You don’t have to be a lean and hardy thru-hiker to enjoy sections of the famous Pacific Crest Trail stretching 2,560 miles from Mexico to Canada. It travels through some of America’s most exquisite scenery—and it’s all dog-friendly with the exception of segments transiting national parks, California state parks and a few heavily trafficked wilderness areas.
Many day-hike segments are accessible from trailheads near major roadways; just be sure to know whether you need to carry water or whether there’s a reliable source along your route. In the Tahoe area, you can pick up the trail off Interstate 80 near the Castle Peak/Boreal and Soda Springs exits; it also crosses Highway 50 at Echo Summit (the 4-mile Echo Lakes section from Echo Chalet into Desolation Wilderness is especially popular) and Highway 4 near Ebbetts Pass. There are dozens of points of entry elsewhere in the state. Visit PCTA.org for in-depth information on the trail, and find more day-hike suggestions here on DogTrekker.com
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