Lopez Lake

Lopez Lake Recreational Area is a puptastic place to take your fur baby. It really has it all when it comes to hiking. Whether you and your pup prefer a short, easy hike, or a longer, more energetic one, you'll find the perfect trail for you at Lopez Lake near Arroyo Grande in California. There is a day-use vehicle parking fee of $10, or you can purchase an annual pass for $100. Your pup doesn't get free entrance to the recreational area. There is a $3.50 day charge, or if you're planning on hiking here with your fur buddy frequently, then an annual pup pass at $35 is a good buy.

There are eight hiking trails around the Lopez Lake area. The two shortest, Marina and Rocky Point are both just under half a mile in length and graded as easy to moderate. You'll find the trailheads for both on Marina Drive where there is also a parking lot. Your pup needs to be leashed throughout Lopez Lake Recreation Area. You won't need any provisions on these two short hikes, but if you're planning on completing some of the other trails too, take water, something to snack on and cleanup bags. You and your fur buddy will be hiking along hillside trails which are shaded by huge, old oaks and have great views of the lake. There's lots of wildlife to spot too. The Marina trail ends at the lake shore by a small harbor, and the Rocky Point ends at, yes, you guessed it – a rocky point.

The Hi Mountain, Turkey Ridge, and High Ridge trails are multi-use trails all graded as strenuous. If you're not up for those, check out the seven miles long Duna Vista trail. It's a rewarding hike through woodlands. From this trail, you get some paw-some views of the lake and the mountains, and there's even an overlook from where you can see the nearby ocean. Have a furrific time!