Bark early to reserve these primo camping spots

Two beagles in tent looking out at trees

Photo by Jessica Bay.

OK, let’s face it: the early bird gets the worm—or in some cases, the campsite. Mark your calendar six months in advance and either go Read more.

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.

Make tracks to Tahoe

Historic buildings on edge of Lake at Tallac Historic Site

Tallac Historic Site. Photo by Chris Mansker.

For on-water fun, try renting a large cockpit kayak from Tahoe City Kayak and taking a paddle with your pup along the North Shore. Read more.

Liquid treasure in Gold Country

Hidden Falls Regional Park. Photo by City of Auburn.

You’ll hear the furious, highway-like roar long before you catch sight of Hidden Falls, a wide wall of water that explodes into a 50-foot ravine at the center of Hidden Falls Regional Park, a 1,200-acre preserve with 30 miles of trails in Placer County Gold Country. Read more.

Ah, September: Tahoe without the crowds

Tahoma Meadows Cottages.

After Labor Day, tourist crowds vanish from Lake Tahoe and locals take a breather. DogTrekking visitors can take a deep breath, too, with easy-to-get reservations at pet-friendly properties. Read more.