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!
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Beach bliss at South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe has several dog-friendly beaches worth knowing about. Kiva Beach offers a long sandy stretch, Regan Memorial Beach allows off-leash play, and a hidden section of Nevada Beach is a locals' favorite for fetching sticks.
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Get off the beaten track
Skip the Tahoe crowds and head to the Lost Sierra or Mammoth Lakes for cold-weather fun with your dog. Chalet View Lodge in Graeagle and Tamarack Lodge in Mammoth offer dog-friendly rooms and access to snowshoe trails.
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The adventures of Alvin & Theodore
Brian, Tabitha, and their dogs Alvin and Theodore share photos from their California adventures, from Lindsey Lake in Tahoe National Forest to the beaches of Mendocino and Alameda. Follow their travels on Instagram and Facebook.
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Dogs love Downieville
Downieville is a quiet Gold Rush town on the North Yuba River where dog-friendly cabins put you steps from fishing, hiking, and mountain biking in the Sierra Buttes. Spring is the sweet spot, before summer crowds arrive.
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Last chance for high-country hikes with your dog
Late fall is ideal for one last high-country hike before the snow flies. Five favorite trails near Interstate 80 include Castle Peak, Mount Judah Loop, Coldstream Valley, Truckee River Legacy Trail, and Martis Creek Wildlife Area, all welcoming dogs.
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Camp Layman, a doggie delight in the High Sierra
Camp Layman near Graeagle offers rustic 1920s cabins just a short walk from swimming and fishing in the Feather River. Dogs get their own blankets, and the quiet Sierra setting is perfect for hiking and trail sniffing.
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Pacified in Pacifica
Pacifica offers six miles of coastline just over the hills from San Francisco, with leash-free beach romps, a spectacular hike to Mori Point, and thousands of acres of public parkland.
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Highway 50 is nifty
Highway 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe hides great dog-friendly stops along the way. Hike to the top of Lover's Leap for sweeping canyon views, or explore granite pools along the Pyramid Loop Trail near Horsetail Falls.
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Top spots for soaking up mountain majesty
Beat the summer heat at high-elevation campgrounds across California's mountains. From Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra to Lake Alpine near Angels Camp, these scenic spots pair stunning views with cool nights and dog-friendly trails.
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Five woofy waterfront campgrounds
Five favorite waterfront campgrounds where dogs can splash and play, from Big Lagoon in Humboldt County to Pismo State Beach on the Central Coast, with stops at Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz and Big Sur along the way.
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Don’t wait: Check out Highway 88
The Highway 88 and Carson Pass corridor south of Lake Tahoe is a high-country playground dotted with lakes and laced with trails where dogs can hike off-leash. The scenery is spectacular and the crowds are thin.
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More ways to play at Lake Tahoe
Dogs can swim at Lake Tahoe, and Kiva Beach at Taylor Creek is the top spot. Nearby, the Tallac Historic Site offers fascinating 19th-century estates to stroll. For lake views, hike the trail at Van Sickle Bi-State Park.
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Treasure in El Dorado County
El Dorado County stretches from the Gold Rush towns along Highway 49 up to Lake Tahoe, offering dog-friendly recreation at Sly Park, Horsetail Falls, and Echo Lakes. Stay at the charmingly haunted Cary House Hotel in Placerville.
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Dog-friendly day hikes
North Lake Tahoe is packed with dog-friendly hikes, from the easy Tahoe City Lakeside Trail to the wildflower-rich Page Meadow. The Five Lakes Trail climbs into the Granite Chief Wilderness where sparkling alpine lakes await.
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