Best-in-show travel pix: 2024 Go California Photo Contest winners

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.

Your pups tell amazing California stories, and Team DogTrekker had a tough time picking our favorite. We spent hours marveling at dogs swimming, playing in the snow, chasing balls, climbing mountains, surfing, running on beaches, basking in fall colors, strolling through vineyards, exploring the desert and more.

Our top choice was a wonderful photo of two very cute Pomeranians – Biscuit and Maddie – waving from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. They are perfectly framed, with Half Dome in the background. The shot has great colors, composition and sense of place, too. Thanks to grand prize winner Ivy Chen for sharing this photo.

Best in show

Two fluffy Pomeranian dogs stand on a large rock, set against a backdrop of vibrant green foliage and towering mountains. One paw raised, tongues lolling from their mouths, they seem content under the clear blue sky dotted with a few clouds. This delightful scene embodies the adventure and beauty ideal for submitting to a California photo contest. — 2024 Go California Photo Contest winners Biscuit and Maddie at Yosemite National Park. Photo by Ivy Chen.

DogTrekker readers also had difficult choices to make, with fantastic photos of pups soaking up the sunshine on the Bay Trail, spending time on the Russian River, walking around Oakland’s Lake Merritt, and trotting along the Sacramento River in Old Sacramento.

The highest vote count went to Samurai, who enjoyed his first ride in a sidecar in Carmel. He’s donning cool shades, and the deep blue Monterey Bay sparkles in the background. Thanks to grand prize winner Michelle Chu for submitting this photo.