Pogonip Trail

There's nothing quite like hiking through wild open places with your fur buddy by your side. You can do just that in the Pogonip Open Space in Santa Cruz, California as there are nine dog-friendly trails in the park. There are also various trails where dogs aren't permitted. Take one of the park's trail maps with you to make sure you and your pup stay on the right track.

There is no parking lot at the Pogonip, but vehicles can be parked free of charge on the side of Golf Club Drive and Spring Street. They're both convenient points to get on those dog-friendly trails. From Golf Club Drive it's a short walk to the park entrance where you'll find the trailhead for the Lower Meadow Trail. This is a nice and easy half a mile warm-up through beautiful meadowlands. You can make it an out and back hike, or you can take the fork before the end of the trail which leads onto the Pogonip Creek Nature Loop. When you're with your pup, you're only allowed to use the section of this trail which connects with the Prairie Trail. Pets are not permitted to do the full loop, but the Prairie Trail cuts through some grassy fields which your pup will really enjoy.

If you and your pup still have energy left and want to get some more miles in, head onto the Spring Trial. It'll add another mile and a half to your hike. You'll be trekking through some stunning and shady forested areas, as well as by a creekside and through meadows with rolling green hills all around. The Pogonip is pawsome! 

There are lots more hikes you can take in the Pogonip with your pup. It's the sort of place you'll want to stay all day or come back to time and time again. Take some hearty rations and plenty of drinking water so you can enjoy a puptastic time with your doggo.