Hiking, Parks and Gardens – can you say happy dog? DogTrekker has you covered with some great stories about the best hikes, parks and gardens for you. Whether you are looking for a quiet stroll through the park or an adventurous hike to a remote location, we have something for everyone. From the great outdoors to urban adventures, we’ve got it all covered. So don’t forget your pup when planning your next adventure – DogTrekker is here to help! Happy trails!

Find your oasis in dog-friendly Greater Palm Springs

woman with dog on lap sitting on bone shaped bench
Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs/@visitgreaterps.
If your vision of a perfect dog-friendly Palm Springs region vacation includes endless blue skies, awe-inspiring mountains, sparkling pools, swaying palm trees, and lots of tail-wagging fun in the sun, you've come to the right place: Greater Palm Springs.  Read more.

Get outdoors with your California pup today!

Dog with frisbee
Let’s get out there and enjoy the fresh air with our furry best friends! Exploring the great outdoors is an amazing experience that both people and pups love, and having access to outdoor recreational spaces can be incredibly beneficial for both. Exercise helps dogs stay physically fit, while mental stimulation provides important socialization opportunities. Plus, … Continued  Read more.

Brews and views in Humboldt County

dogs on beach
Trinidad, Humboldt County. Photo by Humboldt County Visitors Bureau.
Humboldt County is best known for its Redwood National & State Parks, freshwater lagoons and rivers, beautiful beaches, and Bigfoot. Whether your BFF (Best Furry Friend) is a forest explorer, a river runner, or a beach babe, Humboldt County has everything for the perfect pet-friendly adventures.  Read more.

A bird’s eye view for your pup in Del Norte County

dog looks out window from SkyTrail gondola
Pups can ride the SkyTrail gondola. Photo by Visit Del Norte County.
Del Norte County is known for its Redwood National & State Parks, sprawling beaches and two wild rivers with plenty of trail fun, but check out some of their most unique dog-friendly attractions, trails and lodging.  Read more.

Dog-approved adventures in California’s North Coast Region

Frenchie Hiking in Redwood Forest
Frenchie hiking the redwood forests of the North Coast.
Our pups have discerning tastes: good sleeps, good eats and plenty of play. Just north of San Francisco, the ‘North of Ordinary’ counties of California – Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte – offer plenty of fun for both you and and your dog on the North Coast in Northern California.  Read more.

Pup-friendly play by the Bay

woman hiking with dog on dirt path
IG@aindrearae hiking at Joaquin Miller Park. Photo by Visit Oakland.
Oakland, affectionately known as “The Town,” stretches between the San Francisco Bay and the Oakland and Berkeley Hills.  Read more.

Ten best places in California to take your dog

Dogs on a beach
California is a dream destination for dog owners, offering a variety of dog-friendly parks, beaches, and hiking trails to explore with your furry companion. From the sunny shores of Long Beach to the picturesque hiking trails of Malibu, there’s no shortage of adventures for you and your pup to embark on. Here are the top … Continued  Read more.

Dog-friendly beauty at Bridalveil Fall

Sunrise on Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California
Sunrise over Yosemite Valley.
Bridalveil Fall is beautiful to behold and famously photo-friendly in the spring. The sound of water splashing and crashing against rocks creates an immersive experience as you approach the waterfall.  Read more.

Furry friends love Lower Yosemite Falls

Dog at Lower Yosemite Falls
Photo by Barna Tanko | Dreamstime.com.
Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth tallest in the world. DogTrekkers are especially fond of Lower Yosemite Falls, which is easily accessible for humans and hounds via a one-mile loop trail.  Read more.

A dog day in Vacaville

two dogs are standing in front of a downtown vacaville sign.
Start your unforgettable day with your dog in Vacaville, California. Kick off the adventure at Pure Grain Bakery (11 Town Square Place) with a freshly brewed coffee and a pastry of your choice. Feel the morning rush as you take in the aroma of fresh bread and coffee, preparing for a day filled with exciting … Continued  Read more.

Sit, stay and play in Mammoth Lakes

a person and a dog in the water.
Photo by Visit Mammoth Lakes.
Mammoth Lakes is a DogTrekker favorite located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's known for its natural beauty, dog-friendly hiking trails and activities, and a range of accommodations and dining options.  Read more.

Rattlesnake advisory summer 2023

Summer is finally here and as heat intensifies throughout California this week, hikers may notice an increased presence of snakes along their favorite trails. Our friends at the East Bay Regional Park District have some rattlesnake safety tips, what to do when you see a rattlesnake, and what to do if you or your pup is bitten by a rattler or other type of snake.  Read more.

10 dog-friendly hiking trails in California

California’s diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty make it a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts. The state is home to numerous trails that welcome dogs, offering a range of experiences from coastal views to mountainous climbs. Here are ten of the best trails in California where dogs are not just allowed but welcomed. 1. Black … Continued  Read more.

Chow down in Greater Ontario

Illustration of Lazy Dog Restaurant.
Hike, eat, chill. Photo by Lazy Dog Restaurant.
Pet-friendly restaurants provide outdoor patios to enjoy a great meal for the entire family, including your dog.   Read more.

Greater Ontario 

A beautiful dog comes up close to the camera while on a hike
When it comes to the “pawfect” road trip for Fido and the family, the cities, historic downtowns, and mountain trails of Greater Ontario are a real treat  Read more.

Family fun with a pup-friendly pedigree

young girl on grass with 2 dogs.
Kids and dogs love the Stanford Inn. Photo by the Stanford Inn.
The Stanford Inn is a family-friendly jewel with plenty of four-paw delights – think hiking trails, a heated saltwater pool, scavenger hunts, canoes that accommodate dogs,  Read more.

Paddle, pedal and play with your pup

dog in canoe
Check-in time at the Stanford Inn is a joyous moment. Pups and their people linger in the lobby, sharing stories about their favorite outdoor adventures. Dogs are welcome across the resort’s guestrooms, grounds, bookstore and lobby, of course, but leave some time to explore the region’s pup-friendly beaches, parks, waterways and trails, too.  Read more.

Wellness meets tail-waggin’ fun at the Stanford Inn

A golden retriever is standing in front of a garden at Stanford Inn with a view of the ocean.
Few places match Mendocino’s natural beauty. The Stanford Inn stretches along 10 coastal acres here, framed by USDA-certified organic gardens, towering trees and Pacific Ocean views. Dog-friendly for 43 years and counting, this charming getaway by innkeepers Jeff and Joan Stanford offers an earth-minded experience with wellness programs, spa services, outdoor adventures and plant-based dining.   Read more.

Was Calistoga really founded by a dog?

An old photo of a large dog walking down a street.
San Francisco’s Emperor Norton had his dogs Bummer and Lazarus. Calistoga’s Sam Brannan had Leonitus. Archive photo.
The charming Sam Brannan and Leonitus story In the early days of Calistoga, California, a man named Sam Brannan and his loyal Newfoundland dog, Leonitus, embarked on a journey to shape a thriving resort town. Brannan, with Leonitus’ watchful gaze and quiet camaraderie, transformed the wild land into a flourishing community. Their bond was not just a … Continued  Read more.

Win a Fort Bragg, Mendocino County beach DogCation®!

Enter to Win Beachcomber Dogcation
Win a two-night DogCation® at one of the three Beachcomber Hotel properties in Fort Bragg: The Beachcomber Motel, Surf & Sand Lodge, or the Beach House Inn. In addition, each prize package will include a Skunk Train family pack, bike rentals, and a $100 gift certificate good at the North Coast Brewing Company. DogTrekker respects your privacy and will never sell or rent personal information.  Read more.

The dish on Tahoe trails

Shirley Lake Trail.
Shirley Lake Trail.
DogTrekkers consistently list hiking as a Tahoe favorite, followed closely by beaches and water fun. The Shirley Canyon Trail combines it all.   Read more.

Don’t miss Bark in the Park

Person taking photo of dog in costume at Bark in the Park, San Jose
Photo by Bark in the Park.
Bark in the Park is back on September 16 at William Street Park in San Jose from 10am to 5pm. Bark is the Park is the largest dog festival in the United States with fun for the entire family, including the dog! Grab your best friend and a leash and join us for Bark’s 25th year! Enjoy an all-day, outdoor family friendly event. Dogs and their best friends will have a great time.  Read more.

Mendocino magic at every turn

happy yellow lab on grass with water in the background
Maya at Mendocino Headlands State Park. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
From on-site organic gardens and Noyo Harbor fishing village scenes to Fort Bragg murals, the pup-friendly Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens,  Read more.

Noteworthy on California’s North Coast: The Noyo Harbor Inn

seals in the water in front of Noyo Harbor Inn
The Noyo Harbor inn is a Craftsman-style dream with spa treatments, waterfront dining and access to adventures for you and your four-legged family members. From here, it’s easy to explore coastal paths, canoe routes, train rides and restaurant patios across Mendocino County. Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor Inn is a spectacular – and seriously dog-friendly – basecamp for enjoying the season.   Read more.

Fall in Yosemite: Captivating color and wagging tails welcome

Yosemite National Bark!
Few places are prettier than Yosemite in fall. Blue skies and mild temperatures make for pleasant outdoor activities, while vast stands of maples and dogwoods put on a colorful show. Traffic is lighter during the fall season, and hotels in this dog-friendly paradise roll out special lodging deals this time of year, too.   Read more.

Oakland

woman hiking with dog at Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland.
Hiking Joaquin Miller Park. Photo by Visit Oakland.
Sunset calls Oakland “a diverse cultural hub in the heart of the Bay Area,” with art, culinary attractions and activities that promise fun for all ages.  Read more.

San Luis Obispo (SLO)

yellow lab panting
Maya rests after climbing Bishop Peak, SLO.
Sunset likes the laid-back vibe, local, independent wineries, and public art of San Luis Obispo (SLO). From a dog-parent’s perspective,  Read more.

Trails & tails

Labrador retriever with leash is waiting for walk.
I’m ready for a walk in GOCAL, are you?
Greater Ontario, California boasts an array of dog-friendly trails that are a paw-fect fit for both canine companions and their outdoor-loving humans.   Read more.

Fall fun with Fido

Couple with a small yellow dog in forest
GOCAL’s endless summer.
Greater Ontario, California offers the ideal setting for an autumn escape that will create cherished memories for you and your loyal companion.   Read more.

Step into the magic of Mendocino

Happy rottweiler in vineyard
Mendocino County features 12 viticultural areas.
For an especially tasty excursion in dog-friendly Mendocino County, visit during the 2023 Harvest Mendocino festivities. From October 27 to November 12,  Read more.

Magic is real in pup-friendly Mendocino County

yellow lab with hay bales and pumpkins at Little River Inn
Kayla celebrating harvest at the Little River Inn. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Mendocino County captivates those who travel with furry family members, and it has also enchanted DogTrekker readers for decades. With mist-cloaked valleys, ancient redwood stands, and stunning state parks that unfold along the coast and across inland peaks, you’ll discover magical landscapes at every turn. Our friends at Visit Mendocino County just unveiled a new website showcasing that magic.  Read more.

Pleasant Hill: It’s a dog’s world

dalmation peeking out window of an SUV
Tshaka Zulu visits Pleasant Hill. Photo by Stay Pleasant Hill.
Pup-friendly Pleasant Hill puts Northern California’s best within easy reach. Hike scenic East Bay canyons with your furry friend. Hop over to San Francisco for family attractions and culture. Sample world-class wines in Napa, Sonoma or Livermore. Then, relax at Pleasant Hill restaurants and hotels that roll out the red carpet for dogs. Our friend Tshaka Zulu, a travel-loving Dalmatian, has cre  Read more.

Perfect dog-friendly patios in Greater Palm Springs

Dog and people at Boozehounds
Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs.
Welcome to the ultimate guide for dog lovers in Greater Palm Springs! As a dedicated pup parent, you’re always looking for the ideal spot to soak up some sunshine with your furry friend. Get ready to explore the most tail-wagging, paw-some dog-friendly patios that this SoCal oasis has to offer.    Read more.

Dog-friendly hikes

Two women hiking with a dog in Greater Palm Springs
Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs.
Discover beautiful Greater Palm Springs trails on these dog-friendly hikes. Pack water, grab treats, and get ready to check out  Read more.

Plumas County: Majestic peaks and pup-friendly trails

Family Walk near Lake Almanor
Plumas County extends along the southeast corner of the Shasta Cascade region, midway between Mount Lassen and Lake Tahoe. National forest covers more than 75% of this scenic county, with meadows, canyons, ridges and lakes that offer views of Sierra Nevada and Cascade peaks.  Read more.

Butte County: Nature and culture for pups and their people

Butte County farmers market with dog
The sun sparkles across orchards, farm fields, riverfront parks and brewery patios throughout Butte County. Set in central California, at the southern end of the Shasta Cascade region, this dog-friendly destination presents the best of Gold Rush history plus beautiful hiking routes, cultural highlights and vibrant college-town energy. From houseboating on Lake Oroville, to hiking … Continue  Read more.

Lassen County: Off-leash adventures with volcano views

A Meadow In Lassen County
Perhaps best known for Lassen Volcanic National Park’s extraordinary landscapes, Lassen County is also packed with dog-friendly recreation, accommodations and events. This outdoor wonderland bordering Nevada, on the east-central side of the Shasta Cascade region, draws four-legged travelers with off-leash destinations like Susanville Bark Park and the freshwater creeks and meadows of nearby   Read more.

Bark Park

Bark Park in Susanville
Photo by Aislyn Clause.
Bark Park in Susanville in Lassen County, is specifically designed to cater to the needs of both large and small dogs, with two distinct areas that allow for safe, off-leash play in a controlled environment. This park is open from dawn to dusk, providing ample time for pet owners to utilize the space. The park … Continued  Read more.

Ruff-ing it in Shasta County

A man and woman walking a dog on the Whiskeytown Falls trail in Shasta County. - Dogtrekker
Hiking dog-friendly Whiskeytown Falls trails. Photo by Choose Redding.
The community of Redding anchors Shasta County, and it's the gateway to recreational opportunities across the Shasta Cascade region. Set  Read more.

Plan a spring reset in the Shasta Cascade region

Middle McCloud Falls, Siskiyou County, Upstate California.
Middle McCloud Falls, Siskiyou County, Upstate California.
Turn travel dreams into real itineraries with the all-new DogTrekker.com. Your ultimate go-to guide for dog-friendly California adventure sparks inspiration while spotlighting destinations like the Shasta Cascade region (aka Upstate CA). This eight-county playground has more than a dozen national and state parks, plus countless trails, lakes, fishing streams, restaurants and hotels that welcome pu  Read more.

Pleasant Hill has gone to the dogs!

A dog stands on top of a hill at Sunol Regional Wilderness in Pleasant Hill, gazing out over the valley below. - Dogtrekker
Sunol Regional Wilderness. Photo by Kevin Noble on Unsplash.
Pleasant Hill, California is one of the most centrally located and pet-friendly destinations in the San Francisco Bay Area, making it a great home base for pet parents who are eager to explore all Northern California’s many attractions, including some mountainous parks where dogs can roam off leash. To begin, Pleasant Hill has its own canine global travel critic, Tshaka Zulu, who recently shared  Read more.

Traveling with your dog in the California deserts

A canine companion rests peacefully on a picturesque desert trail in the expansive Californian wilderness. The landscape is adorned with arid, golden grasses and sturdy shrubs, all under an unbroken azure sky. Majestic mountains rise subtly from the distant horizon, lending an aesthetic touch to this photogenic vista. Framing this serene scene is a grand yucca plant flourishing against all odds in the rugged terrain behind our furry friend.
Maggie in the California desert. Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs @visitgreaterps.
Embark on a canine adventure through the California deserts! From Death Valley's awe-inspiring vistas to Anza-Borrego's rugged trails, explore the raw beauty of the desert landscapes while creating unforgettable memories with your furry friend. Remember to pack essentials, respect park regulations, and prioritize safety.   Read more.

Dog-friendly hikes in Greater Palm Springs

Child walking a dog on a trail in the California Desert.
Unleash the fun in California’s desert. Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs.
The California Desert Region is the ultimate playground for hiking enthusiasts and their furry friends, and these dog-friendly hikes are a  Read more.

Hit the happy trails

Big Bear Lake spring hiking
Photo by Visit Big Bear.
The hiking trails are definitely for the dogs in Big Bear Lake! With 100 miles of trails, you can choose your  Read more.

Pleasant Hill recognizes two exciting anniversaries in 2024

Dog looking over Pleasant Hill
The eastern side of the Bay is world-renowned for its dog-friendly outdoor recreation. It’s also home to amazing animal welfare organizations that have cared for furry friends for several generations. Two standout organizations are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2024. The East Bay Regional Park District, the largest of its kind in the U.S., turns 90. A short distance away, the East Bay S  Read more.

Spring safety tips for dog owners

Experience the splendor of a golden retriever, with its alert eyes keenly focused on pet safety, as it playfully holds a tennis ball in his mouth. This joyful activity takes place amidst the refreshing waters of a serene pond, punctuated by the mesmerizing spectacle of water droplets bursting into tiny sprinkles around him. This makes for an exciting and adventurous outdoor bonding time for you and your furry friend. Be sure to pack that tennis ball! - Dogtrekker
Understanding and managing risks for a safe outdoor experience When venturing out with your dog during spring, it’s important to be proactive about various risks to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a detailed look at common hazards and tips on how to stay safe: Ticks Risk: Ticks are prevalent in wooded areas and … Continued  Read more.

It’s tick season in California: How to remove a tick from your pet.

A woman, adorned in chic sunglasses and shouldering a robust backpack, affectionately pets her small golden canine companion. They find themselves soaking up the sunshine amidst the tranquil beauty of a forest trail tucked away in glorious California. The perfect destination for dog-owners who wish to immerse their furry friends in nature's splendour and serenity. - Dogtrekker
We’re checking our dogs daily for ticks, now that the grasses are getting taller and the days getting warmer. As you and your dog hit the trails, here are some helpful tips. These critters are dangerous Ticks pose a significant health risk to both pets and humans, as they can easily transfer from animals like … Continued  Read more.

Moorten Botanical Garden: A desert oasis for you and your dog

If you’re a dog owner looking for a relaxing place to explore in Greater Palm Springs, Moorten Botanical Garden is your perfect destination. This botanical garden in Palm Springs has a stunning collection of desert plants and a friendly atmosphere. The best part? You can bring your dog along for the adventure. Here’s what you … Continued  Read more.

Exploring dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: An adventurer’s guide

Lake Tahoe, known for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re a dog owner planning a visit to this beautiful area, you’ll be glad to know that Lake Tahoe is incredibly dog-friendly. With various trails, beaches, and restaurants welcoming canine companions, your four-legged friend will enjoy the … Continued  Read more.

Winter-friendly things to do with your pets in Yosemite Mariposa

Dog by view of half dome
Photo by Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.
The Yosemite Mariposa County region offers an adventure-filled vacation not just for humans but for their four-legged companions as well. The stunning scenery and outdoor activities that evoke feelings of joy and awe in humans are bound to elevate the happiness of dogs too. From sniffing pine cones to exploring misty waterfall trails and encountering an abundance of sticks, dogs can revel in the s  Read more.

Four-day Yosemite Mariposa County dog-friendly itinerary

dogs sticking their heads out the window of a SUV in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Mariposa County is a premier travel destination for all adventurers, no matter how many legs they have. You and your furry companions will have numerous activities and amenities at the tip of your fingers, or paws. Here's a detailed itinerary for four pet-perfect winter days in Yosemite Mariposa County:   Read more.

Seven important tips for California dog travel

traveling dog
Traveling with your dog through California in the spring and summer is a rewarding experience. California offers a variety of outdoor adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and dog-friendly locations. To ensure a smooth journey, here’s a comprehensive guide with tips for traveling with your dog. Carrying vaccination records One of the first things you should do when … Continued  Read more.

Dogs and health: more than just companionship

Physical health benefits When you have a dog, you’re getting more than just a furry friend. You’re getting a workout partner who needs daily walks, encouraging you to stay active. This regular exercise helps lower the risk of heart disease and obesity. Studies suggest that pet owners might have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels … Continued  Read more.

Top 5 dog parks in California

Dog-friendly California unfurls its varied landscapes like a grand tapestry, from craggy coastlines to serene valleys, tailor-made for the joy of dogs and their human counterparts. We have the most dog parks of any state. This guide explores five top-rated dog parks across California, each with unique amenities and the unmistakable beauty of the golden … Continued  Read more.

Four fabulous dog-friendly days in magical Mendocino

A small, fluffy brown dog with a red collar sits on a grass-covered cliff in Mendocino.
Mendocino County makes headlines for so many reasons, including its dog-friendly trails, rails, rivers, peaks and Pacific splendor. This wonderous playground presents unforgettable surprises, whether you’re hiking redwood-shaded routes, sampling local wines, touring a lighthouse or shopping at small-town galleries. With accommodations, amenities and activities tailored to four-legged guests, th  Read more.

Dog-friendly Ukiah: A dog lover’s paradise in Mendocino County

A woman in a knit hat and dark jacket holds a small, fluffy dog close to her on the sidewalk in Ukiah. Shops line the street behind them, and people walk by as cars move along the road. A sign with partially visible text hangs above her head.
A haven for furry friends When most people think of Mendocino, they picture the quaint coastal town where “Murder, She Wrote” was filmed. But right off Highway 101 in Mendocino County is dog-friendly Ukiah—a funky, friendly town that’s a dog lover’s dream. Parks and open spaces Ukiah’s dog-friendly reputation is well-earned. The town boasts numerous … Continued  Read more.

Big Bear Lake, The ultimate dog-friendly destination year-round

Three dogs run along a narrow dirt path in the forest at Big Bear Lake, CA. A smiling golden retriever is on the left. In the center is a smaller dog, and to the right is a larger black-and-white dog with its tongue out. Trees line the sides of the path, and sunlight filters through the branches in this dog-friendly area.
Photo by Visit Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake, CA, in the San Bernardino Mountains, is a haven for dog lovers looking for a getaway in any season. Whether you’re into summer swims, fall hikes, winter snow fun, or spring blooms, Big Bear has it all for you and your four-legged friend. Summer: water, trails, and tail-wagging fun Summer at Big … Continued  Read more.

Exploring Greater Palm Springs with your dog

A small dog with brown and white fur perches on a stone wall in a lush desert landscape. Palm trees, agave plants, and red flowers dot the surroundings. In the background, mountains rise under a blue sky with scattered white clouds, showcasing the dog-friendly environment of Greater Palm Springs.
Arrival and accommodations Traveling with your dog to Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding California desert region offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, pet-friendly accommodations, and a laid-back vibe. Start by finding the right place to stay. La Quinta Resort & Club treats dogs like VIPs with dog-friendly rooms and lush grounds for walks. … Continued  Read more.

California coasting with your dog

A golden retriever runs through the shallow water at a California beach, a blue ball clamped in its mouth. Waves roll and crash behind the dog, whose wet fur suggests it has been swimming. The background features churning surf and a distant horizon.
Summer in California means sandcastles, swimming, shoreline walks, and patio dinners at sunset – all with your dog in tow. As we look ahead to this year’s splash season, the DogTrekker team has put together pup-tested itineraries for some of the state’s best coastal destinations. Slap on the sunscreen and get ready to roll. Whether you want to surf, watch waves, or paddle tranquil rivers,   Read more.

Find fall fun with your dog on the shores of South Lake Tahoe

A group of people and their dogs hike through a rocky trail in a forested area. Large boulders and tall trees surround them. They take in the scenic view of South Lake Tahoe's lake and mountains under a clear sky, enjoying the fall season.
Photo by Wild Blue Dogs.
Fall is a great time to visit Lake Tahoe, thanks to fewer crowds, comfortable weather, and, of course, that dazzling blue water. FALL CAMP Wild Blue Dogs holds their Fall Camp activities September 16 – 22 on a fenced, 33-acre property between Edgewood Golf Course and Zephyr Cove, on the Nevada side of the lake. (The facility doubles as a midsummer 4-H camp).   Read more.

Redding: The perfect pit stop for you and your pooch

A person strolls with their dog across a modern suspension bridge with a glass floor in Redding. Another dog is ahead, and two people walk in the distance. The sky is cloudy, and trees and water flank both sides of the bridge, offering a scenic spot for an outing.
So, you’re plotting a getaway to Northern California’s most stunning landscapes and need a place to crash that’s as dog-friendly as it is delightful? Look no further than Redding, the unsung hero of your adventure. Situated in the heart of an amazing region, Redding is the perfect pit stop for you and your four-legged companion. … Continued  Read more.

Discover California’s dog-friendly waterfalls: A nature lover’s guide

Three puppies play in a gently flowing stream bordered by dense greenery. Sunlight pierces through the trees, illuminating the area with a warm glow. Their fur wet from the water, the puppies exhibit curiosity and happiness.
California, with its diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and their four-legged friends. Among its many attractions, the state boasts numerous dog-friendly waterfalls that provide the perfect backdrop for a day of adventure. Here’s a guide to some of the best waterfalls in California where both you and your … Continued  Read more.

Yosemite and Mariposa County: Awesome dog-friendly guide

A golden Labrador retriever in Yosemite
Mariposa County, California, is a fantastic destination for dog lovers, especially when visiting Yosemite. Here are some dog-friendly activities and places to explore that promise a mix of adventure, history, and quirky fun. Hike the trails Start your adventure with some of the dog-friendly trails in Yosemite. The Wawona Meadow Loop is a 3.5-mile trail … Continued  Read more.

Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: Why your dog will thank you

German shepherd at the Tahoe Keys Resort.
Photo by Tahoe Keys Resort.
Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe is a dream for outdoor lovers and their four-legged friends. With pristine waters, majestic peaks, and numerous trails, it’s perfect for dog-friendly adventures. Here’s how to make the most of your Tahoe trip with your dog, including some hidden gems. Getting there Traveling to Lake Tahoe with your dog is simple. If … Continued  Read more.

Three amazing dog-friendly road trips in California

Two brown dogs lean out of a car window, enjoying the wind and the view of California's coastline. The scene includes a rugged coast, blue ocean waves, and a partly cloudy sky on a sunny day. This road trip has the dogs looking content.
California’s diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities for road trip adventures, especially for those traveling with their dogs. Here are three meticulously planned dog-friendly road trips: Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes, Jenner up Highway 1 to Leggett, and Redding to Mount Shasta. Each route provides stunning scenery, pet-friendly stops, and unforgettable experiences for you and your furry   Read more.

Discover dog-friendly Pleasant Hill

dalmation peeking out window of an SUV
Tshaka Zulu visits Pleasant Hill. Photo by Stay Pleasant Hill.
Pleasant Hill is a picturesque town with scenic views where you'll find a variety of dog-friendly activities that will keep both you and your furry companion entertained and happy. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly things to do in or near Pleasant Hill.  Read more.

Discover dog-friendly Oakland: A canine paradise

A carved wooden sculpture of a dog's head stands out, showcasing detailed craftsmanship. Behind it, an Oakland street appears blurred but recognizable with trees and parked cars lining the pavement. The sculpture features a collar adorned with intricate patterns.
Cappuccino the Dog is a beloved statue located at the intersection of Alcatraz Avenue and Racine Street in North Oakland. The statue was created by artist Devyon Harrison and represents Cappuccino, a terrier-lab mix.
Oakland is a fantastic place to visit or live with your dog. It’s sunny when San Francisco is foggy, and it’s very dog-friendly when some communities try to discourage dog people. Some of the best parks (can you say towering redwoods?) to hike with your dog are right here, and the Oakland food scene with its dog-friendly diversity of delicious food and drink is not to missed. Let's look at all  Read more.

Have a dog-gone good time at Folsom Lake

A fluffy, golden-brown dog rests in the shallow waters of Folsom Lake, its head and back breaking the clear surface. The still water mirrors both the dog and the rocky, tree-lined surroundings.
Sacha enjoying the water in Folsom Lake. Photo by Gretchen Wolf.
While the rules for four-legged visitors vary across California’s state parks, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) offers a very pup-friendly experience.  Read more.

Canine early warning systems

A shaggy-coated dog sits in tall wild grasses, staring ahead. Industrial factories releasing smoke stand in the background, bathed in the warm light of sunset. The haze creates a contemplative and concerned mood about human health.
Dogs often show signs of health problems from environmental factors before humans do, acting as biological alerts. Dogs have long been cherished as loyal companions, but recent research suggests they also serve as important early warning systems for human health. A study published in Science reveals how dogs’ health can mirror human well-being due to … Continued  Read more.

Win an Oakland DogCation® at the Claremont Club & Spa

A dog, adorned with sunglasses and a straw hat, sits before the grand facade of a the Claremont hotel in Oakland.
For the second consecutive year, DogTrekker is proudly partnering with Visit Oakland to give away an Oakland DogCation®! Don’t miss your chance to win this incredible prize package featuring two nights at the pup-passionate Claremont Club & Spa, a Fairmont Hotel, plus a $100 gift card for food and fun at plank in Jack London Square. Enter now!   Read more.

Yosemite Mariposa County four day dog-friendly itinerary

Two brown-and-white dogs poke their heads out of a car window, collars snug around their necks. The car sits in a picturesque spot in Mariposa County, surrounded by trees and mountains. This area offers easy access to dog-friendly activities leading into Yosemite.
Photo by Yosemite Mariposa County.
Yosemite Mariposa County is a premier travel destination for all adventurers, no matter how many legs they have. You and your furry companions will have numerous activities and amenities at the tip of your fingers, or paws. Here's a detailed itinerary for four pet-perfect days in Yosemite Mariposa County:   Read more.

On & off-leash adventures

A woman in a light blue outfit and baseball cap sits on a boat beside her white Labrador Retriever. They both enjoy the sunny day on Big Bear Lake, with forested hills and clear skies in the background.
Maya & Roxanne on a Holloway’s Marina & RV Park Pontoon Boat. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
It’s not hard to get lured in by the lake lifestyle, especially when your canine companions are welcome on the  Read more.

Is the dog park the new dating scene in California?

A woman and a man stand outside, each holding the leash of a dog at a busy California dog park. They exchange smiles as their dogs—one black and one brown—sniff and play together. Autumn leaves scatter around them, with city buildings providing the backdrop. Two benches are nearby, adding to the pleasant atmosphere.
Tired of swiping? Worried about flirting at work? Church picnics not your thing? For California dog lovers tired of swiping through dating apps or the pressures of traditional dating venues, dog parks are emerging as a fun, casual alternative. With the state’s endless sunshine, countless dog-friendly spaces, and communities that embrace outdoor living, it’s easy … Continued  Read more.

Yosemite Mariposa County

A tan and black dog wearing a collar stands on a concrete pathway in front of a black metal railing. Tall evergreen trees and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds can be seen behind the dog, indicating an outdoor setting, likely in Mariposa County. The dog’s head is turned to the side with its mouth open.
Traveling through Yosemite can be the experience of a lifetime; sharing the experience with your favorite furry companion is a priceless memory you both will cherish.  Read more.

Yosemite Mariposa County

A white dog, mouth open and likely panting, stands on a ledge in Mariposa County. Behind it are towering rocky cliffs and a green valley dotted with pine trees. The sky is partly cloudy. The dog sports a colorful harness.
Yosemite Mariposa County is a premier travel destination for all adventurers, no matter how many legs they have. Here's a 4-day itinerary to explore.  Read more.

The Stanford Inn: Eco-minded, perfect for pups

Three dogs sit on a wet wooden deck near potted plants at the pet-friendly Stanford Inn. From left to right, there is a small black and white dog, a larger tricolored dog with black, white, and brown fur, and another small white dog. A person's feet are visible in the top right corner of the scene.
The Mendocino coast is spectacular at any time of year, but golden light and salty sea breezes make late summer especially enchanting. Base yourself at the Stanford Inn by the Sea and savor it all. This dog-friendly gem operated by Parker, Ellie and Pepper – together with their people, Jeff and Joan Stanford – features gorgeous grounds and views, outdoor fun, wellness activities, plant-base  Read more.

A guide to pet-friendly lodging in Yosemite Mariposa County

A tan and black dog, wearing a purple collar, stands on a patio with a metal railing. The dog is panting and gazing to the side. In the background, tall green pine trees stand out against the clear blue sky.
Pup enjoying Tenaya Lodge. Photo by Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.
Traveling through Yosemite can be the experience of a lifetime; sharing the experience with your favorite furry companion is a priceless memory you both will cherish. However, navigating the park’s regulations for pets requires some preparation. Luckily, Yosemite Mariposa County is filled with pet-friendly accommodations no matter what portion of the park you plan to see.   Read more.

Escape your ordinary in Greater Palm Springs

In Palm Springs, the landscape offers a striking panorama where tall palm trees sway against a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks. The mountains, lightly dusted with snow, stand in bold contrast to the lush greenery at their base. This idyllic setting provides an inviting environment for nature enthusiasts exploring the area with their dogs.
Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs. @visitgreaterps.
In Greater Palm Springs, every day is an invitation to adventure for you and your dog. With scenic hiking trails, sun-drenched patios, and a variety of pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals, this Southern California oasis promises a memorable escape from the ordinary. Year-round sunshine, breathtaking mountain views, and palm trees swaying in the desert breeze create the perfect setting for a o  Read more.

2024 Go California Photo Contest winners

Two Pomeranians waving in front of Yosemite. Photo by Ivy Chen.
Best of Show Winner: Biscuit & Maddie waving from Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park. Photo by Ivy Chen.
Hundreds of you entered DogTrekker’s 2024 Go California Photo Contest, and thousands voted for images of four-legged travel influencers enjoying lakes, beaches, parks and trails across the Golden State. This annual competition spotlights the very good boys and girls who inspire us all to get out and explore. And as 2024 winds down, it’s the perfect time to start dreaming about next year’s ad  Read more.

Winter-friendly things to do with your pets in Yosemite Mariposa

Dog looking at the scenic view of Yosemite
Photo by Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.
The Yosemite Mariposa County region offers an adventure-filled winter vacation not just for humans but for their four-legged companions as well. The stunning scenery and outdoor activities that evoke feelings of joy and awe in humans are bound to elevate the happiness of dogs too. From sniffing pine cones to playing in the snow, dogs can revel in the sensory overload of Yosemite National Park.   Read more.

Ruffing it in Yosemite

Tenaya Lodge in Winter
Tenaya Lodge in Winter. Photo by Tenaya at Yosemite.
Winter in Yosemite National Park means quiet landscapes and five-star fun for four-pawed travelers and their human companions. Leashed dogs are welcome on most fully paved roads and paths within the park (at many park campgrounds, too), so there’s lots of room to roam.  Read more.

Happy New Year

Silhouette dog and young man jumping from 2022 to 2023 at cliff
The new year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hand. Or, maybe it’s in the paw of your four-legged best friend. However you document your 2023 travel aspirations and dreams, you can count on DogTrekker.com.   Read more.

Five great California destinations for you and your dog

Yes, you can take dogs to Yosemite
Yes, you can take dogs to Yosemite,
Has your pup been begging you to take them on vacation? We know the feeling. Lucky for you, California is full of incredible places that welcome dogs with open arms. From beach towns to national parks, there’s something for every pup and their human. So grab your leash and get ready to explore! Here are … Continued  Read more.

Shell Beach coastal access trail

Shell Beach, The Sea Ranch
The Shell Beach Coastal Access Trail, part of the Sea Ranch public access areas in Sonoma County, offers a picturesque .65-mile path through pine forests and meadows, leading to a sandy beach adorned with sea rocks and tide pools. Accessible from Highway 1, this trail is suited for various activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife … Continued  Read more.

This winter, find a cozy place to stay at Yosemite

Two dogs with heads out of car
Yosemite National Park is a four-season playground with dog-friendly appeal. The destination shines during the quieter winter season, when sunshine sparkles off snowy peaks and icy waterways. Frosty forests set the backdrop for snowshoeing, skiing, skating and more. Some lower-elevation trails are plowed, too, so it’s easy to explore Yosemite Mariposa County with four-legged friends.   Read more.

Day 4: Barking ways

Dog on branch in Yosemite
“All-Paw-Drive” in National Forests.
Hit the trails with your four-legged friends. All vacations come to a close, or else we’d all be living a dog’s life! Enjoy your last day to its fullest with an early cup o’ Joe at River Rock Inn’s pet-friendly Sticks Coffee, serving locally-roasted small batch coffee and baked treats. Ready to get some ya-ya’s out … Continued  Read more.

When and where to go in the Eastern Sierra

View of mountain lake surrounded by trees with vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves
Fall color in the the Eastern Sierra. Photo by Jennifer Chen.
Summers are glorious for dogs in the Eastern Sierra while winters are devoted to snow sports,but the best time of year, especially if you’re into photography, is late September into mid-October.  Read more.

Poop on the trail – special from our friends at Camp California

Group of full dog waste bags
Poop happens – pack it out. Photo by Brian Yurasits.
Pets and outdoor adventures were practically made for one another. Every day, millions of us venture outdoors to take advantage of all that California has to offer. Whether it’s a day hiking, a picnic in the park, or a weekend in a campground, we love being outside, and love having our furry family members join us. But even with the best of intentions we sometimes need additional tips to re  Read more.

By land or by lake with Redding as a basecamp

Shasta State Historic Park
Exploring Shasta State Historic Park. Photo by Choose Redding.
Much of what makes California great rugged mountains, serene lakes, top-shelf food and wine, culture, and community charm anchors the Redding and UpState CA experience. This wide-open wonderland is dotted with all kinds of activities. Hike storied Shasta Cascade trails. Marvel at magnificent waterfalls. Get travel tips from the locals over happy hour drinks. Then, overnight in Redding and enjoy ne  Read more.

Fresh air and tail-waggin’ good trails in Redding

Yellow lab Maya on the Sacramento River Trail
Maya walking on the Sacramento River Trail. Photo by Roxanne Kendrick.
DogTrekkers know Redding as “California’s Trail Capital,” thanks to 225 miles of trails found within 15 miles of town. Most of those miles welcome furry best friends, and many are within minutes of Redding’s lodging properties.  Read more.

First time paws-ing in Redding?

Explore a breathtaking, contemporary cable-stayed bridge with your furry friend. This visually striking structure is anchored by a single, elegant white pylon, gracefully stretching over an inviting body of water. Perfect for an adventurous walk or relaxing picnic with your tail-wagging companion. - Dogtrekker
Sundial Bridge. Photo by Choose Redding.
If you’re new to Redding and the eight-county UpState CA region, start at the Shasta Cascade Welcome Center that’s just down the road in Anderson. Open daily and packed with free maps, brochures, exhibits, geocaching guidance, gifts and even a waterfall pond with wild trout, it's your gateway to the area’s experiences. The DogTrekker team has also outlined a few of our favorite dog-frien  Read more.

Choose Redding for new dog-friendly scenery, experiences

Dog in Redding
Want to make tracks somewhere new with your pup? Upstate California holds many tail-wagging surprises. The city of Redding is the gateway to this big, diverse and largely dog-friendly region. A river runs through it —the Sacramento River, to be exact— and the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail is the place to start exploring.  Read more.

Special adventures for furry friends in Mendocino

Person paddling kayak with dog by the Little River Inn
Water dog at the Little River Inn. Photo by Brendan McGuigan.
Mendocino County has so many dog-friendly activities that you might want to stay a few extra days. The Skunk Train is a northern California classic that departs from depots in coastal Fort Bragg and inland Willits  Read more.

Parks for pups and their people

Dave, Roxanne and Maya at Vacaville park
After a day spent shopping (don’t miss Sweet Pea’s Pet Boutique!), hiking in places like Rockville Hills Regional Park, or sipping your way through wine country highlights, unwind back in Vacaville. Close to town, some great dog parks let you take in the scenery while dogs stretch their legs. Lagoon Valley Dog Park presents 30,000 square feet of fenced-in fun, complete with benches, ta  Read more.

Your home base for fun

Dog enjoying a comfy bed
Tucked conveniently close to towering redwoods and coastal adventures, Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley is a welcoming favorite among four-legged guests and the humans who follow. From here, it’s a short trip to the Roaring Camp Railroads, where you can ride the rails with your pooch. Or, head over to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and West Glenwood Open Space Preserve for   Read more.

Treat your pup to a Yosemite vacation

May dog at Tenaya Lodge Explorer cabin lying by the fireplace.
Maya enjoying the Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Feeling a little spring fever? Now is the perfect time to plan a getaway with your furry friend. The Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge are designed for pet-lovers, making dog travel a breeze. These modern, two-bedroom cabins are tucked on 27 wooded acres—perfect for adventuring with two- and four-legged family members—and they’re just minutes from the main lodge and more resort ame  Read more.

Play in a park with your pup

Two dogs running in a park with trees in background
Bonnie plays with friend at Partner Park. Photo by Janet Fullwood.
Sacramento is known for its rich agricultural heritage and is often referred to as "America's Farm-to-Fork Capital" due to its abundance of fresh, locally-sourced food.  Read more.

Hike to the lime kilns at Pogonip

Lime Kilns at Pogonip
Hit the trails of Pogonip with the pup to see the historic ruins of the lime kilns. It wasn’t just redwood logs that helped to build burgeoning Bay Area cities during the 19th century, it was also lime. Follow the Lime Kiln Trail into a redwood forest, and you’ll discover massive stone furnaces that processed the lime. Your pup may not be as interested in the historical treas  Read more.

All aboard a historic train through the redwoods

Dog boarding a Roaring Camp railroad car.
Roaring Camp Railroads. Photo by Visit Santa Cruz.
See California’s towering redwoods from an authentic 19th-century steam train through the Big Trees to the summit of Bear Mountain at Roaring Camp Railroads. Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard and will love to put their nose to the sky as they take in the smells of the redwoods. And for the active pups that want to get some miles in, there are plenty of trails and grounds to explore!  Read more.

Putting paws to paths around Concord

Frenchie sitting and looking at camera with Mt Diablo in the background. Briones Regional Park, Contra Costa County, California, USA.
Briones Regional Park, Contra Costa County, California, USA.
Get tails a’waggin’ on trails at one of the East Bay Regional Parks District preserves serving Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The 73 preserves include between them 125,000 acres of open space and 1,250 miles of trails. Yes, that’s a lot! Start, perhaps, by exploring Lime Ridge Open Space, held jointly by Concord and Walnut Creek. Its 1,200 acres are criss-crossed by 25 miles   Read more.

Fall for these dog-friendly waterfalls

Dog and waterfall
Yes, we had a dry January, but the big storms in late December filled lakes and streams and created a hefty Sierra snowpack. The payoff: Waterfall season! Here are some late winter/early spring hikes with watery rewards at the end. Yosemite Gushers Moving Water in Marin Don’t Pass on Pasadena With Your Dog Santa Barbara’s Waterfall Surprise   Read more.

Santa Barbara’s waterfall surprise

Santa Barbara waterfall
How good are you and your dog at rock-hopping and scrambling? You’ll need to put those skills to work on the popular 7 Falls Trail in the Los Padres National Forest outside Santa Barbara. It’s best just after a rain, when the falls are gushing. The 3.2-mile out-and-back is accessible and dog-friendly year-round. Parking at the trailhead is limited and strict, so stay behind the white l  Read more.

Yosemite gushers

waterfall
Late winter and early spring are great times to visit Yosemite National Park, but be sure to read up on the rules regarding pets before you go. Hotels inside park boundaries don’t allow pets, but pet-friendly places to curl up (click on lodging type and use the pet-friendly filter) are abundant elsewhere in Mariposa County. In Yosemite Valley, the premier winter/spring waterfall hike leads to Lo  Read more.

Moving water in Marin

Dog in Marin
It’s not the easiest waterfall hike in Marin County, but Cataract Falls, on the north flank of Mount Tamalpais, is easily the Bay Area’s most popular waterfall destination. It roars and gets really big after a spring rain, spouting nine silvery cascades, some 50 and more feet high, plunging down the Cataract Creek streambed. The surrounding forest, with its moss-covered rocks, ferns, t  Read more.

Tail-waggin’ fun in Folsom and surrounding areas

People and dog on kayak in Folsom
Just up Highway 50 from Sacramento, the city of Folsom is a superb dog-friendly destination with a handsomely renovated Old Town just a block or two from the Sacramento River. Cuddle up in dog-friendly lodging and spend a weekend exploring with your four-legged friend.  Read more.

Capital canine discoveries

Aerial view of Old Sacramento
If it’s your first visit to Sacto, don’t neglect to take a stroll through Capitol Park, a 40-acre urban preserve surrounding the imposing domed structure.  Read more.

Tap into adventure in Concord

Dog bartender in Concord
Set in the shadow of magnificent Mount Diablo, dog-friendly Concord is an under-the-radar East Bay gem. Jazz musician Dave Brubeck was born here. The popular Iron Horse Regional Trail winds through town. Dog-friendly hiking paths unfold in every direction, and a new passport program spotlights a thriving regional craft beer scene.  Read more.

Lodato Trail

Dog on Lodato trail
Lodato Trail, courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz Tucked away in the redwoods of Scotts Valley, Lodato is a hidden gem of forested beauty. The entire route clocks in at 1.2-miles and a leisurely stroll will likely take less than 45 minutes (but it is a lot of uphill). Parking is free, and your leashed pups are welcome to enjoy the redwoods by your side. Just mind the poison oak which can creep close to  Read more.

Roaring Camp railroads

Dog posing on the track at Roarding Camp Railroad
Roaring Camp Railroads, courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz. Henry Cowell borders Roaring Camp Railroads where dogs are welcome on leash to explore the acres (including trails) of forested land. And for those pooches (or owners) who want to experience the grandeur of the redwoods and mountains but might need some help – hop aboard the train! Yes, your well-behaved pooch can hitch a ride on the st  Read more.

West Glenwood Open Space Preserve

West Glenwood Preserve
West Glenwood Preserve. Paul Zaretsky photo.
West Glenwood Open Space Preserve, story courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz. With about four miles of trails, the West Glenwood Preserve is a great choice for hiking adventures with your pooch! Gorgeous vistas of the valley are around every corner and there are a variety of loops to choose from. In the spring, wildflower abound on the rolling hills. A few things to be aware of: the trails are currentl  Read more.

Pogonip open space

Dog and person hiking on a trail at Pogonip Open Space
Pogonip Open Space, courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz. There are miles of dog-friendly trails and secret treasures to discover at Pogonip Open Space. Leashed pups are welcome on several of the trails, but for an easy stroll with a big payoff, follow the Rincon Trail from the UCSC campus as it slopes downhill to the eastbound Spring Box Trail. A quick stroll along the Spring Box Trail soon leads to an  Read more.

Raving about Redding

Dog watching geese at Sundial bridge
Watching the geese at the Sundial Bridge. Photo by Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
March is perhaps the prettiest and most temperate month of the year in Redding, a Northern California city that can warm up in summer.  Read more.

Cooper loved to travel

Cooper at the beach
In his ten years, this Lab/border collie/cattle dog mix traveled to seven states, but most of all he loved going anywhere DogTrekker recommended.  Read more.

Hit the trails near Yosemite

Sunrise at the tunnel View vista point at Yosemite National Park
What better way to enjoy the mountains for bipeds and quadrupeds alike than by being out on a hike? In Mariposa County's scenic Merced River Canyon, several dog friendly recreation areas exist including the Merced River Hike at the Briceburg Recreation Area.   Read more.

River, bridge, dam and your dog – Redding hikes

Maya at the Sacramento River near Redding. Photo by Dave Kendrick
Maya at the Sacramento River near Redding. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Yes, it’s the best known and most popular of Redding trails, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail extending almost 19 miles from the iconic Sundial Bridge to massive Shasta Dam.  Read more.

Best dog-friendly hikes in Santa Cruz County

Hiker and German shepherd on trail
Photo by Stephen Leonardi.
Henry Cowell is a must. Locals and visitors alike love the beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Henry Cowell has it all. For hikes with the pup, use the main park entrance off Highway 9 and access the Pipeline Trail.  Read more.

Enchanted dog-friendly hiking in Santa Cruz

Dog on a hike
If you’re traveling down the coast, Santa Cruz County is a natural stop-over spot.  And Byrne-Milliron Forest is a must-do with your canine companion. Yes, the views are great, but what sets this Land Trust of Santa Cruz County property apart are the sculptures and other works of art scattered about the trail. You’ll see sprites, goddesses and other smile-inducing installations as  Read more.

Spring into Yosemite

Airedale Terrier in Yosemite
Spring is the perfect time to visit Yosemite with your pups as the snowpack melts, waterfalls rush and wildflowers start to bloom.  Read more.

Hear the lonely whistle blow, watch the plants bloom

Dog in the Mendocino Coast Botanical gardens
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Photo by Jessica Bay.
When visiting Fort Bragg with your dog, there are two activities you won’t want to woof out on. First is Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, a dog-friendly, bluff-top showplace best known for rare species of rhododendrons that thrive few places outside Southeast Asia and the Himalayas.  Read more.

Put tails to trails in and around Redding

Trail in Redding
Photo by Johannes Krupinski.
Like to hike? You’re in luck in the Trail Capital of California, as Redding has so aptly branded itself. The city boasts some 80 miles of trails within its city limits and hundreds more within a 20-mile radius of its core.  Read more.

Dog-friendly EBMUD: what is it?

happy dog in golden grass
Photo by Paulius Dragunas.
While many visitors to the Concord/East Bay are familiar with the expansive East Bay Regional Park District, the preserves managed by the East Bay Municipal Utility District are off-the-grid for most. Yet two recreation areas surrounding reservoirs offer plenty of sights, sounds and sniffs to keep your tail-wagger engaged, although she’s not allowed in the water.  Read more.

Unique outdoor adventures

Two vivacious ladies are leisurely strolling with their energetic dog in a vibrant park bathed in sunshine. Majestic palm trees wave gently against the brilliant azure sky, creating a picturesque backdrop for your quality time with man's best friend. - Dogtrekker
Photo by Greater Palm Springs.
If you think the only outdoor activities in Greater Palm Springs for you and your dog can be found on hiking trails and at dog parks, we have a surprise for you.  Read more.

Yosemite in winter: doglicious!

couple walks dog on bridge in Yosemite with view of Half Dome
Forget all those reports you read about hour-long traffic backups to get into Yosemite National Park in summer. In winter, this iconic slice of the American West is an un-crowded paradise for you and your four-legged friend.  Read more.

Big dog-friendly opportunities at Big Bear

Dog at Big Bear Lake
After a hike at Big Bear Lake. Photo by Tommy Lisbin.
Just as Lake Tahoe is a vacation magnet for NorCal residents, so Big Bear Lake, two hours from LA, is a major draw for South State residents. Sister ski areas Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit are family-friendly magnets for skiers and riders, but there are many snowy options for DogTrekkers, as well.  Read more.

At Tahoe: Plowed trails for tails

woman with dog walking on a plowed trail
Sometimes when in snow country you just want to walk the dog, not make a gear-heavy, ski or snowshoe production of it. At Lake Tahoe, you’re in luck with a network of plowed, multipurpose trails   Read more.

East Bay park gets a new name

couple walks dog on trail in forest
The East Bay Regional Park District is honoring one of its earliest champions of parks and open space by renaming Redwood Regional Park, located in Oakland, after Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt, whose contributions played a substantial role in the formation of the East Bay Regional Park District in 1934.  Read more.

Cove Oasis loop, La Quinta

Taking a walk with a dog at the Cove Oasis Loop in La Quinta
The Cove Oasis Loop, nestled at the base of the Southern Santa Rosa Mountains,offers the perfect stroll for families and their four-legged friends. The mostly flat, gravel path begins at the top of the levee, a few steps into the Cove Oasis, a 114-acre open space set aside by the city.  Read more.

Desert hiking safety tips

husky dog sits in desert with cacti in background
Photo by Daniel Tuttle.
Before heading out on your next adventure with your dog, check the basics of dog desert safety. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, many Greater Palm Spring hikers can’t wait to soak up some rays on their outdoor adventures with their pups.  Read more.

Vacaville: a dog-friendly base camp for new discoveries

Panoramic view of Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville, California, USA, featuring oak tree and a lake and pedestrian walkway around it, from above
Lagoon Valley Park, Vacaville.
There’s a lot more to Vacaville than meets the eye when whizzing past it on Interstate 80. Dog-friendly lodging abounds (take note: it’s lot less expensive than in nearby Napa or Sonoma), but perhaps one of Vacaville’s biggest assets is its central location as a basecamp.  Read more.

Luxury Gold Country farm visit

Dog & Pony ranch aerial photo
Photo by Dog & Pony Ranch.
DogTrekker showcases many different types of lodging and family experiences, but none quite compares with the farm stay adventure at Dog & Pony Ranch in Amador County. Maya, DogTrekker.com’s Director of Barketing, loves hiking on the 60-acre ranch, swimming in the dog-friendly pond, getting nose-to-nose with the horses, llamas, mini-donkeys and chickens (extensive fencing keeps dogs safely s  Read more.

Hit the trail

Dog walking with 2 people on a trail
When you and Duke want a dose of adventure, head out on one of the dog-friendly trails in Greater Palm Springs.  Read more.

Pick a park and take a walk

Nighttime view of Tower bridge
Tower Bridge, Sacramento. Photo by Chris LaBasco Photography.
Sacramento, California’s “City of Trees,” takes great pride in its shady parks. William Land Park, just south of downtown, is its largest urban oasis. The 166-acre preserve is home to a zoo, a golf course, an amusement park, duck ponds, picnic grounds and miles of canine-friendly walking paths. Among many other events, it hosts the annual Doggy Dash and Bark in the Park Festival (April 27 th  Read more.

Going to the snow? get a SNO-Park permit first

Teens with their German Shepherd on a walk in a winter park
It's winter and we get it: You want to spend as much time as possible playing in the snow. So why waste time and energy looking for a place to park? You’ll enjoy easy access to prime snow-play areas and ski/hike/snowshoe trails with a Sno-Park permit providing access to plowed parking lots at 18 Sierra Nevada locations.  Read more.

Best dog-friendly hiking near Concord

Frenchie sitting and looking at camera with Mt Diablo in the background. Briones Regional Park, Contra Costa County, California, USA.
Briones Regional Park, Contra Costa County, California, USA.
The East Bay has a remarkable network of hiking trails, and Concord offers easy access from within the city limits, as well as several great dog hikes just a short hop away.  Read more.

Time to revisit Yosemite with your dog

Dog with incredible view of Yosemite Half Dome
The Ferguson fire in Yosemite National Park that shut off the scenic Yosemite Valley for three weeks was fully contained on Aug. 19, and all entry roads through Tuolumne County (Highway 120), Mariposa County (Highway 140) and Madera County (Highway 41) are now open. Early fall is a great time to visit this iconic California attraction—and yes, there’s plenty for you and your dog to do together  Read more.

A big bark for Sonoma’s bark park

mustard flowers grow in Sonoma vineyard
Photo by Tyke Jones.
Sonoma County is well endowed with public lands where you can spend quality time with your furry friend, but not so well known are the private preserves that welcome hikers and strollers accompanied by canine companions. Put organically farmed Bartholomew Park Winery at the top of your list. This little-known gem just a few blocks east of Sonoma Plaza sits at the center of a 40  Read more.

Hike-in breakfast with a view

Hike-in breakfast with a view
If you live in the Bay Area, you owe it to yourself to experience this hike-in breakfast at least once. It’s only a 2-mile walk to West Point Inn on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais.  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.

Take a spring hike around Redding

Hike in Redding
Photo by Choose Redding.
Redding calls itself California’s Trail Capital, and for good reason: about 100 miles of dog-friendly trails, both paved and natural-surface, have been developed in and around the city through private and public partnerships. Spring is a particularly nice time to take in the views from the Upper Sacramento Ditch Trail, which traces the route of a historic waterworks that once supplied miners  Read more.

Kissing the Santa Cruz coast

3 dogs running on beach
Follow the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) along the Santa Cruz County coastline, and you’ll be tempted by 29 miles of beaches (15 of them dog-friendly) along the way. Only one, Mitchell’s Cove, is legally leash-free, and then only before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. But no worries: there are plenty of other strands to explore provided you keep a tether stretched between you.  Read more.

Chasing cascades in the bay area

Golden retriever overlooks aerial view of Sunol Regional Wilderness.
Sunol Regional Wilderness. Photo by Kevin Noble.
From easy family hikes to certified huffer-puffers, the hills and streams of the San Francisco Bay Area are at their voluptuous best in spring.  Read more.

Dog-friendly Highway 20 preserves beckon in spring

3 dogs in back of suv
Photo by Kampus Production.
The Sierra foothills cover hundreds of square miles, so your best bet for a wildflower-and-waterfalls weekend is to narrow down an itinerary. Our suggestion: take Highway 20 east out of Marysville (Sutter County) and spend a day or a weekend exploring several sites between there and Grass Valley/Nevada City, a distance of about 40 miles.  Read more.

Time out for Tuolumne County (Yosemite north entrance)

walking path through redwood trees
Photo by Daniel Lee.
The rugged country leading up to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat (North) entrance boasts a pioneer history as rough-hewn as the landscape itself. Tuolumne County towns along the Highway 120/49 corridors—Oakdale, Columbia, Jamestown, Twain Hart, Groveland—still have a boomtown feel, and with it, a relaxed attitude toward dogs. Columbia, “the Gold Rush town that refused to die,&rdqu  Read more.

Hike your tails off

East Bay dog with green hills in background
Oakland is surrounded by hills, and the hills—luscious green at this time of year—are laced with hiking trails. You don’t have to go far from downtown Oakland to access one of the close-in preserves managed by the East Bay Regional Park District, which oversees more than 65 open-space areas with 1,250 miles of trails between them. A perk you won’t find on many other public   Read more.

Moseying around the Mojave

2 beagles sit in front of the entrance sign at Mohave National Preserve.
Splash and Cricket at Mohave National Preserve in winter. Photo by Jessica Bay.
The name sounds intimidating, and the 1.6 million-acre Mojave National Preserve in San Bernardino County can certainly be that.  Read more.

Put paws to GGNRA paths in San Mateo County

yellow lab looking into the distance on wide trail at sunset
Photo by Amy Humphries.
People have walked their dogs, both on- and off-leash, for decades on the lands in San Mateo County that became part of the GGNRA after the National Park Service’s 1979 Pet Policy went into effect.  Read more.

San Francisco county’s GGNRA bounty

Experience the joy of watching your canine companion frolic on the sandy shores of Crissy Field, while the majestic Golden Gate Bridge paints a stunning backdrop. The golden-hued structure standing tall against a clear blue sky promises a picturesque playdate for any dog lover and their faithful friend. Engage in an exciting game of fetch, let them chase the waves lapping at their paws, or simply relax as they dig into the cool sand under sunny skies near this iconic San Francisco gem. A perfect outing spot for those wanting to make unforgettable memories with their pets! - Dogtrekker
In San Francisco, GGNRA lands wrap the shoreline almost all the way from Fort Mason in the north to Fort Funston in the south, with a few breaks along the way. Dogs and their people can enjoy miles-long leashed walks with ocean views and, at a few places, unclip their canine companions to chase the surf and run free.  Read more.

For dogs, the desert is dessert

view of desert mountains and palm trees
Photo by Elizabeth Iris.
On a crisp fall or winter day in the desert, crystal-clear air is a tonic for the soul. It’s the perfect time of year to hike or camp, and the Greater Palm Springs Region,  Read more.

Urban rambles in Sonoma County

sunrise over marshland with low fog in Petaluma
Sunrise at Shollenberger Park, Petaluma. Photo by Jessica Bay.
The town of Sonoma, with its historic plaza surrounded by high-end restaurants and shops, is the gateway to Sonoma Wine Country. But wineries aren’t the only places in this sprawling county to visit with your best friend, and Sonoma isn’t the only town with a dog-friendly, come-hither vibe. Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Petaluma have their own sets of canine-accommodating   Read more.

Off the beaten path in Marin

mountain view from picnic area at West Point Inn.
Photo by West Point Inn Association.
Visiting Marin County? Not even all the locals are hip to the hike-in pancake breakfasts-with-a-view served up at the West Point Inn 1,785 feet above the Pacific on the shoulder of Mount Tamalpais.  Read more.

Monterey County parks

Dogs and people stand on the shore in Carmel
Carmel Beach. Photo by Jaime Perez (CC).
Dog-lovers from around the world know leash-free Carmel Beach as a primo place to visit with dogs. But that’s hardly the only place in Monterey County where your untethered dog can have as much fun and freedom as you do. A number of county parks, as well as several within the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, allow dogs to accompany you off-leash away from developed areas so long as  Read more.

More in Marin

Dog in Marin
Photo by Sergei Shershen.
Sure, there are many open-space tracts in Marin County where you and your dog can hike without being tied together. But there are more that offer big rewards in terms of scenery, even if your tail-wagger has to stay leashed.  Read more.

East Bay Regional Park District

Golden retriever overlooks aerial view of Sunol Regional Wilderness.
Sunol Regional Wilderness. Photo by Kevin Noble.
The Bay Area wouldn’t be what it is without its tawny, oak-studded hills, and we have the East Bay Regional Parks District to thank for keeping many of them accessible to the public.  Read more.

Urban rambles in San Francisco

mixed breed dog sits on hill overlooking San Francisco cityscape
Photo by jefffielding (CC).
An abundance of open space available to canines makes the City by the Bay especially enticing to four-legged visitors with humans on the other end of the leash.  Read more.

Fourth stop: Tuckee to Mammoth Lakes

abandoned building in Bodie
Bodie State Historic Park. Photo by Pawan Thapa.
You have a couple of options here, but the most direct route sends you back to Lake Tahoe and around the North Shore via Highway 267 to its intersection with Highway 50.  Read more.

Sniff out some new places

person stands in road with redwood trees towering above
Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Photo by Jeremy Bishop.
Every time we visit, Santa Cruz County gets more and more dog-friendly. And this year there are several new opportunities to bark about.  Read more.

Exceptions to California State Parks rules

coastal view of ocean and boulders at MacKerricher State Park
MacKerricher State Park. Photo by Don Kawahigashi.
Most California State Parks restrict canine companions to campgrounds, day-use picnic areas and paved roads, but we’ve found a trio that allow four-paw venturing on dirt trails.  Read more.

Dogs in the Park

couple walks dog on bridge in Yosemite with view of Half Dome
Before you bring your dog to Yosemite National Park, read up on the rules so you won't be disappointed. While access to trails is restricted (see where you can hike below), there's still lots of scenery that can be enjoyed with your dog, especially in the spring when the waterfalls are running at maximum flow.  Read more.

Redding: Waterfall capital of California

yellow lab sits in front of Whiskeytown Falls
Maya at Whiskeytown Falls. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Redding, the last major city on Interstate 5 as you near Mt. Shasta, is the undisputed Trail Capital of California, with over 225 miles of trails within 15 miles of its city center.  Read more.

Liquid treasure in Gold Country

Dog and man on trail
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.

Cataract Falls: A California classic

dog on wooden bridge in forest
Photo by Anastase Maragos.
Despite its strenuous nature, the 2.5-mile round trip to Cataract Falls on the north slope of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County is definitely not the road less traveled.  Read more.

Every walk in Surf City is special

Huntington Beach dogs
Photo by Visit Huntington Beach.
The Dog Beach here in Surf City has become famous throughout Southern California. More than a mile of undeveloped beach along one of the prettiest stretches of the coast  Read more.

Mammoth opportunities

Dog by trees at Mammoth California in the fall
Three hours south of Tahoe and five hours northeast from Los Angeles, Mammoth Lakes beckons not just downhill skiers, but DogTrekkers vacationing with their best four-legged friends.  Read more.

San Diego bound

Lily Pond at Balboa Park, San Diego
Lily Pond at Balboa Park, San Diego.
In San Diego County, it’s a dog life when it comes to hiking, beaching, dining and sharing a hotel room with your pup.  Read more.

Whiskeytown calls

Whiskeyton Falls video
Haven’t figured out how to use those unused vacation days? We have just the perfect destination. Redding, the last major city on Interstate 5 as you near Mt. Shasta, is the undisputed Trail Capital of California with over 225 miles of trails within 15 miles of its city center. Redding is also the gateway to the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Few areas managed by the National Park S  Read more.

Hiking hills and headlands

Tolay Lake Regional Park
Tolay Lake Regional Park. Photo by Harminder Dhesi.
Every good bird deserves watching at Bodega Bay, and the 1.2-mile Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail is a great venue for walking your dog while sharpening your identification skills.  Read more.

Paws to the Redding paths

Dog on a Redding path
Whether you go all out for a strenuous hike or prefer a walk on the mild side, there’s no shortage of DogTrekking options in a region blanketed by national forests and other public lands.  Read more.

Snouts out the window

happy bully breed dog with head out window of car
Photo by Andrew Pons.
Fall is a great time for a scenic-drive vacation, and it would be hard to find more options than in the Shasta Cascade region, which boasts 12 designated scenic byways, each with its own intrinsic qualities.  Read more.

Climb (or drive) every mountain

Two adventurous pooches rest on an intriguing shoreline peppered with rocks, their loyal water bottle companion at their side. Behind them, a serene lake seamlessly merges with the cloudy summer sky, creating a breathtaking backdrop for this canine-friendly spot. This picture-perfect setting offers not only natural beauty but an array of exciting activities for your furry friends to enjoy. - Dogtrekker
Buddy and friend on Lake Shasta. Photo by Michael Brown.
On a clear day, 14,179-foot-high Mount Shasta comes into view just north of Sacramento as you make the trip up Interstate 5.  Read more.

See more on Highway 4

dog stands in shallow water of river bank
Photo by Dayne Topkin.
Highway 4 in Calaveras and Alpine counties is one of our favorite routes for a summer road trip, offering way too many attractions and diversions for a mere weekend.   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.

Get your Buttes in gear

two beagles in rowboat with Sierra Buttes behind
Cricket and Splash boating on Sardine Lake. Photo by Jessica Bay, @littlehounddog.
The Lakes Basin Recreation Area straddles Plumas and Sierra counties about 70 miles north of Lake Tahoe. It's truly a land of lakes, with more than four dozen pools  Read more.

Take a walk on the wave side

Dog swimming in Half Moon Bay
DogTrekkers who live inland know they’re never far from Sweatshirt Land. So when the mercury climbs, those in the know leash up their pups and head for the coast, making base camp in unhurried towns like Benicia, Pacifica, Point Reyes Station (gateway to the national seashore) or Half Moon Bay, all of which are well appointed with hiking trails. Our most recent weekend away was to   Read more.

Roam among giants

beagle on rock in front of trees
Sniffing out redwoods in the Sierras. Photo by Jessica Bay.
We’re all familiar with giant sequoias, those massive, awe-inspiring sentinels of the forest found only on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. The most famous groves (Mariposa and Grant) are in Yosemite and Sequoia national parks, respectively—and unfortunately, dogs are not welcome on the trails leading through them.  Read more.

Slo trekking with your dog

San Luis Obispo coast and flowers
San Luis Obispo coast. Photo by Visit California.
San Luis Obispo, the Central Coast college town about 12 miles inland from the Pacific shore, is a great jumping-off place for DogTrekkers.  Read more.

A fine find in gold country

2 beagles on log in sierra meadow
Photo by Jessica Bay.
The Sierra Nevada foothills, with their quaint, Gold Rush-era towns and growing portfolio of wineries, are a joy to explore with a four-legged companion.  Read more.

Shasta wanderland

Dog and person walking in Shasta
Photo by Pille Kirsi.
May is prime hiking time in the Shasta Cascade region around Redding, where Mount Shasta (14,161 feet) and Mount Lassen (10,463 feet) rise like giant snow cones from the rugged landscape.  Read more.

New park for ranger

a view of Yosemite Valley with mountains in the background.
Ranger at Yosemite National Park. Photo Credit: Lisa Hernandez Ranger, a handsome nine-month old chocolate Labrador, camped for the first time in Yosemite. Ranger's people let us know that he had a great time frolicking in the river and going for long walks.  Read more.

Dogs at Yosemite national park

Yosemite falls with mirrored reflection in flooded valley
Photo by Mick Haupt.
Yes, you can and should have your dog tag along on your next visit to Yosemite National Park, even though park rules restrict canine companions almost exclusively to campgrounds and paved roads and trails. There’s enough to see (and sniff) for both of you to stay engaged for least a couple of days—and this winter’s heavy precipitation brings the added advantage of budding gr  Read more.

Shasta county gushers near Redding

Brandy Creek Fallls
Brandy Creek Falls. Photo by Wayne Hsieh.
There’s no better time to experience the Shasta Cascade range around Redding than in spring, when the rugged foothills glow velvet green, the icy cone of Mount Shasta looms tall and waterfalls tumble into the streams feeding sapphire-blue Whiskeytown Lake.  Read more.

Four falls on one outing!

Watefalls
Swanson Creek, Uvas Canyon Park.
In the wake of a good spring drenching, the Uvas Canyon Waterfall Loop Trail near Morgan Hill in the South Bay’s Santa Cruz Mountains rewards with easy footing and sights to put a smile on your face and a wag on Scout’s tail.  Read more.

Splash-happy in marin

verdant green forest with waterfall
Cataract Falls in Marin County. Photo by David Berry.
Cataract Falls in Marin County is probably the best-known waterfall in the Bay Area, and for good reason.  Read more.

Family-friendly fairway falls

Trailhead to Fairway Falls
Trailhead to Fairway Falls. Photo by Jessica Bay.
There’s no need to work up a sweat on a waterfall hike, especially if the hike is a family-friendly, one-mile round trip to Fairway Falls, a seasonal gusher in Ignacio Valley Open Space Preserve near Novato.  Read more.

Yosemite’s watery icon

Yosemite falls
California’s best-known cataract is 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls, a voice-drowning, three-stage gusher that roars like a highway during the snow-melt season.  Read more.

Take a Yolo County detour

chihuahua reflection in car mirror
Photo by Jesus Trevizo.
In Yolo County, Interstate 80 runs right past the UC Davis campus and within ball-throwing distance of Sudwerk, one of the state’s pioneering craft breweries.  Read more.

Giacomo and gelsomina’s mountain paradise

Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever stands on log in forest
Photo by Jamie Street.
Although Mount Laguna is about 50 miles from central San Diego, the spectacular scenery and climate are well worth the drive. This 6,000-foot altitude alpine area is an evergreen tree mountain paradise, nothing like the desert climate of San Diego. Expect significantly cooler temperatures. It actually receives snow in the winter.  Read more.

Take a fall hike around Redding

Dog on sundial bridge
Redding calls itself California’s Trail Capital, and for good reason: about 100 miles of trails, both paved and natural-surface, have been developed in and around the city through private and public partnerships.  Read more.

Napa valley leg-stretchers

hot air balloon in Napa Valley
Just because you’ve had your fill of food, wine and vines doesn’t mean your restless Rover is ready to call it a day. After all, there’s not much exercise to be had in a tasting room. If the two of you need to burn a few calories, we suggest starting your day at Canine Commons dog park, part of 157-acre Alston Park northwest of downtown Napa.  Read more.

Soaking up scenery in San Diego

mountain view with clouds at Mission Trails Regional Park
Mission Trails Regional Park. Photo by Christopher Lorenzo.
San Diego epitomizes the laid-back SoCal lifestyle—and it just happens to be one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country, to boot.  Read more.

Things to do with your dog in Santa Cruz County

Zayante and Meadow Trail in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
When it comes to things to do with your dog in Santa Cruz County, there’s the obvious (beaches, wineries), and the not-so-obvious—like Byrne-Milliron Forest, a 400-acre Land Trust of Santa Cruz County property managed as a working forest and laced with dog-friendly trails (off-leash hiking for dogs with reliable recall is allowed).   Read more.

More park for pups!

Photo: Samantha S. Samantha S. wrote in to tell us about a dog-friendly park she and her dog recently visited in Napa County. She let us know that Moore Creek Park in St. Helena is a wonderful dog-friendly spot with great views and pristine pools.  Read more.

Wilderness hiking in Whiskeytown NRA

Whiskeytown Lake sign
If your travel plans have you traveling north this year (or if you haven’t figured out how to use those unused vacay days), we have just the perfect destination. Redding, the last major city on Interstate 5 as you near Mt. Shasta, is the undisputed Trail Capital of California with over 225 miles of trails within 15 miles of its city center.  Read more.

Diggin’ San Diego with your dog

Dog at Mission Trails park in San Diego
In San Diego, it’s a dog’s life when it comes to hiking. Daisy can let loose on the beach or enjoy a quick, natural escape at nearby preserves like Mission Trails Regional Park, where 60 miles of canine-friendly trails spread over 6,800 acres beckon.   Read more.

Day by the bay in benicia

Dog at Day by the Bay in Benicia
It’s almost always sweater weather in this snug little community on the Carquinez Strait. And Benicia’s friendly residents enjoy a small-town atmosphere just a hop, skip and jump from San Francisco and a shade over an hour from Sacramento.  Read more.

Coastal cool-off in Monterey County

Dog running in grass in Monterey County
If it's coastal hiking that you are interested in, start in Monterey, where you can join the throngs of people and pups out for a stroll on the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, a paved, multi-use path that stretches 18 scenic miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south, hugging a route once used by the Southern Pacific Railway. The Pacific Grove section is a particular DogTrek  Read more.

Yes, you can bring your dog to Yosemite

white dog looking the panorama at El Capitan Tunnel View overlook
In the midst of the Civil War, a visionary President Lincoln signed the Yosemite Land Grant, setting aside the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias as a scenic wilderness for public use and preservation.  Read more.

Meandering the mendo coast with your dog

Retriever running along the beach at Seaside in Monterey County
While you can drive from one end of Mendocino County to the other in a morning or afternoon (it’s 102 winding miles from Leggett to Gualala on scenic Highway 1) this intoxicating stretch of coastline is best savored at a snail’s pace. Our advice: Hang your hat (and leash) for at least a night in one of the many dog-friendly lodgings situated within sight and sound of the sea.   Read more.

Dogs run free dog park

Dogs Run Free is 1.7 fully-fenced acres of beautiful ponderosa pines and scrub oaks, and includes 10 benches for people socializing, too. There is water available in both areas (the large area and the small/shy dog area) and lots of pick-up baggies and garbage cans available for waste control.  The non-profit that maintains Dogs Run Free built a pool pad and dedicated wat  Read more.

Paws to the (nice, flat) path

Dogs on flat walking path
Back in the day, Bosco used to love to join you in long-distance runs and near-vertical scrambles up challenging trails. Now, not so much — but he still needs regular exercise to stay healthy, and hey, so do you. So there's a lot to be said for a nice, flat, paved path, with plenty of scenery and sniffing opportunities to enjoy as the spirit (or the scent) moves you.  Read more.

Stop and smell the roses. also the dirt, and the bushes…

Rhododendron garden sign
If you're trying to sniff out a place with scents galore for Snuffy, oil-painting vistas for you, and lots of opportunities to explore at your own pace, head for one of California's many dog-friendly botanical gardens. There you'll find easy paths for on-leash meandering, plus inviting picnic grounds, well-placed benches, and photo opportunities galore.  Read more.

Take to the hills around slo

The town of San Luis Obispo prides itself on surrounding open space where dog-friendly hiking trails dot the hillsides. The most popular and certainly the most rigorous of day hikes is local landmark Bishop’s Peak, tallest of the Nine Sisters, a string of peaks spanning the 12 miles between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. The hike to Bishop’s Peak’s 1,546-foot summit is a 3.5-mile, out-and-ba  Read more.

Waterfront dog-friendly delights in mission bay

Hanging out in Mission Bay. (CC) Bhautik Joshi One of the fastest changing parts of the city is Mission Bay, a South-of-Market shoreline neighborhood in the midst of a redevelopment boom. Start this three-mile jaunt at AT&T Park, crossing McCovey Cove on Third Street to reach China Basin Park, a thin strip of green space facing the home of the World Champion San Francisco Giants. On game days  Read more.

Livermore: tri-valley’s dog park mecca

beagle dog with a bal running in a dog park
Tri-Valley’s newspaper, the Independent, reported that when most cities have one to three dog parks; Livermore boasts a whopping SEVEN dog parks for you and your pup to frolic off-leash. If seven dog parks aren’t enough, dogs are also allowed on leash at Sycamore Grove Park and Holdener Park.  Read more.

Rovering around in Palm Springs

Dog at Palm Springs aerial tramway
Lookin’ fly at the Palm Springs aerial tramway. Photo by A. Aguirregabiria.
Lookin' fly at the Palm Springs Arial Tramway. CC A. Aguirregabiria Blue sky, purple mountains, turquoise pools, nodding palms and lots and lots of sunshine make Palm Springs a winter oasis for everyone from Hollywood celebs to Canadian snowbirds and avowed desert rats. All those demographics include packs of DogTrekkers, who rank Palm Springs one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the state  Read more.

Walking the wilds of Mendocino

Person walking dogs in redwoods
Hiking in the woods. Farley Endeman (CC) A big part of Mendocino County’s appeal is its hundreds of thousands of acres of dog-friendly public lands, which range from sprawling, 913,300-acre Mendocino National Forest and Snow Mountain Wilderness to coastal preserves like the newly designated Point Arena-Stornetta National Monument, consisting of 1,665 spectacular acres on the wild and windswept c  Read more.

Waves & woof on the Mendocino coast

View of Mendocino Village and ocean.
©2018 California State Parks. Photo by Brian Baer.
A mere glimpse of Mendocino’s gorgeously sculpted coastline is all it takes to turn urban angst into rural revelation. The scenery is so intoxicating you can yappily spend a week along the Highway 1 corridor without venturing beyond sight or sound of the sea. Visitors on a short leash, time-wise, will find plenty to occupy themselves and their pups along the 13 miles of coastline between diminut  Read more.

Mendocino’s inland empire

Skunk train
Skunk Train. Photo by Brendan McGuigan.
Many Mendocino County visitors stay glued to the scenic stretch of coastline between Little River and Fort Bragg, but to do so is to miss out on redwoods, wineries, off-the-beaten-path seaside preserves and small, inland towns that extend a warm welcome to travelers with pets.  Read more.

Now wear this!

Person bicycling from a dog's point of view wearing a GoPro
Photo by GoPro.
What’s the world look like from your dog’s point of view? Get her geared up with a GoPro action camera, and you’ll get a whole new perspective.  Read more.

Park it here

Coolling off in the American River. Photo: Sarah Rich Sacramentans cherish the American River Parkway, a shady, 32-mile greenbelt meandering from the Old Sacramento historic district to sprawling Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. This jewel in the crown of the Sacramento County Regional Park System has many access points and offers an unlimited opportunity to stroll and splash with your best fri  Read more.

On the way to Yosemite: north entrance

Cabo in Groveland. Photo: Doug Pieper Why hurry to Yosemite National Park when the journey can be as rewarding as the destination? The Yosemite Region encompasses four gateway counties, each with its own unique set of attractions. This week we celebrate Yosemite’s 150th anniversary with a look at places and diversions for DogTrekkers to check out along the major highway corridors leading to  Read more.

Trail etiquette with your dog

Dog on Fairmont Ridge. Photo: Mary (CC) We all like to give our dogs the privilege of romping off-leash from time to time, and not just in a fenced dog park. But with that privilege comes responsibility. The East Bay Regional Park District is among the precious few land-management agencies that allow visiting dogs to hike without a leash away from developed areas. Unfortunately, not everyone who   Read more.

Marin’s tucked away treasures

Kalani on Mount Tam. Photo: Niall Kennedy When most people think about public lands, state parks, national parks and national forests usually come to mind. But public utilities also manage open space, usually for the purpose of protecting watersheds and streams that provide drinking water and energy for power plants. The Marin Municipal Water District is one of them, stewarding several thousand a  Read more.

Mid-peninsula’s marvelous preserves

Dog in Midpeninsula Preserve
Santa Clara County is blessed with tens of thousands of acres of paw-friendly parklands, and this being the Silicon Valley, many online resources are available to help guide you to and through K-9 territory. Check out the 25 county parks that allow dogs with some restrictions, then pick your path within the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), whose 90,000 acres in 10 open-space p  Read more.

East bay getaways with your dog

Dog in east bay hills
Cassie at Mission Creek Preserve. Photo: Sean Ness (CC) What would the East Bay be without its regional parks—all 65 of them? The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) marks its 80th birthday this year, and as athank-you to its many users EBRPD is offering, “Free 3rd Fridays” each month for the remainder of the year. Perks include free parking, free boat launching, free ent  Read more.

Experience mount shasta

dog with Mount Shasta view
Mount Shasta, 63 miles north of Redding and a constant presence on the Shasta Cascade horizon, is considered by many to be one of the world’s most spiritual “power spots.”   Read more.

Help us gain dog access to state parks

We Californians love our dogs-and our state parks. But we're often frustrated by regulations that restrict canine visitors to parking lots and campgrounds. Only a few parks allow dogs to accompany their people on trails and on beaches. DogTrekker.com wants to change that and needs your help. The state parks' new leadership wants to ensure that the parks are 'available to everyone'.  Read more.

Sno-park playland for pooches and their humans

Stacy M., one of our intrepid DogTrekkers, and her angel Ayden barked to us about two dog-friendly Sno-Parks on Ebbetts Pass on Highway 4 near Bear Lake Ski Resort - one at the Spicer Meadow Road turnoff and the other at the end of the plowed highway near Lake Alpine.  Read more.

Redding trails

Capture a picturesque moment with your beloved canine! Envision them frolicking by the shimmering water, donning a vibrant green bandana that strikingly contrasts their fur. An architectural marvel - an exquisite bridge - acts as the perfect backdrop for this memorable escapade. - Dogtrekker
With 100 miles of trails within 10 miles of Redding’s city center, and many more beyond, it’s easy to understand why Redding is considered to be the Trail Capital of California.  Read more.

Tiptoe through the tulips

Max at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Photo: Vic Farley, Courtesy Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens There’s something about a carefully cultivated garden that brings on wonder, inspiration and wagging tails. Not all of California’s botanical gardens are dog-friendly, but these five extend a warm welcome to canine guests.    Read more.

Vroom over to vacaville

Panoramic view of Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville, California, USA, featuring oak tree and a lake and pedestrian walkway around it, from above
Lagoon Valley Park, Vacaville.
Sometimes the places in our own backyard are the least explored. And for many Northern Californians, Vacaville, a familiar name on Interstate 80, is one of them.  Read more.

Diamond in the ruff

Ghost Tunnel, Black Diamond Mines - Photo: Nick Fullerton (CC) From the late 1800s to the early 1990s, as many as 900 miners at a time labored to remove nearly 4 million tons of coal—“black diamonds”—from the ground in what is now Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve near Antioch in Contra Costa County. As interesting for its human history and artifacts (mine shafts, cemeteries, crumb  Read more.

Death valley national park

sunset over Death Valley road
Photo by Johannes Plenio.
Exceedingly pleasant temperatures—low 60s in the daytime, low 40s at night—make January and February the ideal time to visit Death Valley. This is one of the best drive-through parks in the country, with scores of fascinating sights visible from the road.  Read more.

Trekking in temecula

Dog in a vineyard 
Southern California’s high-desert wine country is centered around the town of Temecula, 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 60 miles north of San Diego.  Read more.

Editorial: dogs in state parks

On the pier at Seacliff State Beach We want to thank the hundreds of DogTrekker readers who responded so positively to our May 15, 2013 newsletter featuring an open letter to Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the California Parks Foundation. The letter was complimentary about the work the foundation has done to raise awareness and funds to protect, maintain and enhance our parks.  Read more.

Editorial: GGNRA aims to tighten leashes

DogTrekker Editorial Rohn at Crissy Field We have received many questions from readers about the recently revised and released dog management plan for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). We think it is appropriate to use this beach issue to put our paws down in the sand and take a stand. While we haven’t been able to absorb the entire scope of the document&rsquo  Read more.

Perambulate the parkway

Dogs in Dancing Fountain Sacramentans cherish the American River Parkway, a shady, 32-mile greenbelt meandering from the Old Sacramento historic district to sprawling Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. This jewel in the crown of the Sacramento County Regional Park System has many access points and offers an unlimited opportunity to stroll and splash with your best friend.  Read more.

Perk up at a park

Brodie playing in the park Sacramento enjoys a mild fall and winter climate perfect for outings with your pup. If you’re a visitor and weather permits, start your explorations at the navel of California political activity, the state capitol. No, you can’t go inside—but the two of you can explore Capitol Park, a 40-acre urban preserve surrounding the imposing domed structure  Read more.

Explore Sacramento and folsom

Colonial architecture in Old Sacramento Historic District
Buddy jumped 26 feet at Splash Dogs in Folsom No, gold wasn’t found in Sacramento or Folsom. But both cities played huge roles in the Gold Rush as supply centers, and both celebrate that legacy today. Old Sacramento and the Folsom Historic District are great places to explore with your pooch. Browse the shops, soak up some history and enjoy a meal at a patio café before heading out for a stroll  Read more.

Park it in San Francisco

What’s the biggest park in San Francisco after Golden Gate Park (1,017 acres)? We were stumped, too, until our staffers stumbled upon John McLaren Park, a hidden gem in south San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley.  Read more.

Dog-friendly day hikes

mixed breed dog on leash with man wearing hiking shoes on trail
Photo by Stephen Leonardi.
The scenery is what it’s all about at Lake Tahoe, and there are so many dog-friendly North Lake Tahoe hikes that we can only mention a few favorites. If a casual stroll will satisfy,   Read more.

Bike or hike to the beach

Dog under the pier in Avila Beach
It’s all paws out for a daylong adventure on Avila’s Bob Jones Bike Trail. Don’t have a bike? No worries! Bike rentals are available near the parking area and leashed Lassies are also welcome with walkers, joggers and skaters on this 2.5-mile paved pathway to beautiful Avila Beach.   Read more.

Tuolumne tell-all

Road on the way into  Tuolumne
Tuolumne County, bordering Yosemite National Park along the Highway 49 and Highway 120 corridors, played a pivotal roll in 19th-century stampede for gold and silver, and its rugged landscape is dotted with towns—Columbia, Jamestown, Twain Harte, Groveland—that still have a boomtown feel.  Read more.

Winter hiking in Tahoe

A white dog hiking in Tahoe.
Sometimes you just want to walk the dog, not make a big, equipment-heavy production of it. At Tahoe, warm boots should suffice on most winter days if you stay around lake level, where snow comes and goes throughout the season.  Read more.

Snuggle up with Sparky

Man Walking in Snow with Dogs Next to Cabin
There’s nothing like an old-style cabin to impart a sense of place at Lake Tahoe. We have a few dog-friendly favorites, starting with Tahoma Meadows Bed & Breakfast Cottages on Tahoe's West Shore, a semi-secret place that has developed a loyal following among outdoorsy couples and families traveling with their four-legged friends.  Read more.

Paws to path hiking with your dog

We know that putting paws to path is one of your favorite activities, especially when you can unsnap the leash and let your best friend sniff as she will. With help from our readers, DogTrekker is doggone determined to keep up a regular flow of suggestions on places to hike in spring, summer, fall and winter so that you’ll never run short of ideas.  Read more.

Avenue of the giants

happy dog in forest
Photo by Jamie Street.
You might not know a burl from a squirrel when you set off on the 31-mile section of old Highway 101 known as the Avenue of the Giants, but by the end of the day you'll have learned all about the strange growths and the products crafted from them that are hawked all around the region.  Read more.

Marin county parks

View of Mount Tam in Marin County
Photo by Nathan Barteau.
Forty years ago, as residents watched subdivisions creep up hillsides and across ridges, local leaders started a heroic movement to preserve natural lands; a movement that resulted in the creation of the Marin County Open Space District.  Read more.

Wide open spaces

The Marin County Open Space District, which turns 40 this year, was born from a heroic movement to preserve natural lands and contain urban sprawl. Today it administers 34 preserves—all but one of them dog-friendly—totaling more than 20,000 acres and providing Bay Area residents and visitors with many ways to play. Four-legged hikers enjoy the rare privilege of accompanying their huma  Read more.

Mackerricher state park

MacKerricher State Park view
MacKerricher State Park. Photo by Don Kawahigashi.
Adhering to leash restrictions is a small price to pay for reveling in the beauty of this Mendocino County gem with numerous dog-friendly trails and beaches. MacKerricher State Park is diverse, with habitats ranging from bluffs to beaches, headlands, tide pools, forests, wetlands and one of California’s longest coastal dune systems.  Read more.

Garrapata state park

If the rocky, surf-crashed scenery at Garrapata State Park looks familiar, that’s probably because it resides in your subconscious, deposited there by paintings and films that have made impressions before. This is the last state park on the Big Sur coast to allow canine visitors, which makes it feel all the more special. Dogs are only allowed along the two miles of beachfront, not on trai  Read more.

Samuel p. taylor state park

view of redwood trees looking up to tree tops
Redwood trees at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Photo by Martha Bergmann.
This lush redwood retreat 15 miles west of San Rafael has dog-friendly picnic areas, campgrounds with showers and the five-mile Cross Marin Trail, shared with cyclists, that visitors with leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy.  Read more.

South yuba river state park

Senior black lab stands in lake with stick floating nearby
Photo by Jeremy Perkins.
We’d love South Yuba River State Park even if its many trails and swimming holes weren’t dog-friendly, and we bet you will, too.  Read more.

See you in Siskiyou

Middle Fall McCloud
Photo by U.S. Forest Service.
Heading north from Redding, DogTrekkers will find an abundance of Fido-friendly hike, splash, play and stay choices—too many for just one trip. Mount Shasta City, nestled at the foot of the imposing, 14,162-foot volcanic peak of the same name, makes a great base for a getaway.  Read more.

10 ways to have fun with your dog at Lake Tahoe

Beagle looks over Lake Tahoe
Photo by Jessica Bay.
Yes, you can take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe! True, there are only a handful of dog-friendly beaches, but for most dogs, just one a day is enough. One of our hidden favorites on the West Shore is the private beach at Obexer’s General Store in Homewood.   Read more.

Yo, little Yosemite!

Golden retriever overlooks aerial view of Sunol Regional Wilderness.
Sunol Regional Wilderness. Photo by Kevin Noble.
Don’t have time to visit the real Yosemite Valley? Little Yosemite, a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek in Sunol Regional Wilderness, might not be so grand, but it’s a lot closer to home.  Read more.

Much ado about mushrooms

Watch as your golden retriever curiously sniffs a huddled group of vibrant orange mushrooms, their toxic allure hidden beneath the appealing color. This mystifying scene unfolds in a misty forest, adding an air of intrigue and mystery to your woodland escapade with your furry companion. Enjoy this intriguing adventure surrounded by mother nature's abundant beauty, tinged with the thrill of encountering hazards like these enticing but harmful fungi. - Dogtrekker
Spring rains (and even lawn sprinklers) bring forth mushrooms that pop up in your yard or spring from grasses alongside your favorite trail. Many a dog has been known to nibble on them. The problem is, many kinds of mushrooms are toxic to canines.  Read more.

Walk blithely

group of 6 dogs sit along a shaded fire road on Old Railroad Grade
Old Railroad Grade trail in Mill Valley. Photo by Jessica Bay.
If you wake up on a clear day itching for a hike that provides challenge, historical context and views, put paws to the path on a 6.6-mile trek along the Old Railroad Grade.  Read more.

Halfway to heaven

PSt Josephs Hill
Photo by Peter Reinhold.
If you could afford to live like a high-tech millionaire, you'd have lots of company in Los Gatos. It's a nice place to visit regardless, and 270-acre St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve above the attractive town center is a destination well worth the huffer-puffer hike from Novitiate Park at the end of Jones Road.  Read more.

Mammoth views

Visit Mammoth Fall colors
Photo by Visit Mammoth.
Dog with a view Mammoth Lakes area is the most developed part of the Eastern Sierra, with amenities and services to accommodate everyone from luxury-seekers to campers and, of course, DogTrekkers. The area is loaded with dog-friendly lodging establishments, and while we can't vouch for them all, we do have our favorites.  Read more.

Side trips from Tahoe

Donner Lake
Donner Lake.
If you're heading to or from Tahoe from Sacramento and the Bay Area on Highway 50, consider a half-day outing on Echo Lake,  Read more.

Horsing around

A scenic view of Horsetail Falls and the surrounding trees.
Who on the way up to Tahoe hasn't caught a glimpse of Horsetail Falls, the spectacular, 800-foot cataract visible from Highway 50 at Twin Bridges? The half-day trek to the lower falls  Read more.

A mammoth undertaking

Photo by Mammoth Lakes
Photo by Mammoth Lakes.
The Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra holds some of California's most stunning—and paw-friendly —high-altitude landscapes. At Mammoth Mountain, hikers with leashed dogs can hop aboard the Panorama Gondola for a ride to the mountain's 11,053-foot summit and 360-degree views of surrounding peaks.  Read more.

Paw your way to High Camp

A group of people and dogs sitting at a table overlooking snowy mountains at Palisades Tahoe.
Palisades Tahoe iconic aerial tram offers what is perhaps the most dramatic scenic mechanized mountain high at Lake Tahoe. Many passengers in the dog-friendly stand-up conveyance  Read more.

The far, far north in Del Norte County

Trees of Mystery entrance
Paul Bunyan's dog, Digger. Photo Credit: Verifex (CC) Just north of the Redwood National and State Parks on Highway 101 near Klamath, a “what on Earth?” sight comes into view. Those giant size statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox signal you’ve arrived at Trees of Mystery, one of America’s best known roadside attractions.  Read more.

South yuba river independence trail: a dog-friendly adventure

Independence Trail. Photo by Nevada City Chamber of Commerce.
Exploring the wooden flumes The South Yuba River Independence Trail in Nevada County is a delightful place to visit with your dog. The trail features reconstructed wooden flumes that dogs love to explore, making it a popular destination for dog owners and their pets. You’ll see a variety of people on this trail, from wheelchair … Continued  Read more.

East Bay treats

A chocolate-hued canine, sporting a stylish collar, amicably ambles toward the camera along a leaf-strewn forest pathway kissed by sunset's warm glow. The faint silhouette of their companion softens in the distance, their arms laden with delectable East Bay Treats - perfect nibbles for your four-legged friend on such adventure-filled outings. - Dogtrekker
If you live in the Bay Area, you don't have to go far to access some of the 1,150 miles of trails at your doorstep in the 65 parks comprising the nation's largest regional parks system. Only a small percentage of the East Bay Regional Park District's 100,000 acres is off-limits to dogs, so when it comes to places to roam with Rover, this patchwork of open space in Alameda and Contra Co  Read more.

South Bay ramble

Discover a verdant oasis in the South Bay for your next canine adventure, meandering through a network of trails nestled within a forest of towering oak trees. Observe the intricate patchwork of vibrant green moss adorning each tree trunk, creating an enchanting realm that captivates both human and hound alike. The rich brown carpeting that lines the trail- compiled entirely by nature's own fallen leaves - provides ample cushioning for paws and footwear alike. This woodland retreat presents countless sights, sounds and smells to entertain your dog's senses while also offering plenty of peace and tranquility. - Dogtrekker
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, situated in the hills above San Carlos and Redwood City in San Mateo County, is a cherished spot for dog owners seeking off-leash play areas for their furry companions. Spanning over 300 acres, the preserve offers a unique blend of natural beauty and dog-friendly amenities, providing a space where both … Continued  Read more.

Paws for a park

Experience the joy-filled sight of a golden retriever scampering gleefully towards you, its tail wagging merrily. In the backdrop, a lively group of dogs adds to the playful ambiance of the sun-kissed, pet-friendly dog park. This place is an enticing option for your beloved pet's recreative and socializing needs. - Dogtrekker
For such a large county, Sonoma has relatively few chunks of open space that dogs can explore with their people. But Hood Mountain, Sugar Loaf Ridge, and Tolay Lake are all worth a visit with your four-legger.  Read more.

All paws on deck

Crissy Field San Francisco
Photo by Shelly Lewis, courtesy EBRP.
If you and your canine pal are visiting, you owe it to yourself not to miss this internationally known, 23-acre place for off-leash doggie fun.  Read more.

Bark for benicia

French bulldog on waterfront
Photo by Cristina Glebova.
Yelp, we thought that seeing this Solano County town in the No. 4 slot on the Dog Fancy list would elicit yowls of surprise. Yet behind all those happily wagging tails in Benicia is a community of dog lovers who worked hard to create amenities such as Phenix Community Dog Park, and a pair of leash-free beaches on the Carquinez Strait at the edge of downtown.  Read more.

Lots to Bragg about

Glass Beach
Glass Beach. Photo by Wikimedia.
What can you say about a town that has its own dog park mayor, an ice cream parlor that provides free licks for Fido, and a 47-acre botanical garden known for its rhododendrons and dahlias, that not only welcomes dogs, but loans out mobility scooters to the physically impaired?   Read more.

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