Recommended Snow Hikes with Dogs

[whyhatchu]

I'm looking to hike some places around Southern California that has snow. I have a Siberian Husky and would love for him to play in some snow. It doesn't even have to be a long trail, I'd just like to hike out some and find an opening for him to play. He doesn't like strangers too much so a somewhat secluded area would be great. I live in Orange County so a trail / snow within a 1 to 2 hour drive would be nice.

When would be the best time to go for snow? I'm assuming after the rain. Is there a website that shows the snow conditions for the trails?

Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Mitch]

We take our dog into National Forests where dogs are supposed to be on a leash. I like doing that anyway, for her safety, but also there are a lot of other people you might run into on a trail who really don't like seeing unleashed dogs.

Luckily, in the winter there are fewer people around to be bothered by untethered dogs. And generally no rangers. And staying off the hiking trails also means you will run into fewer people.

Our favorite place is "the road to Poopout Hill," a four-mile dirt road off the Jenks Lake Road in the San Bernardino Mountains that leads to the old Poopout Hill parking lot, which was closed to the public around 1990. The road has a gate across the entrance.

You can walk, ski or snowshoe all the way up this road to Poopout Hill and a gorgeous view of Mt San Gorgonio:

If you go any father past Poopout Hill you will be entering the San Gorgonio Wilderness, for which a Wilderness Permit (free) is required. You can pick these up down at the Mill Creek Ranger Station in Mentone.

Or you can hike only halfway up the road to a place called Horse Meadow, which is a big broad snowfield in the winter where dogs can run and play:

Check out this Google map for directions to the gate from Westminster (that route is kind of lame; the normal route on the weekends would be out the 91 to the 215 to the 10). It's at a small turnout where you can park (though it's not a parking lot; don't park in front of the gate, obviously). Try to get there early on weekend mornings because for some reason it's a popular turnout for families seeking snowplay and often when we come out of the gate we find there is no place to park. You will need a National Forest Adventure Pass to park there.

For whatever reason, not very many people hike up the road. Mostly just a handful of skiers. The road is crossed by the South Fork Trail at Horse Meadow, and that gets a lot of traffic year-round. You will probably also see people at Poopout Hill who came up the South Fork Trail.

The best time to go is when there is snow! That can be any time between now and April, but in general there seems to be more snow in SoCal mountains in February or March. But the best time to go is right after a big storm; if you can do things spur of the moment, jump in the car early in the morning after a storm and get up there.

[whyhatchu]

This is perfect. Thanks!

Are tire chains required to make the drive up to the gate?

[Mitch]

This is perfect. Thanks!

Are tire chains required to make the drive up to the gate?

They can be, if it's still snowing. Usually, however, they are pretty good about plowing Highway 38 and Jenks Lake Road. Check the CHP or Caltrans websites if it's right after a storm.

If it's been a week or so after a storm, no problem the roads will be plowed.

Always a good idea to get chains anyway.

[Mitch]

A little bird told me the OP took his dog up to Horse Meadow this last weekend. Hope he has some pics.