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!

Fourth stop: Truckee to Mammoth Lakes

The road from Truckee to Mammoth Lakes follows scenic Highway 395 past Bodie ghost town, surreal Mono Lake and into the Eastern Sierra. At Mammoth Mountain, dogs can ride the gondola to 11,053 feet and hike down through alpine lakes.

Third stop: South Lake Tahoe to Truckee

Highway 89 along Tahoe's West Shore is a sensory treat, from the historic Tallac estates and dog-friendly Kiva Beach to a gentle stroll to Fallen Leaf Lake and the easy trail to Cascade Creek Falls near Emerald Bay.

Second stop: Highway 50, Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe

Highway 50 from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe is the scenic route to the Sierra. Stop at Horsetail Falls, then choose between the bustling Heavenly Village or a mellow drive up the west shore with beaches and trails.

Make tracks to Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is brimming with water and activity options for dogs and their people. Kayak the North Shore, walk the expanding shoreline trail network, or visit the historic Tallac estate homes with Big Blue sparkling in the background.

Crystal blue persuasion

The Crystal Basin Recreation Area off Highway 50 holds more than 700 campsites around five scenic reservoirs in the Eldorado National Forest. Two lakes offer direct trail access into Desolation Wilderness, where dogs can hike off-leash beside you.

449797844 Mammoth Lakes 16 9 — Adobe Images

Dog-friendly winter activities in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes welcomes DogTrekkers with groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoe paths and miles of dog-friendly Inyo National Forest backcountry. Stop at stunning Convict Lake on the way in, and book a pet-friendly cabin for a sunrise you won't forget.

Doggin’ it on the Pacific Crest Trail

The 2,560-mile Pacific Crest Trail is entirely dog-friendly except in national and state parks. Many day-hike sections are accessible from major highways near Tahoe, Echo Summit and Ebbetts Pass, offering spectacular scenery with your pup.

Paradise for water dogs

A DogTrekker reader shares her find: a secluded public dog beach on the eastern end of Donner Lake near Tahoe. With shallow water, sandy shores and plenty of pups playing fetch, it's a must-stop for water-loving dogs.

Cricket and Splash boating on Sardine Lake.

Get your Buttes in gear

The Lakes Basin Recreation Area in Plumas and Sierra counties is a high-country paradise with dozens of alpine lakes and miles of dog-friendly trails. The Sierra Buttes Lookout hike ranks among the best day treks in the state.

Mother and daughter with a dog resting on a pier — Adobe Images

Gotta lake it

Gold Country lakes offer cool relief for dogs and their people all summer long. From Folsom Lake's miles of shoreline to hidden Long Lake near Soda Springs and Bass Lake's pontoon boat rentals, there's a splash spot for every pup.

Dogs ride and hike free at Palisades Tahoe

Dogs ride the aerial tram for free at Palisades Tahoe, where summer fun includes hiking the scenic Shirley Lake Trail, splashing in swimming holes and exploring miles of high-altitude trails from the 8,200-foot High Camp recreation area.

Go with the rivers’ flow

Grab a paddle and bring your dog along for a float on California's best rivers. From canoe trips on the Russian River near Healdsburg to outrigger canoes on Mendocino's Big River and rafting the Truckee at Tahoe, wet fun awaits.

Tahoe under paws: Lake Tahoe dog beaches

Lake Tahoe has several dog beaches, but off-leash spots are rare. A locals' favorite is the sandy strand at Nevada Beach, where dogs fetch sticks from crystalline water. Other options include Coon Street Dog Beach and Patton Beach.

Swooning for wildflowers

Carson Pass on Highway 88 near Lake Tahoe erupts with spectacular wildflowers in early July. Hike the dog-friendly Pacific Crest Trail to Frog Lake and Lake Winnemucca through head-high lupins, paintbrush and mountain daisies at over 8,600 feet elevation.