Pet-Friendly Activities + Services: Wander Joshua Tree

Admittedly, the high desert isn’t the best place for pups to frolic around, but it doesn't mean that they can’t have a good time at Yucca Valley.

For starters, your Wander Joshua Tree home comes with a backyard pool where your pet can dip their paws when it gets warm. Other than that, we’ll point you towards the right spots around Joshua Tree for fun activities, amazing restaurants, and shops.

Pet-Friendly Activities

Before embarking (pun intended) on these activities, remember to bring plenty of water to keep your pet hydrated. Make sure to protect their paws from burning by having them wear doggie shoes. 

Joshua Tree National Park

Photo by National Park Service

• Distance from Wander Home: 2.9 miles

• Address: 6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 (Visitor Center)

• Hours: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

• Contact Number: (760) 367-5500

• Website: https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm 

First things first, Joshua Tree National Park is largely off-limits to pets. Warning: you might encounter wild animals like coyotes and mountain lions in the park and they can hurt your pet.

Apart from those, the park is filled with cactus spines and sharp rocks, so it’s best to avoid them early on if you’re with your pet. Instead, you can go on a short leisurely walk on paved trails including the Oasis of Mara and Keys View. 

Pets are also allowed within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Joshua Tree National Park is pretty big, and there’s nothing stopping you from driving through park roads with your furry buddy.  

Go on a Photo Shoot with Your Pup

Photo by Aydra / Airbnb Experiences

• Distance from Wander Home: 9.2 miles (meetup)

• Address: Joshua Tree Saloon, 61835 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 (meetup)

• Hours: Schedule available upon request

• Website: Magic hour photo/video shoot with a creator

The unique landscape that Joshua Tree offers makes it an even more magical spot when the golden hour breaks. Experiencing it is definitely one for the books, and you can relive those moments by going on a photo shoot!

This Airbnb experience by local artist Aydra allows you and your group (including pets) to go on a photo or video shoot during sunset, featuring the Joshua Tree landscape as your backdrop. It’s perfect for engagements, special occasions, and anything in between. 

From the meet-up point at Joshua Tree Saloon, Aydra will take you on a unique tour to lesser-known paths around Joshua Tree. You can bring up to 9 guests in total, human friends and furry pals included.

Essig Park

Photo by Rachel from BringFido

• Distance from Wander Home: 4.1 miles

• Address: 8490 Warren Vista Ave, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

• Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Essig Park features a nice grassy area for pups to let loose and run free, thanks to its off-leash facilities. The park is divided into two areas: one for small pups and one for big dogs, so you don’t have to worry about any mishaps. Just remember to clean up after your pet. 

There are also picnic tables, restrooms, and water fountains around the park if your pet needs a drink. Still, we highly recommend bringing your own water too just in case.

If you have kids, you’ll be glad to know that there’s a playground in the park. You can also bring a bike, skateboard, or roller blades with you since there are paved paths available for that.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants

Dining out with your buddy won’t be a problem at these pet-friendly restaurants. Here’s where you can find them.

Natural Sisters Cafe

Photo by Natural Sisters Cafe

• Distance from Wander Home: 9.1 miles

• Address: 61695 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

• Hours: Open daily daily from 7 AM to 2 PM

• Contact Number: (760) 366-3600

• Website: https://naturalsisterscafe.com/  

For healthy brunches, Natural Sisters Cafe comes highly recommended. They serve organic and locally-sourced comfort food ranging from sandwiches to salads. 

This vegan spot is also a great place to grab a bite before or after your hike at Joshua Tree National Park, considering how close it is to the visitor’s center. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating area.

Joshua Tree Coffee

Photo by Joshua Tree Coffee

• Distance from Wander Joshua Tree: 9.3 miles 

• Address: 61738 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

• Hours: Open daily from 8 AM - 5 PM 

• Contact Number: (760) 974-4060

• Website: https://jtcoffee.com/

Here’s a treat for coffee lovers: Joshua Tree Coffee sources organic beans all over the world, which they use to come up with unique rustic blends to suit different tastes.

They roast their beans in small batches right inside their store, so you’re pretty much guaranteed that the coffee they serve is fresh. And the best part is that you can bring your pet with you—the patio has plenty of space!

Joshua Tree Saloon

Photo by Joshua Tree Saloon

• Distance from Wander Home: 9.2 miles 

• Address: Joshua Tree Saloon, 61835 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 

• Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM (inside) and 10 AM to 12 AM (outside)

• Contact Number: (760) 366-2250

• Website: https://www.joshuatreesaloon.com/ 

There are many things that make Joshua Tree Saloon a solid dining choice. For one, this pet-friendly restaurant features a shady patio with some fans so you and your pup will stay comfortable. 

And if it gets too hot, your pet is also welcome inside! It’s one of the best places in Joshua Tree to enjoy a cold brew of beer paired with their famous flame-grilled burger. 

On top of that, this nice spot is open all year round until late. Oh and did we mention that there’s live music on select days too?

Pet Stores

We’ve also got you covered with pet essentials you might need during your stay!

Joshua Tree Pet Resort

Photo by Joshua Tree Pet Resort

• Distance from Wander Home: 12.1 miles

• Address: 63381 Quail Springs Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

• Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM

• Contact Number: (760) 219-9801

• Website: https://www.jtpetresort.com/ 

If you’re thinking about taking a few hours off to explore Joshua Tree without worrying about your pup’s safety, doggie day care at Joshua Tree Pet Resort can be a good idea. 

This pet resort allows short-term boarding for dogs and cats of different ages, sizes, and breeds. Note that you can only drop off and pick up your pet at designated times from 9 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM, respectively.

Don’t forget to pack your pet’s vaccine records and bring them with you on your first visit. For feline owners, be sure to bring your cat in a carrier as well.

Petco

• Distance from Wander Home: 5.5 miles

• Address: 58713 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284

• Hours: Open from 9 AM to 8 PM (weekdays); 9 AM to 7 PM (Saturdays); 10 AM to 6 PM (Sundays)

• Contact Number: (760) 228-2173

• Website: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore 

Missing some pet supplies for your hike? There’s a local Petco in town, open 7 days a week! From harnesses to pet food, you’ll find anything you need for your furry friend right here. 

Mrs. Mckimmie's Pet Grooming

Photo by Mrs. Mckimmie's Pet Grooming

• Distance from Wander Home: 3 miles

• Address: 7165 Sage Ave Unit B Yucca Valley, San Bernardino County 92284

• Hours: Available upon request

• Contact Number: 760-418-5527

• Website: https://www.mrsmckimmie.com/ 

If you’re taking your dog out for a hike or short walk, having them groomed first is a must. The high dez is not the best place for a dog to roam around, and grooming will help regulate their temperature and prevent heatstroke.

Mrs. Mckimmie's Pet Grooming has a reputation for being gentle with pets, so rest assured that your pup or feline will be in safe hands. They also groom one pet at a time—talk about a VIP service! 

There are so many adventures Joshua Tree has to offer, from stargazing activities to rock climbing! Our concierge desk is available to chat 24/7 if you have questions about the house or the activities above. See you soon!