Hi, this is Jess.
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly day trip from San Diego that feels like a real escape without the 2-hour drive, Dos Picos County Park in Ramona needs to be on your radar.
Last Saturday, my sister Jeanette and I packed up Tutú and headed out there for the day- we love how this hidden gem gets less attention than it deserves.
The trails are gorgeous, there’s actual camping if you want to extend your visit, and Tutú had the time of his life exploring terrain that felt completely different from our usual coastal haunts.
🐾 Planning more hikes? Get Tutú’s Tested Trail Cheat Sheet – 5 trails + tips matched to YOUR dog’s energy.
Why Dos Picos Park is Perfect for Dog-Friendly Day Trips from San Diego
My sister and I have been coming to Dos Picos since we were kids – our parents used to bring us here to escape the San Diego crowds. Now that Tutú’s part of our family (he joined us in January 2024), we’re rediscovering this place through completely different eyes.
What made it great for a family day trip back then makes it even better for a dog-friendly adventure now: manageable trail lengths, fewer crowds than Mission Trails or Balboa Park, and unique features like the pond and camping options.
Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails at Dos Picos Park
Jeanette and I love hiking long distances – usually over 3 miles – but Tutú being a Shih Tzu doesn’t always meet us at the same level. That’s exactly what makes Dos Picos County Park one of the best dog-friendly day trips from San Diego for small breeds.
This park has a few trails that are short and manageable, which means we can enjoy nature without Tutú getting exhausted.
Here’s what we found:
Ernie Pantoja Trail – 0.5 miles of mostly flat dirt with a few rocks scattered along the path. Tutú walked this one just fine without needing his Kurgo G-Train Carrier.
Nature Trail Loop – 0.3 miles and even easier than Ernie Pantoja. Perfect for a quick outing if you’re testing how your dog handles trails.
Both trails are simple enough that most dogs can handle them, but short enough that you’re not committing to hours of hiking if your dog decides they’re done.
We bring Tutú’s Kurgo G-Train Carrier on every hike because when he lets us know he’s tired, we can carry him the rest of the way. Been the best choice ever for a small dog who wants to explore but has limits.
Important trail safety note: Watch for poison oak along the trails. Signs are posted on the path and away from brushy areas. We stayed on the dirt paths and had no issues.
There’s a large open grass field perfect for letting your dog run around (still on leash) located on the front entrance of the park. Tutú absolutely loved this – he’s a grass fiend and ran circles while we threw a ball for him. This is great if your dog has energy left after the short trails.
What to Pack for Dos Picos County Park With Your Dog
Here’s what we brought on our Dos Picos hike and why each item earned its spot in the pack:
🎒 Kurgo G-Train Dog Carrier Backpack → [Shop Kurgo Carrier]
The one thing I’d never hike with Tutú without. When he gets tired on the trail (and he will – he’s a Shih Tzu), this carrier lets me carry his water, snacks, and my personal items. Plus when his little legs give out, I can carry him too. The padded straps make it comfortable even on longer walks.
💧 MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle Dispenser → [Shop Water Bottle]
Easy one-handed operation means I can give Tutú water without stopping to fumble with bowls. The attached bowl flips out, you squeeze, and he drinks. Even on short hikes like Dos Picos Park Tutú needs water breaks. This fits perfectly in with the Kurgo carrier’s side pocket.
🏥 Arca Pet First Aid Kit → [Shop First Aid Kit]
We haven’t needed this yet (knock on wood), but after seeing a few rocky sections on Ernie Pantoja Trail, I’m glad we had it. Includes bandages, tweezers for removing thorns or splinters, and antiseptic wipes. Small enough to fit in the carrier without taking up much space.
🦴 Golden Rewards Duck Jerky Dog Treats → [Shop Dog Treats]
Tutú’s favorite high-value treat that we save for outdoor adventures. He’s allergic to chicken and beef, so duck is the only protein that really motivates him. These treats have score marks that let you break them into smaller pieces – perfect for when I need to grab his attention on the trail or reward him for staying calm when other dogs pass by.
Note: This is our standard packing list for short hikes (under 3 miles). For longer hikes, we add wet food pouches and double the water.
The Pond at Dos Picos – What Dog Owners Need to Know
Another unique feature of Dos Picos Park is the small pond with fish and ducks. You can fish here for free (catch and release only), and it adds a peaceful element to the park that feels different from typical San Diego hiking spots.
Important for dog owners: Dogs are NOT allowed in the pond water.
When we visited, I noticed some trash in the water, which made me extra cautious about keeping Tutú away from it. The bacteria risk isn’t worth it, even if your dog is a water lover. There are better dog-friendly water spots in San Diego if that’s what you’re after.
Planning to Camp? Dog-Friendly Camping at Dos Picos
We didn’t camp on this trip, but Dos Picos offers dog-friendly camping if you want to extend your adventure beyond a day trip. Here’s what we learned from talking to the park ranger:
Camping Options:
- Cabins: $75 per night
- Bring your own trailer/tent: Cheaper (check website for current pricing)
- Dog waste bags spread around campground
- Wide open spaces
We’re definitely planning to camp here with Tutú in the future – the quiet atmosphere and space are a perfect dog-friendly day trip from San Diego without the drive to places like Anza-Borrego. I’ll update this post after we actually experience camping here with him.
Check the official Dos Picos Park website for:
- Current camping rates
- Reservation requirements
- Specific dog policies for overnight stays
Practical Info: Entrance Fees and Rules
Entrance Fee: $2 per vehicle (but check site for latest updates)
Dog Rules:
- Dogs MUST be leashed at all times (on trails, in camping areas, everywhere)
- Dogs NOT allowed in pond water
- Poop bag stations available throughout park
- Keep dogs away from poison oak areas (watch for signs)
Facilities:
- Public bathrooms available
- Picnic tables (great for post-hike snacks)
- Playground for kids (if you’re bringing the family)
- NO water stations for dogs – bring your own water!
Our Recommendation: Bring cash for entrance fee, plenty of extra water for your dog (there are no dog water stations), and watch for poison oak signs on trails. The open grass field near the parking area is perfect for post-hike playtime.
FAQ- Based On What Readers Actually Ask
Is Dos Picos Park dog-friendly?
Yes! Dos Picos Regional Park welcomes dogs on all hiking trails as long as they’re kept on leash. Dogs are allowed throughout the park and in camping areas, but NOT in the pond water.
How much does it cost to enter Dos Picos Park?
The entrance fee is $2 per vehicle (as of October 2025). Camping has additional fees – cabins are $75/night, and bringing your own trailer is cheaper. Check the official park website for current camping rates.
Are dogs allowed in the pond at Dos Picos?
No, dogs are NOT allowed in the pond water. While you can fish in the pond (catch and release), keep your dog away from the water – we noticed some trash and bacteria concerns when we visited with Tutú.
What are the best trails for dogs at Dos Picos?
The Ernie Pantoja Trail (0.5 miles) and Nature Trail Loop (0.3 miles) are perfect for dogs. Both are short, mostly flat, and manageable for small breeds like Tutú. Great for dogs who don’t handle long-distance hikes well.
How far is Dos Picos from San Diego?
Dos Picos Regional Park in Ramona is about 45 minutes from central San Diego – close enough for a day trip without the 2+ hour drive to places like Anza-Borrego.
Can I camp at Dos Picos with my dog?
Yes! Dos Picos offers dog-friendly camping with cabins ($75/night) or spots for your own trailer/tent. Dog waste bags are available throughout the campground, and there’s plenty of space for dogs.
Do I need to keep my dog on a leash at Dos Picos?
Yes, dogs must be leashed at all times on trails and throughout the park. This is standard for San Diego County regional parks.
Is Dos Picos crowded on weekends?
Much less crowded than popular spots like Mission Trails or Dog Beach. We visited on a Saturday morning and had plenty of space – perfect if your dog gets overwhelmed by crowds.
Ready to Explore Dos Picos with Your Dog?
Dos Picos Regional Park proves you don’t need to drive hours for a memorable adventure with your pup. As one of the best dog-friendly day trip from San Diego, it offers everything you need: manageable trails, peaceful atmosphere, and the option to extend your visit with camping if you fall in love with the place (like we did).
Whether you’re looking for a quick morning hike or planning your first camping trip with your dog, Dos Picos delivers that “escape the city” feeling without the commitment of a long drive.
Tutú gives it four paws up, and we’re already planning our next visit – this time with the tent.
-Jess
