Horsethief Canyon

Cappie’s Scoop: Who loves a swimming hole! I do I do! I was really surprised when I found a big pool of water on this hike. I’m just hiking along, smelling the flowers, eating some green grass, dodging some garter snakes (yeah that one scared mom) … when all of a sudden, there it was. I immediately jumped in with my leash still on and started swimming. The water felt amazing. Mom started to toss sticks in the water and I would swim out to get them. I could get used to this. Maybe we can get a pool on our balcony at home. On the way back (which is uphill by the way), we saw a bunch of hoomans headed down to the water and they had these huge colorful sticks with them. Mom called them noodles and said they sit on those in the water. They should just doggie paddle like me! Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!

Tips: Depending on the time of year you go, you may encounter ticks on the trail so be prepared. Recommend you carry pet friendly tick spray.

Directions: Take I-8 E to the Tavern Road exit 30. Turn right (south) onto Tavern Road. Continue on Tavern Road for approximately 2.8 miles where it will turn into Japatul Road. Continue on Japatul Road for approximately 7 miles. Turn right onto Lyons Valley Road and continue for 1.5 miles until you see the sign for the Japatul Fire Station on the left. Turn left onto the Forest Service Road 16S04 and the large parking area will be on your left.