(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — It’s not every day you get to see a pup take a ranger oath—but that’s exactly what’s happening in Newbury Park next month. On Saturday, May 17, leashed dogs and their humans are invited to Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa for a morning of trail time, tail wags, and National Park Service-style appreciation at a B.A.R.K. Ranger event designed to celebrate responsible outdoor adventuring—with paws in tow.
This is the first time the B.A.R.K. Ranger program is being hosted at the Rancho Sierra Vista site, a peaceful, wide-open space on the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon and includes a short hike led by rangers, a swearing-in ceremony for participating pups, and free swag like stickers, dog-friendly treats, and temporary tattoos. The only hard rule? Dogs must be leashed (six feet or less) and ready to enjoy the trails with good manners.
The B.A.R.K. acronym—Bag your waste, Always leash, Respect wildlife, and Know where you can go—is part trail etiquette, part stewardship mindset. The program is meant to help dog owners understand where their pets are welcome and how to recreate responsibly in national parks.
“It’s such a great idea,” one social media commenter posted. “Dogs need the exercise, we need the fresh air—and it’s the perfect way to learn how to be better hikers together.” Others chimed in with enthusiasm: “My rescue mix is ready for his badge!” and “Trail etiquette and stickers? We’re in.”
For many dog lovers, it’s more than an outing. It’s a chance to strengthen the bond with their dogs and meet others doing the same. Big or small, young or old, dogs thrive on movement and structure—and events like this offer both. It’s also a moment for owners to learn what good trail behavior looks like when dogs and wildlife share the same space.
Rancho Sierra Vista is one of the more accessible points into the vast Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which stretches across more than 150,000 acres and is considered the largest urban national park in the U.S. While many trails in the area allow dogs on leash, California State Parks, like nearby Malibu Creek, generally do not permit pets on trails—making events like this a helpful way to spread the word about where dogs can go.
To get a preview of the vibe, check out this Instagram video shared by the Santa Monica Mountains NRA, complete with scenic trails, wagging tails, and a lot of park ranger pride.
The event will be held at 4121 Potrero Road, Newbury Park. For full program details and park pet policies, visit nps.gov.
