National Monument · CA

Dogs in Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Limited access

This is one of the few BLM units where dogs are genuinely restricted. Endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep react to dogs the way they react to coyotes, so most lower-elevation trails are closed to pets whether leashed or not.

Dogs are allowed only on a short list of trails: the Homestead Trail from Homme-Adams Park, the Gabby Hayes Trail from Cahuilla Hills Park, and the segment of the Hopalong Cassidy Trail linking those two. Where dogs are permitted they must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Dogs are also allowed in the wash west of Cathedral City Cove, but only north of Dunn Road to the northern boundary of Section 5, Township 5 South, Range 5 East.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs are allowed only on a short list of trails: the Homestead Trail from Homme-Adams Park, the Gabby Hayes Trail from Cahuilla Hills Park, and the segment of the Hopalong Cassidy Trail linking those two. Where dogs are permitted they must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Dogs are also allowed in the wash west of Cathedral City Cove, but only north of Dunn Road to the northern boundary of Section 5, Township 5 South, Range 5 East.

Where dogs are not allowed

Dogs are banned from most trails at lower elevations to protect Peninsular bighorn sheep. That includes the segments of the Hopalong Cassidy Trail south of the cross and north of the Gabby Hayes Trail.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, trailheads, and picnic sites. On most of the open BLM land there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times, and local field offices can set stricter rules.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
Bureau of Land Management
View the BLM page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Monument

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument?

This is one of the few BLM units where dogs are genuinely restricted. Endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep react to dogs the way they react to coyotes, so most lower-elevation trails are closed to pets whether leashed or not. Dogs are allowed only on a short list of trails: the Homestead Trail from Homme-Adams Park, the Gabby Hayes Trail from Cahuilla Hills Park, and the segment of the Hopalong Cassidy Trail linking those two. Where dogs are permitted they must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Dogs are also allowed in the wash west of Cathedral City Cove, but only north of Dunn Road to the northern boundary of Section 5, Township 5 South, Range 5 East.

What is the leash rule at Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, trailheads, and picnic sites. On most of the open BLM land there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times, and local field offices can set stricter rules.

Where are dogs not allowed at Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument?

Dogs are banned from most trails at lower elevations to protect Peninsular bighorn sheep. That includes the segments of the Hopalong Cassidy Trail south of the cross and north of the Gabby Hayes Trail.

Are service animals allowed at Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.