California Wine Country — spanning the rolling vineyards of Napa and Sonoma counties — offers some of the most scenic paved trails in the state, and many of them welcome leashed dogs. Whether navigating by wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or simply preferring a smooth, level surface, we’ve compiled a guide to the best ADA accessible, dog-friendly trails in Wine Country. For trails across the state, see our statewide guide to ADA accessible trails.
A note on service dogs: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service dogs are welcome on any public trail — including those that otherwise prohibit pets. All trails listed below also allow pet dogs on leash, making them great options for everyone.
Napa Valley Vine Trail, Napa to Yountville
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is the crown jewel of accessible paths in Wine Country. This fully paved Class I trail stretches 12.5 continuous miles from South Napa to Yountville, with additional segments connecting St. Helena and Calistoga through Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. The surface is smooth asphalt, the grade is virtually flat, and the trail is wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers to pass comfortably alongside cyclists and joggers. Leashed dogs are welcome along the entire route. The trail winds past vineyards, oak groves, and the Napa River, with multiple access points offering accessible parking and restrooms. It’s an ideal path for a morning walk with your dog before visiting a nearby dog-friendly tasting room — several Napa wineries with outdoor patios sit just off the trail corridor.
Oxbow Preserve, Napa
Tucked along a bend in the Napa River, the Oxbow Preserve is a 13-acre nature area managed by the City of Napa. A short paved loop trail follows the contours of the oxbow, providing scenic river views and shade from mature riparian trees. The paved surface and gentle grade make it accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices. An unpaved spur trail leads to the tip of the oxbow for those who want to explore further, but the main loop itself is smooth and level. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout. The preserve is easily reached from McKenzie Drive off the Silverado Trail, and ADA-accessible parking is available at the trailhead. At under a mile, this is a perfect quick outing for visitors who want a peaceful nature walk without a strenuous commitment.
Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa is one of Sonoma County’s most popular parks, and it earns that reputation with an accessible 2.3-mile paved loop around the lake. Approximately 1.2 miles of the loop — from the swimming lagoon parking area to the boat launch ramp — features moderate slopes and good accessibility for wheelchair users. The park also loans free all-terrain wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Leashed dogs (six-foot maximum) are allowed on the trails and around the lake, though they’re not permitted at the swimming lagoon or its beach. The paved path passes through forested hillsides with views across the water, and accessible parking and restrooms are located at multiple points. After swim season ends each fall, the park hosts “Water Bark” weekends where dogs can splash off-leash in the lagoon.
Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Glen Ellen
In the heart of Sonoma Valley near Glen Ellen, Sonoma Valley Regional Park offers the paved Valley of the Moon Trail — a 1.2-mile ADA-accessible path that runs through the center of the park from Highway 12 to Arnold Drive. The trail borders a seasonal creek and curves through a beautiful woodland of oaks draped in lichen, making it feel far more remote than its location just off the highway suggests. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails, and the park also has the Elizabeth Perrone Dog Park — a fenced off-leash area adjacent to the Highway 12 parking lot where your pup can burn off energy before or after the walk. Accessible picnic areas and portable restrooms are available. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, and parking is $7 (free for Sonoma County Regional Parks members).
Joe Rodota Trail, Santa Rosa to Sebastopol
The Joe Rodota Trail is an 8.5-mile paved corridor connecting downtown Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, running parallel to Highway 12 through open farmland and suburban neighborhoods. The asphalt-and-concrete surface is smooth and typically 5 to 10 feet wide, with gentle grades of 3 percent or less along nearly the entire route — one short downhill section near the 6.3-mile mark is steeper. Accessible parking is available at the west end of Sebastopol Road. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the trail’s length makes it easy to choose a shorter out-and-back segment that fits your comfort level. The route passes through some of Sonoma County’s agricultural landscape, with views of apple orchards and open fields, and connects to the West County Trail for those who want to extend their walk toward Forestville.
Cloverdale River Park, Cloverdale
At the northern end of Sonoma County, Cloverdale River Park features the Makahmo Trail — a one-mile paved path with gentle grades that follows the Russian River between McCray Road and First Street. The trail passes through open meadows and riparian forest shaded by cottonwood, walnut, and buckeye trees, with views of the forested Mayacamas Mountains in the distance. The paved surface is wheelchair and stroller accessible, though a few unpaved spur trails leading down to the water’s edge are not. Leashed dogs are welcome on the multi-use trail. The park provides accessible parking, restrooms, and picnic sites. Cloverdale’s small-town charm and nearby tasting rooms make this a pleasant stop on a northern Sonoma wine tour — and it’s a trail that rarely feels crowded.
Crane Creek Regional Park, Rohnert Park
East of Rohnert Park, Crane Creek Regional Park offers 3.5 miles of trails through rolling grasslands and mature oak woodland. Two of its trails — Creek Trail and Lupine Trail — are wheelchair accessible, featuring compacted gravel surfaces with gentle grades rather than pavement. While not fully paved, the firm, smooth gravel accommodates many wheelchair users and is considerably easier to navigate than typical dirt hiking trails. Leashed dogs (six-foot maximum) are welcome throughout the park. In spring, the hillsides erupt with wildflowers — including the namesake lupine — making this one of the most visually rewarding accessible outings in the county. Restrooms and picnic tables are available near the parking area. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Know your rights on the trail
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are permitted in all public spaces, including trails, parks, and beaches — even where pet dogs are prohibited. California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act and Disabled Persons Act extend these protections further. A service dog must be under the handler’s control (leash, harness, or voice command) and housebroken. Businesses and park staff may ask only two questions: (1) is this a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what task has the dog been trained to perform. They may not ask about the handler’s disability, require documentation, or charge extra fees.
Planning your accessible trail visit
Wine Country’s warm, dry summers can push temperatures above 90 degrees in Napa and inland Sonoma valleys. For the most comfortable experience, we recommend hitting the trail early in the morning or in the late afternoon when temperatures ease and the light is golden across the vineyards. Always bring extra water for both yourself and your dog — paved surfaces retain heat and can be tough on paw pads during peak sun hours.
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the best seasons for accessible trail outings in Wine Country. Spring brings wildflowers and green hillsides, while fall offers harvest activity, cooler air, and the region’s famous golden light. Winter is mild but trails can be wet — paved paths like the Vine Trail and Joe Rodota Trail hold up well in rain, but gravel surfaces at parks like Crane Creek can get soft.
Many Wine Country tasting rooms welcome dogs on their patios, so pairing a trail visit with a wine stop is entirely doable. Just remember that vineyard rows themselves are private property — keep your dog on the trail and out of the vines. If you’re planning a full day, consider packing a picnic; most of the parks listed here have accessible picnic areas where you can spread out and enjoy a bottle from a nearby winery with your dog at your side.
