Green Acres Ranch

Even if you’ve never been to Joshua Tree National Park or Anza Borrego Desert State Park, you know these two spectacular parcels of public lands from photographs of exotic Joshua trees (a member of the agave family named by Mormon pioneers after the biblical figure), silhouetted against a sunset sky; rock climbers negotiating surreal boulder formations; and, in the state park, spring wildflowers stretching as far as the eye can see. While activities with dogs are severely restricted at both preserves, enough access exists for both you and your furry sidekick to have a tail-waggin’ good time.

As at most national parks, regulations at Joshua Tree prohibit dogs from accompanying their people on trails—but not from driving through to admire the scenery or enjoy a picnic at a site surrounded by the fuzzy, forklike agave from which the park takes its name. more »

The Greater Palm Springs area, cutting through five counties and encompassing millions of acres of protected lands, is the perfect place to begin exploring the much larger Desert Regions of California. Here are some dog-friendly suggestions on where to go and what to do in the fall and winter months. more »

As at most national parks, regulations at Joshua Tree prohibit dogs from accompanying you on trails—but not from driving through to admire the scenery or enjoy a picnic at a site surrounded by the fuzzy, forklike cacti from which the park takes its name. In a day’s visit, you can watch rock climbers negotiating the park’s signature boulder formations in the Quail Springs and Hidden Valley day-use areas; enjoy sweeping vistas of the Coachella Valley from Keys View; and enjoy an 18-mile geology motor tour through some of the park’s most fascinating landscapes. more »