Great Dog Friendly Hikes In The Palm Springs Area

Right near the top of favourite activities for Paulette and I during our current 5 month stay here in Desert Hot Springs would have to be the desert hikes we have taken.  I’m absolutely sure that these hikes are right at the top of Molly and Rylie’s list too – they love them!  Great hiking trails are one of the most common questions I get when RV’ers visit here too – especially if you want to take dogs along. 

So, in no particular order, here are just a few of the desert hikes we’ve been on this past winter.  All of these hikes are fairly easy.  I’ve included a paragraph or two from each of the blogs about these hikes.

Hiking The Araby Trail To The Bob Hope Estate

Paulette and I hiked this trail way back at the end of November.  It was a fairly strenuous hike in part with strenuous inclines.  It was worth it though as we got a good workout, some terrific views and a close-up look at one of the iconic homes in Palm Springs – Bob Hope’s former house and property.  The Hope Estate offers sweeping views of the entire Coachella Valley from Palm Springs in the west all the way out past Indio to the east.

Secret Staircase And Hidden Palms

The Hidden Palms Hiking Trail is located near the Thousand Palms Oasis in the Coachella Preserve.

Thousand Palms is a huge visitor attraction but doesn’t allow dogs.  Luckily, the Pushawalla trail to Hidden Palms begins across the street and to the east of the preserve parking lot and that’s where I was going.

At the top, the mesa offered an incredible view of the entire Coachella Valley.  Looking south, signs pointed to Hidden Palms but all I could see was desert for miles in all directions with not a Palm Tree is sight.

The ‘Sheep Hole Oasis’

High on the ridge, with great 360 degree views, we thought this made a perfect spot to sit on the rocks and have lunch.  For the next half hour we just looked out at the mountains, the blue skies and the trails and paths winding down the canyon to the oasis.  After lunch, we decided to save the hike down to the oasis for another day and we began the trek back down to our truck.

The Palm Springs Museum Hiking Trail

This is a very popular hike here in Palm Springs especially for dog owners as so many mountain trails don’t allow dogs because of the presence of Big Horn Sheep.  We probably met 2 dozen people on the hike and about a dozen dogs as well.

The hikes shown above are only some of the ones Paulette and I have taken while here this winter.  There are a lot of other good ones as well but I’ll have to get a bit more organized and enthused about digging them all out.  Right now, I’m spending too much time just laying in the sun, swimming, golfing and eating way too much good food!

Have a great Sunday, and thanks again for visiting!

"Welcome to Brewville" dog-friendly Christmas evening in Abita Springs

On Saturday we drove over to Abita Springs, about 40 minutes west of Pearl River County, to relax and enjoy good local beer and some munchies.

Abita Springs December. Image by Pearl River County Dogs 2012

We were able to get my favorite spot on the Abita Brew Pub pet-friendly patio out front. We met some nice folks there including our server who has helped us before. The weather was perfect and the Christmas lights in the live oak were really pretty. Only one cat came by and I growled low in my chest.  Sometimes they are several cats roaming around, but I just sit in my chair on my blankie.

Abita Springs December. Image by Pearl River County Dogs 2012

At 6:00 p.m. the Abita Springs Christmas light and music show started. Its a really fun spot and although we could watch it from the patio, we later moved over the Museum to get a closer look.

Abita Springs December. Image by Pearl River County Dogs 2012

We saw Elfvis.

Abita Springs December. Image by Pearl River County Dogs 2012

We also saw the Kringles!

Abita Springs December. Image by Pearl River County Dogs 2012

We really liked the display which read: Welcome to Brewville.

Abita Springs December. Image by Pearl River County Dogs 2012

I saw another good leashed pup enjoying the show with his huamns.

Woof!

All images and text copyright Pearl River County Dogs, 2012

About these ads

Dog Friendly Steamboat Springs

Dog friendly Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs, Colorado has a reputation for being one of the most dog-friendly little towns in the nation.  That’s excellent news if you’re planning a visit with your four-legged best friend. When beginning a new adventure with your pooch, it’s usually best to take a look around beforehand to see what kinds of activities, lodging and emergency care is available.  Keep reading to make planning your K-9 adventure a breeze.

Dog-Friendly Activities in Steamboat Springs:  Being a town with such an adventurous spirit, you would expect that there would be loads of dog-friendly activities in and around town.  Well, you won’t be disappointed.  The City of Steamboat Springs has a really nice trail network located within its boundaries, however, please be aware that the City does enforce leash laws within the Steamboat Springs city limits.  If it’s an off-leash dog park you want, we’ve got those too.  And, If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, contact the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association or the Steamboat Springs District of the Colorado Forest Service for more dog-friendly hiking trail information.

Dog-Friendly Hotels and Lodging:  Our community of dog lovers welcomes visitors and their dogs with open arms. For a fairly comprehensive list of local lodging properties that will consider your pet, please click here.  If you plan on staying out of town a bit, one excellent option is the Columbine Cabins. Located about 30 miles north of Steamboat Springs in Clark, Colorado, they offer accommodations to dogs (and you, too!) and easy access to hiking in the surrounding Routt National Forest.

Veterinary and Emergency Services: Ok, so this isn’t very much fun to think about, but it’s best to be prepared, just in case.  From a little upset stomach to a tangle in the bushes with a not so friendly porcupine, Steamboat Springs is home to an exceptional group of veterinary service providers who have seen and can handle pretty much anything.  Click here for a list.

Regardless of the reason for your visit, be safe and have fun!  We look forward to seeing both you and your dog in Steamboat soon!

A Dog-Friendly Visit to Ocean Springs, Mississippi in Jackson County.

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

A recent jaunt to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, one of Mississippi’s dog-friendly coastal counties, was fun and relaxing for Pearl River County Dogs. This lovely little park near the Train Depot/Chamber of Commerce is a nice, shady spot for  a break from the heat. The live oaks are beautiful.

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

The gazebo provides a good lookout for little dogs.

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

This doxie checks out the flowers that smelled so good, he could not resist. But he didn’t pick any! Good dog.

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

Feeling hungry and pooches in tow? Check out one of our favorites: Tom’s Extreme Pizza. Just across from the Train Depot.

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

The pizza is great and the beer is cold. Try a Mississippi local brewery Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan. Yummy!

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

Afterwards you may be up for some pup-friendly shopping. Check out Two Dogs Dancing!

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

While we were shopping, this pup and his Mom were trying out a dog stroller to buy.

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

We bought some garden flags with doxies on them!  Stop by even if your dog just has the munchies and needs a treat!

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

Just past Two Dogs Dancing, a few blocks away, is the dog-friendly beach. Ocean Springs is located in Jackson County, on Mississippi’s East Coast, which has dog-friendly beaches just like Hancock County, MS, on Mississippi’s West Coast.

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

Help us keep these beautiful beaches clean and dog-friendly by cleaning up after your dog, keeping them restrained, and not letting your dog approach other guests or dogs unless invited.

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

A suggested doggie beach day bag would include water, water bowl, snack, sun protection or shaded option, beach toy, life jacket (when necessary), doggie poo bags, and of course id tags and leash. In addition a towel to dry wet/sandy feet, and a towel or beach mat to sit on.

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

You can take a walk or sit and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach with your pups!

Did you know you can actually see the Margaritaville Restaurant and Casino from this beach? The have an outside area near the water with a bar, volleyball and entertainment area, but I don’t think dogs are allowed, even though I an told you can access it from outside or via boat? Will have to check.

When you are leaving the beach, check out this beautiful monument:

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

Up the hill where the bathrooms and picnic tables are located, we were excited to find OUR heritage flag (the Republic of West Florida)-yep it extended all the way over to Pearl River County at one point:

Pearl River County Dogs visit dog-friendly Ocean Springs, MS

We hope you too will have a fun, dog-friendly trip over to Ocean Springs soon! Check out the fresh market at the train depot! Look for Mrs. Bachman and her HOT peppers!

All images and text copyright Pearl River County Dogs, 2013

About these ads