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!
Four-paw fun, from harvest into the holidays
Fall on California's North Coast shines at the Stanford Inn and throughout Mendocino County, with Harvest Mendocino events from late October through mid-November. Sample regional bounty, ride the Mushroom Train through redwoods, and stay for holiday sparkle into the new…
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Best Southern California doggie swim spots
Southern California is loaded with places where dogs can cool off, from the famous off-leash waves at Huntington Dog Beach to calm inland lakes and hidden creeks. This guide covers the best swim spots and what to know before you…
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Family fun with a pup-friendly pedigree
The Stanford Inn is a family-friendly retreat with four state parks within two miles, a heated saltwater pool, scavenger hunts, and canine cruiser canoes on Big River. Dogs perch on a stable middle deck while families paddle miles of estuary…
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Huntington Beach: Surf City, sunsets and sandy paws
Huntington Beach is pure coastal joy for dogs, with the legendary off-leash Dog Beach, ocean-view patios, and a laid-back surf town vibe that welcomes four-legged visitors. Start early for calm waters and cooler sand, then reward your pup with a…
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Mindful hospitality with a pet-centric pedigree
The Stanford Inn practices mindful, personal hospitality in an era of screens and contactless check-ins, putting people, pups, and the planet first. This family-run Mendocino resort has spent forty-five years curating genuine guest experiences rooted in warmth and environmental care.
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On the go in pup-centric Sacramento
Sacramento's parks and multi-use trails are a dog lover's paradise, from the 32-mile American River Parkway to the tree-lined paths around Capitol Park. The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel welcomes dogs with no pet fees, no size limits, and evening wine receptions.
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The ulti-mutt in farm-fresh dining in Sacramento
Sacramento earns its title as America's Farm-to-Fork Capital with 1.5 million acres of farmland and incredible local chefs serving fresh, seasonal ingredients. The dog-friendly Citizen Hotel puts you two blocks from Capitol Park and steps from Michelin-recommended dining.
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Happy New Year from DogTrekker!
DogTrekker kicks off 2026 with a look ahead at the coastal walks, mountain trails, and welcoming patios waiting for you and your dog across California. More hotels, trails, and restaurants are rolling out the red carpet for pups than ever…
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Sit, stay and splash in Siskiyou County
Siskiyou County raises the bar for dog-friendly travel with swimming holes, brewery patios, waterfall hikes, and cozy lodging near Mount Shasta. Follow the McCloud River past three waterfalls, explore old-growth forests, and unwind with a pint at a dog-welcoming alehouse.
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Local pints, with your pup by your side
Mendocino County's beer trail winds from coastal Fort Bragg taprooms to inland gems like Anderson Valley Brewing Company's 30-acre beer park. Pet-friendly patios, fresh pub fare, and creative craft beers make this a tail-wagging tasting tour for dogs and their…
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Explore the San Mateo coast like a pro
The San Mateo Coast packs 60 miles of rugged Pacific shoreline into one compact region, and much of it welcomes dogs. Expect off-leash beaches, tide pools, wild surf, and foggy coastal magic just an hour from San Francisco and Silicon…
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Dog-friendly Bishop, California: Small town, big adventures
Bishop sits at 4,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra, offering dog-friendly trails, alpine lakes, budget-friendly hotels, and outdoor dining patios. From Bishop Creek Canyon hikes to peaceful Owens River walks, this small town delivers big adventures for dogs and their…
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Wags and wine in Lake County
Lake County boasts the most dog-friendly wine country in the U.S., with over 30 wineries welcoming pups. Explore private trails at Six Sigma Ranch, paddle spring-fed Blue Lakes, and linger over alfresco dining at patio restaurants throughout the county.
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Ruff recreation beckons in Redding
Redding is adventure central for dogs and their people, with 225 miles of trails within 15 minutes of town. Explore Shasta-Trinity National Forest, walk the iconic Sundial Bridge, and follow the paved Sacramento River Trail all the way to Shasta…
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Five secret dog spots on the San Francisco Peninsula
The San Francisco Peninsula is hiding some genuinely under-the-radar spots that most dog owners drive right past. From a forest-ringed lake in Belmont to windswept bluffs above the Mavericks surf break, these five are the ones locals keep to themselves.
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Reserving a spot for you and Spot
Snagging a campsite in California takes planning, especially at popular coastal and mountain locations that book six months out. Here are strategies for securing reservations, from cancellation windows and first-come sites to lottery systems and midweek flexibility.
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Must-attend events this summer and fall
California summers are packed with dog-friendly celebrations, from Sacramento River Cats Wet Nose Wednesdays and the Puptopia Festival in Big Bear to the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in San Diego and brewery fundraisers across the Bay Area. Here are our top…
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Hiking Horsetail Falls near Lake Tahoe with your dog
The hike to Horsetail Falls near Twin Bridges is a Tahoe-area classic, but hot granite slabs can scorch paws on summer days. The Pyramid Creek Loop offers a shady alternative with granite-rimmed swimming pools and dense pine forest along the…
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Reserve summer campsites now
Summer campsites at California's coast and mountain hotspots fill up fast, so book early. Here is a roundup of reservation resources, from Reserve America and Recreation.gov to utility-district campgrounds, dog-friendly KOA cabins, and tips for snagging last-minute spots.
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California SNO-Parks: SNO many options for dog-friendly fun
California SNO-Parks are among DogTrekker's most popular picks each winter. These snow-covered playgrounds on U.S. Forest Service land welcome dogs for sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Grab a permit and arrive early for the best parking and fresh powder.
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The National Forest/BLM advantage
National forests and BLM lands offer dog owners freedom that state and national parks rarely do. From Hope Valley's golden aspens to Garland Ranch's swimming holes and Mendocino's coastal bluffs, these public lands welcome off-leash hiking under voice control.
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Wandering El Dorado County
El Dorado County offers everything from Echo Lake hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail to five sparkling lakes in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. With over 700 dog-friendly campsites and trails into Desolation Wilderness, summer adventures abound.
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Dog-friendly riverside trails: Truckee River and American River Parkway
Two of California's best paved riverside trails welcome dogs year-round. The Truckee River Legacy Trail offers off-leash walking near downtown Truckee, while Sacramento's 32-mile American River Parkway winds through shady greenbelts alive with spring wildflowers and wildlife.
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Slivers of silver
South of Lake Tahoe along the Carson Pass corridor, Silver Lake, Caples Lake, and Bear River Reservoir offer fall hiking through golden aspens and forest campgrounds. Pet-friendly cabins at Sorensen's Resort in Hope Valley make a great base for exploring…
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