Dog-Friendly Joshua Tree Hike: Chaparrosa Spring Loop

We’re always on the hunt for dog-friendly hikes in Joshua Tree where we can adventure with our two pups, Kia and Yuma. One of our favorite recent discoveries is the Chaparossa Spring Loop in the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve.

The 3.9 mile, moderately challenge loop features stunning views, boulder formations, and a varied desert terrain. We hiked this trail in April and particularly loved the lush scenery, blooming wildflowers, and light trickle of water flowing through the creeks.

The best part is that it’s dog-friendly! We brought Kia and Yuma along for our early morning adventure, starting our hike around 7am so as to avoid the mid-day heat. Like all dog-friendly hikes in the area, pets are required to stay on a leash and you’ll want to keep a close eye out for any wildlife, especially rattlesnakes, on the trail. Bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and sun hats to protect your skin.

The hike took us a leisurely two hours and we wrapped up the perfect morning by swinging by Frontier Cafe for brunch.

The Pioneertown Mountains Preserve

Established in 1995 by The Wildlands Conservancy, the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve spans 25,500 acres, descending from 7,800-foot ridges into the Pioneertown Valley. This area features diverse landscapes, including volcanic mesas, the Sawtooth Mountains, and riparian corridors. It serves as a crucial linkage between Joshua Tree National Park and the San Bernardino National Forest, offering year-round natural beauty and ecological significance.

The Pioneertown preserve is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset thanks to The Wildlands Conservancy, a nonprofit land conservancy that manages nearly two dozen preserves across the state.

Frontier Cafe is a 12-minute drive from the Chaprrosa Spring Loop trailhead, and their outdoor cafe is perfect for dogs. We enjoyed a vegan BLT while the pups cooled off on the cool patio.