Wheeler Gorge Campground

We are still in shelter in place orders here,so I am going to do a couple blog posts of places I visited in the past. One such place is Wheeler Gorge Campground located in the beautiful Ojai, California.

 My husband and I spent a few days in the campground with our two dogs a few years ago. When we entered we met the camp hosts who were friendly and polite. They greeted us with smiles and pats in the head for our dogs. Our first choice of campsite had been washed out due to heavy rain a few weeks previously, but thankfully there were plenty of other camp sites available. It was an easy drive in and quick to set up camp. 

The area is gorgeous surrounded by trees and lush green mountains. I spend so much time in the desert I'm always really happy to see anything green. It's a quiet out of the way area and wasn't overcrowded like some places we've visited. After we set up camp we took a hike through the forest. The best part is the campgrounds are a short drive from the beach! We spent the mornings at the beach and the nights in front of the campfire. This trip was one of my favorite camping trips I've taken. I highly recommend making the trip out here if you get a chance. Unfortunately, I didn't get many photos from the vacation. The one above is my golden retriever, Wook peaking out of the tent in the morning impatient for the day to start. 

Wheeler Gorge Campground is located at 17017 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023. You can check the CampOne website for more information. Things to nore: Always double check about pet policies as they can change. Often California campgrounds have restrictions on having a fire and moving/using firewood so check that as well. Happy Travels!

Art in the Community

One nice thing about Santa Clarita is that the community has a big focus on art. There's many places around town where you can find beautiful artwork from statues to murals. Both indoor and in outdoor places where you can bring your dogs along. Here are just a few pet friendly places my dogs and I have visited: 

The mural at the skate park. Offers walking trails and an off leash dog park.

There are many statues around town. All the photos above were taken at Westfield Valencia shopping center. The mall is very dog friendly featuring water and treat stations around the outdoor shopping area. A koi and turtle pond and outdoor seating. Lazy Dog Cafe (located near the Valet parking) allows well behaved dogs on the patio and even features a dog menu! 

Many walking trails feature art. Central Park is one of them. This photo was taken at Ironhorse Trail which you can read on my blog post here

If you'd like to learn more about art in the city click here.

Ironhorse Trailhead

Ironhorse Trailhead in Valencia, California is a bike trail that allows on leash dogs. It crosses a bridge and meets up with another trail that runs along a creek bed. It's a popular trail that has nice views and is a great place for walking dogs. It's an easy trail for beginners. If you're in the area and want to check it out it's located at 25331 Magic Mountain Pkwy. You can learn more here.

Absolute best dog friendly hikes in Los Angeles County

Placerita Nature Center

If you enjoy both history and hiking then I highly recommend you make a stop at Placerita Nature Center in Newhall, California. Nestled among the lush landscapes lies a hidden waterfall when the season is right. Add in historical homes, educational displays, a butterfly garden with fish and frogs and a tree from local legend and it adds up to a great place to spend a hour or two wandering with your pups. Besides the numerous hiking trails there are several displays on paved paths that are easily accessible. If you're in the area you won't be disappointed in making the trip here.

If you would like more information you can check out the official site click here. You can purchase some of my nature photography here.