Hit the trails near Yosemite

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

What better way to enjoy the mountains for bipeds and quadrupeds alike than by being out on a hike? In Mariposa County’s scenic Merced River Canyon, several dog friendly recreation areas exist including the Merced River Hike at the Briceburg Recreation Area.

The seven-mile round trip hike is a wide gravel road which includes a number of areas with river access which will allow you to cool off with a quick dip in the cool snowmelt fed river.

Also in this area, you will access the dog-friendly Briceburg Hike toward Yosemite and the Briceburg Hiking Trail West. Dogs are welcome on leashes at Briceburg. A little further to the west in the Yosemite gateway community of Mariposa is the Stockton Creek Preserve, a dog-friendly nature preserve with miles of trail to navigate ranging from easy to difficult.