Autumn in Northern California means cooler trails, colorful foliage and fewer crowds. These five dog-friendly day trips cover Apple Hill orchards, Gold Rush towns, ocean bluffs and redwood groves, each one perfect for a fall road trip with your pup.
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Bridgeport in the Eastern Sierra offers dog-friendly lodges, the ghost town of Bodie State Historic Park, and the pristine Virginia Lakes at 9,000 feet. With rustic cabins, trout-filled waters, and quiet mountain scenery, it's an unforgettable stop on Highway 395.
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The Eastern Sierra is a year-round playground for dogs, but fall steals the show. Late September through mid-October brings California's best foliage, with golden aspens lining streams beneath granite peaks along Highway 395.
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The drive to Mammoth Lakes on Highway 395 is half the adventure, with stops at Mono Lake and Convict Lake. Once there, your dog can join you for snowshoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing in the Inyo National Forest.
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The Sierra foothills along Highway 20 between Marysville and Nevada City burst with wildflowers and waterfalls each spring. South Yuba River State Park and the vast Spenceville Wildlife Area both offer gorgeous, dog-friendly trails worth a weekend trip.
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The road from Truckee to Mammoth Lakes follows scenic Highway 395 past Bodie ghost town, surreal Mono Lake and into the Eastern Sierra. At Mammoth Mountain, dogs can ride the gondola to 11,053 feet and hike down through alpine lakes.
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Most California state parks keep dogs off dirt trails, but a few welcome leashed pups on paths beyond the pavement. Samuel P Taylor, South Yuba River and MacKerricher state parks stand out as happy exceptions worth a visit.
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Highway 395 through Mono County opens a world of dog-friendly adventure in the Eastern Sierra. From Mono Lake's strange beauty to hiking at Devil's Postpile and exploring the ghost town of Bodie, every stop rewards curious pups and their people.
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South Yuba River State Park in Nevada County strings together swimming holes, hiking trails, and gold-panning spots along the scenic Yuba River. Dogs are welcome nearly everywhere, making it a perfect weekend pairing with Grass Valley.
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The Eastern Sierra lights up each fall with vibrant color at Conway Summit, Virginia Lakes, and Lundy Canyon. Dog-friendly Virginia Lakes Resort puts ten lakes within a mile of your cabin.
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