Mount Davidson

Mount Davidson is an exceptional area in San Francisco, California. Not only is it the highest natural point in the city, but it's also surrounded by a 40-acre park, natural rainforest, and the 103-foot Mount Davidson Cross. The cross can be found at the highest point of the area, which sits at 928 feet. This popular recreational spot is also home to the Mount Davidson Trail, a 1.5-mile loop trail that can be completed by hikers of all skill levels. This is the pawfect place to take your daily walk with Fido -- just be sure to keep your furry friend leashed during your trek.

Along with being dog-friendly and easy to complete, this trail is special because of the abundance of wildflowers you'll see along the way. You can follow the main path if you'd like, or choose from several spur trails along the way if you'd like a more strenuous trek. Mount Davidson is in a suburban area -- visitors can park on the streets surrounding the park. Be careful not to block any driveways, and plan to spend a few minutes searching for a parking spot.

Once you reach the top of the trail, you'll be rewarded with great views of downtown San Francisco, Twin Peaks Tower, and East Bay, but bear in mind you won't see the Golden Gate Bridge from up there. The summit is a nice place to stop for a picnic, and you'll often see romantic dates taking place from up here while couples take in the city views together.

If you visit Mount Davidson in the summer or early fall, you'll notice the grass appears quite dry. By February, winter rain has brought the grassland back to life, and when spring comes, you'll see California poppies, blue-eyed grass, checkerbloom, and mule's ears bringing even more color to the area. The trees throughout the park are particularly special, as they were planted in the 19th century and they provide nesting and hunting grounds for hawks and owls.

Pack water for you and Rex for the hike, as well as doggie bags, snacks, and whatever else you require for a successful hike. You and your dog are going to love being on top of the world together when you reach the summit of this incredible hike!