A Cluster of Winery Finds In Gold Country

Wine grapes were introduced to the Sierra Nevada foothills during the Gold Rush years, when miners were thirsty for refreshment and farmers eager to provide. Today, the Sierra Foothills AVA (American Viticultural Area) stretches from Yuba County in the north to Mariposa County in the south, with five smaller AVAs under the umbrella designation. Two of them, El Dorado and Fair Play, are in El Dorado County, within easy striking distance of Sacramento, gateway to the Gold Country wine country. Read more.

Finding Gold in El Dorado County

Dog in front of historic cabin in El Dorado County

Talk about diverse: El Dorado County stretches from the city of Folsom, at the beginning of the Sierra Nevada foothills, all the way up to Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra. It’s what’s in between that’s of greatest interest to DogTrekkers in fall, when the harvest is on and the Apple Hill growing region off Highway 50 near Camino, just east of Placerville, rolls out the welcome mat at more than 50 farms and ranches. Read more.

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.

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.

Treasure in Gold Country

Eden Vale Inn Not interested in snow? You, your significant other and the four-legged tagalong who can’t be left behind will find walkable serenity coupled with luxurious accommodations at dog-friendly Eden Vale Inn near Placerville in El Dorado County. Read more.