Blog stories about the best dog-friendly hikes, parks and gardens.

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!

Enjoying the California desert with your dog

Brown and white dog in close up photography

Photo by 狸花 on Pexels.

Taking a trip to the desert can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Before you embark on your adventure, here are some important tips for enjoying the California desert with your dog. Read more.

Spring in Yosemite: Spectacular waterfalls and no reservations needed!

chocolate lab at Yosemite with Half Dome in the background.

Duke at Yosemite. Photo by @dukethechocolatelab.

As seasonal sunshine melts heavy snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the waterfalls of Yosemite National Park are springing to life – and this year, they’re bigger and more beautiful than ever. Read more.

Ruffing it in Yosemite

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.

Tahoe’s tail-waggin’ winter highlights

Belgian Malinois at Kiva Beach at Lake Tahoe with snow

Snow dog at Kiva Beach, Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe promises classic fun in any season, but this slice of California really sparkles during the winter. The destination is known for ski hills, cross-country trails, and more spectacular scenery than you can shake a stick at. Read more.

Hiking around Greater Palm Springs

If you and your dog are the outdoorsy types, you’ll find plenty of trails to enjoy in Greater Palm Springs. Read more.

East Bay Regional Park district urging public and their dogs not to enter closed parks

Most East Bay Regional Parks remain closed due to recent storms and conditions, including downed trees, falling branches, flooding and mudslides. Storm damage in parks can create potential safety hazards that cannot be predicted. Read more.

Happy New Year from DogTrekker.com

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,

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. … Continued Read more.

This winter, find a cozy place to stay at Yosemite

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.

History, hiking and holidays at Yosemite View Lodge

couple walking dogs in front of Half Dome view in Yosemite

Yosemite Mariposa County buzzes with dog-friendly adventures and sightseeing opportunities. The area is known for cultural treasures, too. Read more.

Relax on the River: Yosemite View Lodge

Yosemite View Lodge.

Yosemite View Lodge has been family-owned and family-friendly (that includes four-legged family members!) for nearly 50 years. Read more.

What dog owners need to know about poison oak

Poison oak in late summer.

Dogs are curious creatures and love a good romp in the great outdoors. However, this can come with potential hazards. One of California's most common outdoor risks to dogs is poison oak. Read more.

Pet-friendly adventures in Santa Cruz (video)

Tag along with Skyler the surfing dog as he sniffs out dog-friendly beaches, restaurants and hotels in Santa Cruz County. Read more.

Action packed fun: Play like a local in Bass Lake, CA (video)

"Play Like A Local" all seasons on beautiful Bass Lake. Check out how the locals do it. Boat it, hike it or bike it, there are so many ways to enjoy Bass Lake. Read more.

Day 4: Barking ways

“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 … 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

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

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?

Famous Sundial Bridge in Redding California

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.