favorite dog-friendly hikes in tucson: where to hike with dogs in tucson

saguaros at sunset in tucson mountain park

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we first visited tucson last winter and knew immediately we wanted to return. (you can find our saguaro national park itinerary here and family friendly activities in tucson here) but this time around, we had our adventure pup in tow! i was honestly surprised at how dog-friendly tucson is; we had plenty of options for exploring this beautiful desert with bebe. here are a few of the dog-friendly hikes in tucson that we enjoyed!

what to bring when hiking with dogs in tucson

there are a few items we like to have on hand every time we go hiking with dogs. in addition to a leash and harness, here’s what to bring when hiking with dogs in tucson:

• travel bowl: this bowl is very light and portable. I used the attached carabiner to hook it to my daypack and then fill it from my own water.

• first aid kit: we carry a basic first aid kit on every hike, which already contains most of the essentials for dog first aid. the one addition we keep on hand is a wound care spray for pets. if you’re looking for a more complete dog first aid kit, this one looks like a great option.

• poop bags: please pick up your dog poop (if you have the ability)! we buy these bags in bulk. this set comes with a dispenser if you need one. i also have this pup pouch for storing used bags so i don’t have to hold onto them while hiking. it clips into my pack and blocks and odor - it’s been so helpful to have!

• tick removal tool: i bring this tick removal tool every time i travel with bebe. though she is protected from ticks via medication, it reduces the likelihood that ticks will get transported into our vehicle or home - and ultimately onto a person!

tuscan hikes with dogs: catalina state park

catalina state park has 8 trails, most of which are dog-friendly (there is one area of the park where dogs are not allowed due to bighorn sheep habitat). the scenery is beautiful and there is a mix of wide, natural surface trails and rockier terrain. this park is popular among dog families, so keep that in mind if your pup prefers more distance from other dogs. one other thing to note about the trails is that most are either relatively short (1 mile - ish) or relatively long (7+ miles).

in addition to hiking, catalina state park has quite of few other outdoor activities in tucson. the park has a campground and hosts a number of activities, concluding bird walks, nature programs, archeology talks, and even concerts! we went during one of the nature programs and got to learn about (and see up close!) many desert critters. kiddo even got to hold a tarantula!

hiking at catalina state park with bebe

dog-friendly hikes in tucson: madera canyon

part of coronado national forest, madera canyon is located about 25 miles from tucson. if you have a national park annual pass, you won’t need to pay to recreate here; otherwise, there is an $8 day fee. camping is also available. we parked at one of the campgrounds and it looked like an absolutely lovely spot for camping in arizona.

there are plenty of hiking options in the canyon, so be sure to check the hiking map in advance to make a plan. because this spot is higher elevation, there are more trees and the climate is a bit cooler than tucson - making it a great option for hiking with dogs in tucson. the terrain can be rocky and there are lots of deer, so be advised if your pup has a strong prey drive.

kiddo and bebe hiking in madera canyon

dog-friendly national parks: saguaro national park

while saguaro national park isn’t one of the most dog-friendly national parks, there are a couple short trail options for hiking with dogs. given that it’s right in tucson, i think it’s totally worth visiting saguaro national park with dogs. know in advance that neither trail offers poop bags, trash cans or water, so come prepared!

on the east side is the desert ecology trail. just over a quarter of a mile, this paved trail has lots of great interpretive information for getting acquainted with desert ecology. on the west side of saguaro national park, near the visit center is the desert discovery trail. this paved trail is a bit longer at half a mile and is absolutely gorgeous! of note - parking at the desert discovery trail, in particular, can be tricky. of the four times we visited over a year, we only got parking here once! be prepared to circle back a couple times.

check out this blog post which includes our itineraries for 2 days in saguaro national park and 1 day in saguaro national park. it’s worth noting the park has east and west sides, which are completely disconnected and about an hour’s drive apart. you could certainly visit both parks in a single day, but i’d recommend one day for each side so you can really enjoy and explore the unique ecosystems.

tucson is a very dog friendly destination with lots of options for dog-friendly trails. we highly recommend a visit and hope this list gives you some great ideas to go out wild and explore the beauty of tucson’s sonoran desert.

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favorite itinerary: visiting carlsbad caverns national park

kiddo looking down into the natural entrance of carlsbad cavern

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it may sound odd, but carlsbad caverns was a major stretch for me. i am claustrophobic (yes, i’m living in a van with claustrophobia, lol), and being in the dark makes it so much worse. it makes me feel like i can’t breathe. for two days i was panicking about going into this darn cave.

as we descended into the natural entrance i was on the verge of a panic attack. and honestly, that feeling never really went away for the couple of hours we were down there. this cave is big. big, big. that helped minimize the claustrophobia, but the feeling of being buried alive never left. you can’t tell from these photos, but it’s pretty dark in there.

anyway, i survived to tell the tale and i’m sharing all the details on what we did with you! read on for my recommendations for carlsbad caverns national park, including our one day itinerary for carlsbad caverns.

land of the mescalero apache

the land presently known as carlsbad caverns national park is the indigenous homeland of the mescalero apache.

“in the Apache way of life, there is a belief that a dark side of life is present, as well as a light side. In the dark side of life there is misery, and nothing progresses for the Apache. here in the light of life there is happiness; a world God created of peace and harmony. In this world of peace and harmony, everything progresses for our people…

hundreds of years ago, long before white men came to this land, these mountains, plains and deserts belonged to the Mescalero Apaches… the Mescalero were essentially nomadic hunters and warriors, dwelling at one place for a temporary time in brush shelter known as a “Wicki up”; short rounded dwellings made of twigs or teepees made of elk hides and buffalo hides. the Mescalero roamed freely throughout the southwest including texas, arizona, chihuahua, méxico and sonora, méxico… today, three sub-tribes, Mescalero, Lipan and Chiricahua, make up the Mescalero Apache Tribe.”

in the big room of the cave in carlsbad caverns national park

what to bring to carlsbad caverns

shoes with good tread: the cave is moist and can be very slick, especially if you take the steep hike down into the carlsbad cavern natural entrance. whether boots or sandals, just make sure your shoes have good tread. here are the boots kiddo wore into the cave and the boots i wore into the cave. we had no issues but could definitely tell when we approached slippery areas.

headlamp: you’ll want to bring your own light into the cave, especially if you’re doing the natural entrance hike. eventually your eyes will adjust and the big room is better lit than other areas, but there were definitely spots where we needed light to find our way. we used these headlamps. we also have these little flashlights which are great for kiddos who may not fit the headlamps.

layers: the cave stays in the mid-50s year round, so you’ll want to bring an extra layer. nothing too heavy, but something to keep the chill away. kiddo wore a sweatshirt like this one. i wore my girlfriend fleece with an extra layer underneath and got a little warm.

a note about camping in carlsbad caverns national park

there is no lodging or campground in carlsbad caverns national park. overnight parking is not allowed. primitive camping is allowed in the backcountry only, and requires a free permit which is issued at the park's visitor center when you arrive (not reservable in advance).

we camped at a blm (bureau of land management) spot about 25 minutes from the park. there are several blm sites all in the same area, west of white’s city. it’s convenient to both carlsbad caverns and guadalupe mountains national park, as well as carlsbad, new mexico.

carlsbad caverns itinerary

it’s definitely possible to do carlsbad caverns in a day or even a half day. your first task will be to make a required reservation to enter the cave. from there, a major choice you’ll need to make is whether you want to do the steep, one mile hike down into the cave via the carlsbad caverns natural entrance hike. you can hike into the cave or take a short elevator ride directly to the big room. once you’re in the cave, you can do the full big room hike (1.25 mile) or take a shortcut hike (0.6 mile). there are occasional benches and rest areas inside the cave, and you’re welcome to spend as long as you like simply observing all the amazing formations.

you will also have the option to hike back out or take the elevator out. we chose to hike in, but because of the steep climb, chose to take the elevator back out. in total, we spend about 1.5-2 hours in the cave.

another key factor is what season you’re visiting. the carlsbad caverns bats are only in the park april-october. since we visited in winter, we missed the bats. the trip was still well worth it, but if you’re visiting any other season, you’ll likely want to plan around seeing the bats exit the cave at sunset.

and do be sure to check out some of the other areas outside the cave! the visitor center has great exhibits, and there are also other hikes and a scenic drive in the park. there’s lots to see beyond the cave! some recommendations for what to see in carlsbad caverns national park below!

in the big room of the cave in carlsbad caverns national park

one day in carlsbad caverns national park

visitor center: you’ll need to check in at the visitor center before you explore the cave. either show them your reservation or purchase tickets upon entering. we ended up spending more time in the visitor center than we typically do. there are some great interactive exhibits, some fun photo ops, and even a special area for junior rangers!

hike the natural entrance to the cave: you can certainly take the elevator into the cave and have an amazing experience. but for me, despite being terrified, hiking the natural entrance was my favorite part. there’s nothing quite like seeing that huge opening and then being swallowed up by the darkness at the entrance disappears behind you. the one mile trail is quite steep and can be slick in areas. there are interpretive signs and rest areas along the way.

hike the big room inside the cave: the big room is the best way to see all of the amazing formations inside the cave. the hike is about 1.25 mile and takes you through a number of fascinating formations, including the bottomless pit! there is a shortcut trail, as well.

hike the chihuahuan desert nature trail: you know i love a good interpretive trail about flora in the area! this one mile loop trail from the visitor center winds through the chihuahuan desert highlights. it’s also an opportunity to spot some of the park’s wildlife!

drive the scenic walnut canyon desert road: this 9.5 mile (one-way) dirt road drive takes you through the desert of of carlsbad canyon national park. it’s a great way to explore the less visited parts of the park and see the unique ecosystems above the caves. there are hikes along the way, too!

if you have more time in carlsbad caverns national park

.here’s a list of places we wish we could have visited if we had more time in the park.

• take a ranger-guided cave tour

• enjoy the bat flight program

• take a desert hike

i hope this guide to carlsbad caverns national park inspires you to try something new, take a risk, do something you’re afraid of, and go out wild. no matter the season, there are amazing things to see at this unique national park!

favorite things to do in san felipe, baja california; family camping in baja

vandalf the camper van at our beach camping spot in san felipe, baja california

we took vandalf the camper van across the border for the very first time to beach camp in baja california. we went camping in san felipe and it was a blast! it was our first time beach camping as well as our first time boondocking for a week straight. we learned some new things and gained a lot of confidence!

san felipe is fishing town in northern baja california. it’s well known among gringos and is home to many expats, but you wouldn’t guess it walking around town. we traveled to several different parts of san felipe, plus a bit further out, and loved all the areas. we felt very comfortable driving the camper van through san felipe, as well as baja more broadly.

we camped on the beach about a 20 minute walk from the malecón, or main boardwalk. of note: while there may be camping spots closer to town, there are very few beach boondocking options within walking distance. a 20 minute walk to the boardwalk was great for us because we had the time and enjoyed the views along the beach. that said, we averaged walking 8 miles per day! if this is not a reasonable or accessible option for you, consider whether it’s preferable for you to be in closer proximity to amenities at all times or to stock up food and other essentials before setting up camp and reducing your trips to town.

all in all our family trip to san felipe was a smashing success. san felipe is a great destination for a family trip to baja california. here’s a list of our favorite san felipe activities for campers, families and more. we hope you enjoy them, too!

go see giant cacti at valle de los gigantes

giant cardon cacti at valle de los gigantes

after spending so much time on the beach, we were thrilled to travel a bit inland to visit the amazing cactus forest at valle de los gigantes. these giant cardon reach up to 60 feet tall and can live hundred of years. the tallest cactus in the world, they are only found in some sonoran desert habitats. enjoy a stroll of your own choosing or take the 4wd road through the preserve. cost is $10 USD per vehicle and amenities are minimal.

enjoy a night out at the malecón

the malecón is san felipe’s main boardwalk. while it seems to be the town’s most touristy spot, it’s also a place where local families, couples, young people, and fishermen gather for evenings - especially sundays! trust me, sunday is the night to be at the malecón! lots of locals, live music and plenty of food vendors selling elote, churros and more. we loved walking over during golden hour, getting an early seat and watching the sunset over the beach while eating dinner. after dinner, grab a treat and watch the fishermen come back with their hauls. we did this almost every evening during our visit and it was the perfect way to end the day.

relax or play at the beach

sunrise at the beach in san felipe

when beach camping, you obviously must make time to enjoy the beach! if it was up to kiddo, we would have stayed buried in the sand the entire trip - and can you blame him? i enjoyed walking the beach for every sunrise and sunset during our visit. you’ll likely see beach dogs roaming, as well as kayakers, the local boys’ running club, birds, and more visitors to the shore. the setting is absolutely picturesque and we were even treated to a whale sighting!

take a hike to cerro el machorro

kiddo hiking cerro el machorro in san felipe

to be frank, there aren’t many hiking opportunities around san felipe. there are some longer, multi-day trails and several areas where adventurers can wander their own paths. we weren’t prepared to traverse an unmarked trail on this trip, so we did the one trail option available to us - cerro el machorro. starting from the beach, most of the trail is pretty flat and winds through beautiful wildflowers. eventually you hit the “mountain” and then it’s a nearly straight up, though fairly short, climb from there. it’s quite steep and rocky, so may not be suitable for children. the views are quite beautiful and can be partially enjoyed from near the bottom, so it’s worth a visit even if you don’t intend to trek the steep part.

if you skip the first half of the trail and cut in from the road, you may be able to come directly from your lodging without a vehicle. one of our caravan friends did a trail run all the way from camp, up the mountain and back (about 5 miles). so if running’s your jam, consider this option!

visit the buzzing town center

the town itself has a totally different vibe than the malecón! we traveled into town several times for groceries, restaurants, laundry, and to simply drive around and explore. you’ll find a stocked grocery store, plenty of restaurants, street vendors, charming neighborhoods, busy intersections, and all the things you might expect from a town center. we went to the grocery store multiple days in row and then walked across the street for birria stew and tacos on the side of the main highway. full of energy, it was divine!

trek to the shrine of guadalupe

san felipe’s shrine of guadalupe

from anywhere on the beach you’ll see the shrine of guadalupe. it’s a rather small shrine, but it is a major landmark for san felipe and worth a climb if you’re in the area. we were able to hike to the top and enjoy the views, but the inner sanctuary was closed - though we could still see in. the views from the top are really wonderful. note, there are several dozen stairs up to the shrine and there is no other route.

we hiked from our camping spot and then went to the malecón for lunch as a break before trekking back to camp. it’s quite close to the malecón and a good add-on if you’re already there.

some of our baja caravan camped at the beach

we had a truly fantastic time in baja california. traveling with a caravan was a great way to try something new, though families could certainly travel without a group. we would feel completely confident traveling back on our own exploring other areas of baja california. though, i’d also love to go back with a caravan, too!

i hope this list gives you some ideas for things to do in san felipe with kids - or without. have a great trip!

favorite outdoor activities in tucson, az; things to do in tucson with kids

saguaros and mountains of tucson, az

we traveled to tucson for one reason: saguaro national park. but what we found was an incredible city, brimming with activities for any kind of traveler. we ended up spending a couple extra days outside of the national park to explore some of the other outdoor attractions and were so glad we did. the natural beauty of arizona is undeniable, so we prioritized outdoor activities in tucson. here are a few of the family-friendly activities in tucson that we enjoyed!

raptor free flight at arizona-sonora desert museum

the arizona-sonora desert museum came highly recommended by several fellow travelers - specifically, the raptor free flight. the desert museum is a combined zoo and botanic garden, along with an aquarium (you can even pet stingrays!), history museum and art gallery. the grounds are quite large, so expect a lot of walking. (i cannot speak to accessibility of the entire experience, but paths throughout are well-paved with some meandering and elevation changes.) in addition to the raptors, we thoroughly enjoyed the javelinas and the cactus garden.

onto the birds! the raptor free flight is a sort of recess time for native sonoran birds of prey. the birds are completely untethered and are free to stretch their wings. the program is very educational and extremely entertaining! and when i tell you these birds get close, I mean they get CLOSE. they literally graze guests as they fly back and forth over guests. at one point, kiddo threw himself on the ground because one of the birds came right at my head! obviously these birds have razor-sharp senses and will not actually hit any guests, but it’s worth noting they get extremely close. (sweating emoji here - lol!)

it’s recommended you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the show, but i’d encourage getting to the desert museum at least 30 minutes in advance. it takes some time to get to the flying area and you’ll find plenty of other eager guests waiting in line! while the raptor show was definitely a highlight of entire trip, the rest of the desert museum is fabulous. it’s worth planning for a couple hours post-show to explore all the various attractions and learn about the sonoran desert along the way. this is definitely a memorable experience for kids in tucson!

a crested caracara in its sonoran habitat

sweetwater preserve

the sweetwater preserve is nearly 900 acres of incredible desert wildness in west tucson. there are over 15 miles of trails to explore for hikers and equestrians. the area is also very popular for mountain biking and includes trails for beginner and intermediate riders. trails range from 0.4 to 2.6 miles and can be combined any which way to create the distance that works best for you.

from the trailhead, the black rock loop trail is 4.6 miles and takes you through some incredible saguaro stands. for a more challenging trek, try the 7.1 mile saguaro vista, black rock, homestead and oxbow trail. and for a shorter hike try the saguaro vista, lost arrow, spine and wildflower ridge loop, which is 2.5 miles.

tucson botanical gardens

the tucson botanical gardens are a great place to explore and feature a butterfly pavilion that allows guests to interact with the butterflies! there are more than a dozen gardens to pique the interests of young and old, alike, including a native american crops garden, a children’s garden, a bird garden, and more. there’s also a desert tortoise that lives on the grounds! kiddo especially loved the zen garden, which was both a great sensory break and sensory engaging for kiddos who enjoy those features. and though not native, i always appreciate the rose and iris gardens.

the gardens also host a number of fantastic art exhibits and events. we explored the galleries and also enjoyed the festival of illumination, a holiday lights show.

kiddo hikes a trail in saguaro national park

saguaro national park

this one is obvious for any outdoors lover! check out this blog post which includes our itineraries for 2 days in saguaro national park and 1 day in saguaro national park. it’s worth noting the park has east and west sides, which are completely disconnected and about an hour’s drive apart. you could certainly visit both parks in a single day, but i’d recommend one day for each side so you can really enjoy and explore the unique ecosystems.

tucson is a very family friendly destination full of cultural and outdoor activities for all ages. we highly recommend a visit and hope this list gives you some great ideas to go out wild and explore the beauty of tucson’s sonoran desert.

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favorite things to do in yosemite in winter

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visiting yosemite in winter is an absolute dream. our first trip to yosemite national park was in the middle of winter and the snow and ice added to the overwhelming magic. though some roads, trails and areas of the park close during wintry months, there’s still plenty to do in yosemite in winter. here are our favorite winter activities to add to your yosemite itinerary, including winter hikes.

favorite winter hikes in yosemite

mirror lake

2 miles out and back or 5 miles around the lake

while mirror lake does take some extra effort to get to in winter (due to closure of parking areas), we found the trip to be well worth it!

tip - be sure to pack micro spikes (or these for kids) if you’re visiting mirror lake in winter. much of the path is an ice rink unless you’re treading on freshly fallen snow.

lower yosemite fall

1 mile loop

yosemite falls are an iconic must-see landmark in yosemite national park. while the upper fall trail remains open, not all of us are up for a 7 mile, difficult trek in the snow. the lower fall trail is a gentle loop with a whole lot of magic. this is a do not miss!

favorite no-hike winter activities in yosemite

tunnel view

tunnel view is a must-visit for any yosemite itinerary! while tunnel view is stunning at any time, we went to tunnel view at sunset. sunset was gorgeous, but it was blue hour at tunnel view that stole my heart.

swinging bridge

the swinging bridge picnic area (not to be confused with the wawona swinging bridge) provides a gorgeous waterfall view and a place to just relax. we spent some time strolling and playing in the snow. there’s an option to follow intersecting trails or just enjoy the picnic area. (note the swinging bridge is not actually a swinging bridge!)

sledding

snow means sledding! sledding in yosemite national park is its own special kind of fun. we went to the crane flat campground, where the snow was deep enough to cover the bathroomw and we could sled right over picnic tables without even realizing it!

i hope this list of our favorite things to do in yosemite national park in winter inspires a cold weather trip to this special place.

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