Crystal blue persuasion

You’ve probably seen, en-route to Lake Tahoe on Highway 50, the left-turn lane directing traffic onto Ice House Road leading into the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. Take time to explore this winding ribbon of asphalt, and you’ll find a lifetime’s worth of camping possibilities at more than 700 sites sprinkled around five scenic reservoirs, two of which have direct hiking access into Desolation Wilderness, where your dog can hike leash-less alongside you. Read more.

Folsom: Gateway to Gold Country

Dog with bridge in background in Gold Country

Yes, country legend Johnny Cash put Folsom on America's musical map—and soon there will be a 2.5-mile, Class I bike trail named in his honor. It will cross Folsom Prison property and connect to the miles of existing trails that help make this vibrant little city at the western gateway to California Gold Country such a recreational magnet for DogTrekkers. Read more.

Gotta lake it

Mother and daughter with a dog resting on a pier looking at lake

Summertime and the livin’ is easy…as long as you’re on a lake. Heading up to Gold Country, you’ll find lots of places to dip your paws no matter which road you take. Here are some of our favorite splash spots in the Sierra foothills. Read more.

Top paw-tested campgrounds

Two dogs in front of blue and white tent

We don’t claim to be personally familiar with every campground in California, but our experiences at these dog-friendly sites have been pawsitive enough to keep us coming back again and again. Read more.