Dog Poop
Removal in
Hesperia.

Hesperia Civic Plaza Park on Smoke Tree Street is the city's showpiece green space: wide lawns, an outdoor stage, and the site of the farmers market, with the library next door. Reviewers describe it as spacious and beautiful, and it is one of the better-rated parks in the High Desert with more than 1,500 reviews.

For a dog it is a clean, flat walk on grass with a free lot for parking. Bring bags and water, keep the leash on during events, and use the perimeter path when the plaza is busy.

Hesperia Lake Park on Arrowhead Lake Road is a fishing lake with green trees and grass around it, a playground, and a general store selling water, ice and snacks. Ducks and geese gather in large flocks because they are used to people, which is either the highlight or the challenge depending on your dog.

Entry is free again after a closure, with lots and street parking. No swimming or boating is allowed, so the dog stays on the bank. Keep the leash tight near the birds and the anglers, and it is a calm lap around the water.

Bad Ass Coffee on Main Street is a Hawaiian coffee chain, including a 100% Kona brew, with outdoor seating and a policy that welcomes dogs. Reviewers call out quick, friendly service and a clean shop. Prices sit at the low end, and there are pastries and sandwiches if the walk turns into lunch.

Parking is a free lot with street spaces. Take the outdoor table, order at the counter, and the dog can wait under the table while the coffee is made.

Pinnacles Trail off Highway 173 is the serious hike on this list. It climbs steeply to views of Mount Baldy and Silverwood Lake, and reviewers who took their dogs say the dogs loved it. Go early and you may have it to yourself.

Read this part carefully. The trail is uncovered, poorly marked with only a handful of markers, and in places is disappearing into the desert; experienced hikers in one group still lost the route. Take an Adventure Pass to park, plenty of water for two, and only bring a dog that is fit and reliable off the beaten path. This is not the first hike for a new dog.

Lime Street Park is Hesperia's dedicated dog park, with separate areas for small and large dogs, working water fountains, and a bowl and a few toy balls left by regulars. It sits inside a larger park with tennis courts, ball fields, a basketball court and a skatepark, all described as well maintained.

Bring your own waste bags; reviewers found the dispensers empty. There is a big dirt lot at the back off Hesperia Road right next to the dog park, which makes the drop-off easy. Restrooms are there but can run short on supplies during tournaments.