Hiking, parks, gardens Blog
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!
Dog-friendly Paso Robles wine country
Paso Robles wine country rolls out the welcome mat for dogs at dozens of wineries along the Highway 46 wine trails. Hop-on tour services and private guides make it easy to sip and explore without driving.
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Gold Country flower power five favorite dog-friendly hikes
Spring wildflowers light up Gold Country trails from February through May. Here are five favorite dog-friendly hikes, including Hite Cove near Yosemite, Hidden Falls in Placer County and Buttermilk Bend along the South Yuba River.
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El Dorado County’s adventure loop
The El Dorado County Adventure Loop packs 45 miles of Gold Country exploration into one weekend, with dog-friendly hiking at Cronan Ranch, wine tasting at Jose Wine Caves and Gold Rush history in Coloma.
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Kayla puttin’ on the Ritz
DogTrekker's Kayla put on the Ritz at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, where dogs get cozy beds, gourmet treats, and weekend Yappy Hours on the Backyard Terrace featuring canine cocktails and locally made dog bones. The pampering starts the moment you…
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Meandering the Mendo Coast with your dog
Mendocino County's 102 miles of winding coastline reward slow travelers with leash-free beaches, Glass Beach, botanical gardens, scenic trails through MacKerricher State Park and cozy seaside lodgings from Fort Bragg to Gualala.
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Traveling the SLO lane with your dog
San Luis Obispo County's 70 miles of Highway 1 coastline offer dog-friendly beaches, off-leash coves, patio dining and charming inns from San Simeon to Pismo Beach. Your pup will love every sandy, sun-soaked mile of this Central Coast road trip.
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Make a splash on the Sonoma shore
The Sonoma County coast offers dog-friendly beaches, bluff-top trails, and river adventures. Walk the Bird Walk trail at Bodega Bay, hike six coastal access trails near the Mendocino County border, or float the Russian River in a dog-friendly inflatable canoe.
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Exploring Napa’s ‘ghost wineries’
Napa Valley's "ghost wineries" are historic facilities built between 1860 and 1900 that have been beautifully restored. Dog-friendly Regusci and Flora Springs welcome four-legged visitors to their grounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails for a quieter side of wine country.
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John Muir’s legacy in Contra Costa County
The John Muir Land Trust manages over 2,000 acres of open space in Contra Costa County where dogs with reliable recall can hike off-leash. Properties range from compact Acalanes Ridge in Lafayette to the sprawling Franklin Canyon-Fernandez Ranch complex.
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Sonoma County regional parks with your pup
Sonoma County's regional parks feature more than 140 miles of trails through beaches, forests, lakes, and meadows. Highlights include rugged Hood Mountain near Santa Rosa, the Bird Walk trail at Bodega Bay, and the stunning Pinnacle Gulch coastal loop.
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Napa Valley leg-stretchers
After wine tasting in Napa Valley, burn off those calories with your dog at Canine Commons in Alston Park, where off-leash play awaits. Westwood Hills Park and the downtown River Walk offer more leashed options with vineyard and city views.
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Discover the ‘Lost Sierra’
The Lost Sierra region in Plumas County, an hour north of Lake Tahoe, offers a refreshing alternative to crowded mountain resorts. Dog-friendly lodges like Chalet View and Gray Eagle pair with over a million acres of Plumas National Forest trails.
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Giacomo and Gelsomina’s mountain paradise
Jill M. and her dogs Giacomo and Gelsomina share their favorite hiking spot: the Mount Laguna Recreation Area inside Cleveland National Forest, where dogs are allowed off-leash on trails winding through pine forests and mountain meadows near San Diego.
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Shasta County gushers near Redding
Spring is prime time to hike to the four major waterfalls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding. This is one of the rare National Park Service sites that allows leashed dogs on dirt trails.
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Lots to wag about in Tri-Valley
The Tri-Valley communities of Pleasanton, Danville, Livermore, and Dublin are loaded with dog-friendly restaurants, pet boutiques, wine bars, and street fairs. Four adjacent valleys offer a refreshing weekend escape for San Francisco and Sacramento day-trippers with dogs.
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East Bay hikes for fresh-air fiends
The East Bay and Tri-Valley offer outstanding hiking for you and your dog, from the compact Acalanes Ridge to the 5,000-acre Del Valle Regional Park. East Bay Regional Park District properties welcome off-leash dogs with reliable recall.
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Tiptoe through the tulips in Davis
The UC Davis Arboretum offers a peaceful, dog-friendly stroll through 100 acres of botanical gardens along Putah Creek. With plantings from around the globe and plenty of benches, it's a perfect spring outing for you and your leashed pup.
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Waggin’ Trails Rescue Foundation
Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation pulls about 50 dogs each month from overcrowded and underfunded California shelters, providing vet care and foster homes before transporting them to rescue partners where loving families are waiting to adopt.
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Wet ‘n’ wild in SoCal
Southern California's mountain waterfalls run strong after winter rains, and two standout hikes welcome leashed dogs. Escondido Canyon near Malibu features a 150-foot seasonal cascade, while Eaton Canyon Falls in Pasadena offers a family-friendly trail to a splashing 40-foot drop.
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Traveling with a dog in Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach lives up to its reputation as one of California's most dog-friendly cities. Let your pup run free on the 1.5-mile Dog Beach, explore fenced dog runs in Central Park, and dine at pet-welcoming patios.
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Chasing cascades in the Bay Area
Spring rains bring Bay Area waterfalls to life, and many are reachable on dog-friendly trails. From Fairway Falls in Novato to Little Yosemite in Sunol and Cascade Canyon Falls near Fairfax, here are some favorites.
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Up the hill in Placerville with your furry sidekick
Placerville, once known as Hangtown, is now one of Gold Country's most dog-friendly towns. Check into the historic Cary House Hotel, dine on Main Street patios, hike along the American River and explore nearby Apple Hill with your pup.
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Summer fun with your pup in Folsom
Folsom blends Gold Rush history with modern outdoor fun. Stroll dog-friendly Old Town, hike 50-plus miles of paved trails including the Johnny Cash Trail, cool off at Lake Natoma and let your pup run free at Fido Field dog park.
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El Dorado County
El Dorado County is classic Gold Country, with the historic Cary House Hotel in Placerville, dog-friendly wineries along the Adventure Loop and living history events at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park where the Gold Rush began.
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