Beach Hours

Huntington Beach Dog Beach is open from 6 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. 365 days a year. There are two lots along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for the dog beach. These lots have multiple electronic parking meters. The meters are solar powered and they accept Visa/Mastercard and coins. It cost $2 an hour to park and the meter prints out a receipt for your dashboard.

Heading Down to the Beach

After paying for parking it is a short walk down to the beach. There is a paved path that leads to the sand. On the weekends The Preservation Society of Huntington Dog Beach sets up an easy-up to sell merchandise. The preservation Society is a non-profit and they accept donations. Donations help provide safe, clean, dog-friendly beach access and are tax-deductible.

Playtime

The Huntington Dog Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of sand next to the bluffs between Goldenwest and Seapoint streets. Dogs are allowed off-leash. There is plenty of room to run and chase a ball or a frisbee and adventurous dogs can take a romp in the ocean. Pet owners are responsible for watching their own dogs and cleaning up after them. There are poop bags on the way down to the beach and plenty of trashcans.

Should I Let My Dog Off-leash?

If you are nervous about letting your dog off leash then maybe try and go on a weekday instead of a weekend. Your dog should have a good recall before you go on a busy Saturday. In general, it is easier for you and your dog if they are off-leash. A leashed dog feels more protective of its owner and might act more aggressively towards other dogs.

Exhausted Dogs

When we leave the dog beach our dogs are always exhausted. They wear themselves out running, chasing, and playing. Make sure to bring extra water for them, because they will need a drink after all that playing and you don’t want them drinking the salt water. Huntington Dog Beach is one of few places where dogs can run off-leash, act like dogs and have a good time.

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