Buckle up for big mountains, big fun at dog-friendly Mammoth

woman tosses stick to black lab at edge of alpine lake

Dogs love to play in the Eastern Sierra. Photo by Visit Mammoth.

Yes, it can be a bit of a drive depending where you start out—but a beautiful one. Highway 395 skirting the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada deserves lots of pull-over time on the way to Mammoth Lakes Read more.

Scenery rules at these dog-friendly campgrounds

dog sits in front of campfire with view of river

Photo by Cristoph Wesi.

Three pet-friendly campgrounds at MacKerricher State Park, just three miles from Fort Bragg in Mendocino County, put you smack on the scenic coast within sight and sound of the sea.

Get a dog-friendly lift at Mammoth or Tahoe

A cable car labeled "Palisades Tahoe" ascends over rugged mountainous terrain. The backdrop features distant peaks, partly obscured by clouds during sunset. The scene is painted in shades of green from the trees, blue from the sky, and orange from the setting sun. It resembles views you might see on a ride in a Mammoth tram.

Palisades Tahoe Tram

Both you and your dog will enjoy the novelty of a lift-assisted hike at the Northstar California, Palisades Tahoe or Mammoth Mountain ski resorts, all of which welcome four-legged passengers in their enclosed aerial conveyances. Read more.

Hiking ‘California’s Switzerland’

2 mixed breed dogs standing on granite boulder

Frankie & Storm hiking in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. Photo by Stephanie Clemens.

The Eastern Sierra is often referred to as “California’s Switzerland” for its jagged peaks and high-altitude attractions. The options for dog-friendly hikes in the region are limitless, and if you want to top off some exercise with a hearty meal, we have a couple of suggestions. Read more.

Fifth stop: Mammoth Lakes back to Sac via Yosemite

a brown and white dog laying in front of now covered mountains

Allow a full day—or more, if time permits—for the long but scenic drive back to Sacramento via Highway 120 over Tioga Pass Road through Yosemite National Park. Read more.