Peninsula Dog Guide Book Published Online

PALO ALTO, CA -- It's now easier and cheaper than ever to dig in to hikes on the peninsula and beyond with your pup. Just ask the writers -- the dogs themselves.

"We've been listening to our audience for a long time. For three to four years it became clear that people want to know where to take their dog," Peninsula Open Space Trust staffer Matt Dolkas said. Dolkas further admits that places for people to take their dogs has become "very restrictive." He knows from taking his dog Arlo out.

"Hopefully, we can tell people where they can go," he said.

Apparently, the Palo Alto land trust organization has also been listening to the four-legged experts -- some of whom work with the 50 employees.

The Jean Lauer Trail at Pillar Point Bluff County Park represents "a cornucopia of coastal scents" says Bentley. For surfers, this trail is home to the world-renowned Mavericks surf break -- which draws hundreds in the winter to see the walls of water crest at 25 feet or so.

Aspen prefers the Pearsons-Arastradero Preserve "when I need to burn calories and clear my head."

Tito says he knows Windy Hill "like the back of my paw" because he grew up near the open space preserve.

"The views on this hike are certainly something to howl about," George raves about Coal Creek. "I can see my house in Menlo Park."

Fur-ball Trixie opts for Sanborn County Park because of its shade.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Sitka admits to sticking to known moderate hikes following "my long hiking career," listing the four-mile Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch trail as one of this pup's favorites.

From Wavecrest and Sierra Azul to Bean Hollow State Beach and , the Peninsula Open Space Trust staff with the help of their own canines has curated 12 dog-friendly Bay Area hikes with route details and trail maps as well as dog commentary. In the back, there's a list of open space areas along with city, county and state parks.

Experience for yourself: Visit https://openspacetrust.org/dog-hikes/.

--Images courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust