Riverside County Department of Animal Services

Our comfortable Southern California weather gives us the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors nearly all year long. It’s time for you and your dog or horse to get out and take advantage of it. There are many places for your pet to stretch his legs in Riverside County.

Dog Parks
For short trips, many cities have dog parks. These are great opportunities for your dog to just get out, run and play, and socialize with other dogs. Dog parks offer neutral territory where your dog can meet and get comfortable with other dogs. This can help prevent your dog from getting aggressive with other dogs. The dog parks do not have a charge for use.

In the Riverside area, there are three dog parks. All of them have large and small dog sections. Make sure to adhere to posted rules to keep the parks enjoyable for everyone.

The newest Riverside dog park is Riverwalk Dog Park at the corner of Pierce Street and Collett Avenue. Pooper scoopers and plastic bags are supplied. There are some nice areas to walk in the neighborhood around the dog park as well.

The Pat Merritt Dog Park is located on the Limonite Frontage Road near the Jurupa Hills area. The view of the Santa Ana River is nice and the park is protected from traffic noise by an embankment.

Also in Riverside is Carlson Dog Park at the foot of Mt. Rubidoux, alongside the Santa Ana River. You can easily take a walk on the Santa Ana River trail from this location.

The paved trail up Mt. Rubidoux is a short way from Carlson Dog Park and offers more of a challenge for you and your dog. On a clear day, it’s definitely worth the hike, with a 360 degree view of the Riverside area.

The Harada Heritage Dog Park is the newest dog park in Riverside County, opened in December 2006. It is located just north of Corona in the unincorporated community of Eastvale at 13100 65th Street.

Corona Dog Park is located on the corner of Butterfield Drive and Smith Avenue. The park is nearly an acre in size and offers a drinking fountain for humans and one for dogs.

The Palm Springs Dog Park is located behind City Hall on Civic Drive. The benches and trash bins are made from recycled material, pooper scoopers are provided, there are 11 antique-style fire hydrants and dual drinking fountains.

The beautiful Palm Desert Civic Center Park on Fred Waring offers a ¾ acre dog park. A path around the 70 acre complex provides a scenic view of the small lake and artwork for you and your dog.

Joe Mann Dog Park is located about 5 blocks east of the Palm Desert Civic Center Park on California Drive and is 1/3 acre in size.

County Parks
The County of Riverside operates 20 parks that are dotted throughout the county and offer day trips, or even overnight getaways close to home. Many county parks allow dogs and horses. A fee is charged for use, dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash, and owners need to clean up after their pet. The parks are overseen by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District.

Dogs are allowed at Rancho Jurupa Park in Riverside, which is located a short distance from Mt. Rubidoux. There are beautiful trails through lush scenery.

Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park in Riverside offers a nice setting to enjoy time with your dog or horse. The park has several trails and lies alongside the Santa Ana River.

Jensen Alvarado Historic Park in Riverside allows dogs on Saturdays only. Enjoy the views of groves of trees and historic buildings. The park is used to educate school children during the weekdays.

Hidden Valley Wildlife Area in Riverside offers hours and hours of exploration. The park is 1500 acres and provides access to 25 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. The large park includes the Santa Ana River and offers trails alongside the water. This is the only county park where your dog is allowed off leash, but please be considerate of the wildlife and birdwatchers who also enjoy the park.

Lake Skinner in Winchester allows dogs, but not in a boat or within 50 feet of the lake so they don’t disrupt fishing.

Gilman Historic Ranch in Banning gives you a glimpse back at the western frontier and the Gilman homestead ranch. Set in the foothills, this park allows dogs on the picnic grounds and enjoyable trails.

Box Springs Regional Mountain Park encompasses over 11-hundred acres in Moreno Valley and allows dogs and horses on the many hiking trails. The park offers nice views of the surrounding valley.

Kabian Park is located in the south county area in Quail Valley, and offers day use for dogs and horses.

Bogart Park in the foothills of Cherry Valley offers a scenic setting with a small lake and limited fishing. Dogs and horses are welcome.

Lake Cahuilla (Ca-we-uh) in La Quinta is a desert park that allows dogs and horses. The park offers equestrian corrals. Though extremely hot in summer, this park offers blue skies nearly all year round and is a good choice for winter outings.

Traveling into the Idyllwild mountains, you’ll find three parks – Hurkey Creek, McCall and Idyllwild parks - that offer breathtaking views, and trails for both dogs and horses.

And if you’d like to take a trip out to the Colorado River, you can take your dog to Mayflower County Park to enjoy fun in the sun. Remember, the heat is extreme in this area. Sand, metal surfaces and the inside of cars get dangerously hot. Keep your dog supervised and with you at all times.

State Parks
Riverside County also includes several state run parks that allow animals.

Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside offers a nice getaway and a pleasant aroma when the citrus trees are in bloom. There are many walking trails.

The huge 12-thousand acre Chino Hills State Park allows dogs and horses in several areas of the park.

Lake Perris allows dogs and horses in some areas, including the Terri Peak Trail which goes up the mountain to the south of the lake, revealing beautiful views of the lake, distant mountains and surrounding valleys.

We hope this brief overview has piqued your interest in some of the spectacular places you can visit in Riverside County. If you would like to share some of your favorite places to take your animals in and around Riverside County, please email your suggestion for this page.