When choosing an adventure, it's important to consider:

• your physical condition
• your dog's physical condition
• the length of the hike/walk
• the level of intensity
• the weather conditions
• the trail conditions

I recommend bringing:

• More water than you think you need (plus a bowl for your dog)
• Snacks for you and your dog just in case your hike is longer than anticipated
• Waste bags (keep the trails beautiful/pack out everything you bring in)
• A solar light in case you get stuck in the dark
• Sunscreen to reapply
• Bear spray (if hiking in an area prone to predators)
• A first aid kit
• A paper map

(some of my favorite products above are linked in the "Dog Gear" section
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Only bring the essentials and do not leave anything in your car. Unfortunately crime is rampant in the Bay Area (and beyond) and you’re just asking to get your window smashed if you leave anything visible in your car. Thieves can also smash and window and open your trunk, so make sure you leave nothing valuable in your car when you go for a hike.

If you're unfamiliar with a park, read the trail descriptions, as I've included specific, helpful information for each. Most hikes can be shortened via alternate routes, or you can always turn back if you or your dog gets tired. Know you and your dog's limits, and don't risk heatstroke or exhaustion. Bring plenty of water, and don't attempt a strenuous hike in direct sunlight during the peak of summer. Unfortunately, dogs die every year on trails like Mission Peak. Hot trails can also burn your dog's paws, so test the ground with your own hand, and if it's painful, it's too hot to hike. I've included plenty of shady trails and easy walks so you can still get your exercise in the morning on a hot day.

We have hiked every single one of these parks listed on my website, but trail conditions change throughout the year. I try to hike as many trails as possible and provide trail updates on Twitter if I see something unsafe, but it's impossible for us to regularly hike every single trail listed on my site and provide updates. Trails can erode during storms and structures can disintegrate. Grazing cattle or goats can appear on some trails throughout the year and water sources can become contaminated with algae. Throughout the year trails can become overgrown with foxtails or poison oak that wasn't present during the last time we hiked. Poison oak is part of the natural habitat and is a native plant, so it is commonly found on trails. Throughout the year it can become overgrown in certain areas. Luckily Bailey and I have not had any issues with poison oak, but some people are more allergic than others. To help avoid exposure to poison oak I recommend keeping dogs on leash on narrow single track trails with dense vegetation. If you are concerned about poison oak, it might be wise to call the park a day or two ahead and get an update on the poison oak situation. Always keep your dog visible, train your dog to stay on the designated trail and under voice control. Be alert, look ahead on the trail for anything unsafe and use common sense.

I recommend parking in actual parking lots when possible, as car break-ins are common when parking alongside the road. Never leave any items visible in your car to tempt a thief. Always tell someone your route before heading out, and don't rely on your cellphone because many of these hikes are in areas with poor reception. Taking a screenshot of a trail map can save you from getting lost if you don't have a paper copy. I recommend carrying bear spray if you're hiking in remote areas known to have bears or mountain lions. In order to prevent encounters with these animals, it's important to make noise on the trail so that you don't startle one. Make sure that your dog is always visible and under voice control, as it's easy for a curious dog to wander into a coyote den, find a snake, or start a cattle stampede. Also, carry a high-energy snack, a light and a first aid kit, just in case.

But most importantly - have fun!