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!
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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Dip into the blue
Your dog can absolutely swim in Lake Tahoe. Pocket coves along Highway 28, Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach, and the mellow West Shore all welcome pups. Rent a kayak or paddleboard in Tahoe City for more fun.
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Shelter in the Tahoe snow
Tahoe in winter calls for snowy adventures by day and cozy cabin retreats at night. Cedar Glen Lodge, Tahoma Meadows, and Sorensen's Resort all welcome dogs and offer quick access to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.
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Paws, poles and snowshoes
Snowshoeing with your dog is a great winter activity around Lake Tahoe. Popular spots include Blackwood Canyon, Echo Lakes, Page Meadows, and Hope Valley. Stick to packed trails and keep dogs away from cross-country ski tracks.
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Sniffing out scenery in Sierra County
Sierra County, home to fewer than 4,000 people, feels like your own private Gold Country in fall. A 170-mile loop along the Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway takes you through Downieville, the Gold Lakes Basin, and Sierra City.
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Fall walk with Fido
October brings stunning fall color to Gold Country and the Sierra. Aspens peak early at Hope Valley and Carson Pass, maples light up Nevada City later, and the Eastern Sierra puts on the West's finest autumn show.
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Shoe you can do it
Snowshoeing with your dog around Lake Tahoe is a winter treat, with trails at Blackwood Canyon, Paige Meadows, Hope Valley, and more. Stick to packed snow for beginners and stay clear of cross-country ski tracks.
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What makes Bishop a pup-lover’s paradise
Bishop is a high desert gem on Highway 395 where dogs are genuinely welcome. A central dog park, walkable downtown, pet-friendly dining patios and trails with off-leash options make this Eastern Sierra town a favorite among DogTrekker regulars.
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Greater Palm Springs: Oasis for paws and people
Greater Palm Springs blends dog-friendly spirit with vibrant desert beauty, making it a prime pick for sunshine escapes. Start your day with a walk along palm-lined neighborhoods, explore welcoming patios, and stay at hotels that treat your pup like family.
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Perfect dog-friendly patios in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs has no shortage of dog-friendly patios where you and your pup can soak up the sun. From coffee spots under palm trees to gourmet evening dining under the stars, this oasis delivers. Welcome to the ultimate guide…
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Guide to the best dog parks in Southern California
Southern California's best dog parks range from Hollywood Hills hikes at Runyon Canyon to off-leash beach romps at Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach. This north-to-south guide covers urban hideaways, oceanfront escapes and mountain vistas for every pup.
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California’s new dog-friendly rules will blow your mind
California's dog-friendly travel scene expanded dramatically in 2025, with new CDC travel regulations, luxury hotel pet packages in Napa and San Diego, expanded airport relief areas, and tech tools that simplify planning trips with your pup. California's reputation as a…
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5 little-known travel hacks for dog-friendly California adventures
Five insider tips for smoother California road trips with your dog, including pet-friendly rest stops with fenced play areas, hidden beaches away from crowds, no-fee hotel chains, dog-welcome ferries and trains, and local visitor centers with canine-specific recommendations.
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Vacaville: Your wine country HQ
Vacaville offers affordable, dog-friendly lodging just 30 minutes from Napa Valley and even closer to the laid-back Suisun Valley wine region. Between tastings, enjoy off-leash play at Lagoon Valley Dog Park and patio dining downtown. For wine lovers craving a…
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California glampsites your dog will dig
A curated guide to California's top dog-friendly glamping escapes, from Mendocino Grove's safari tents under the redwoods to desert retreats and vineyard stays. Each property blends wilderness access with comfortable amenities for you and your pup. Glamping by the sea…
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Where to stay with your dog in Sacramento
Sacramento has dog-friendly lodging for every budget, from the boutique Kimpton Sawyer downtown to riverside hotels with trail access along the American River Parkway. Many welcome dogs at no extra charge. From the downtown core to the farthest reaches of…
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In GPS, five pet-friendly hotels are raising the bar
Five Greater Palm Springs hotels go above and beyond for dogs, from The Saguaro's no-fee policy for pets of any size to La Quinta Resort's PAWS program and Westin Mission Hills' on-site adoption partnership with a local shelter.
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Call it a night in the Tri-Valley
More than two dozen Tri-Valley hotels welcome dogs, with pet fees ranging from nothing to $150. From budget motels to all-suite properties with full kitchens, there are plenty of options for every DogTrekker visiting the area. Sure, you could commute…
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Greater Palm Springs: Gateway to the desert
Greater Palm Springs rolls out the welcome mat for dogs with pet-friendly luxury resorts, retro boutique motels, patio restaurants with pooch menus, and endless sunshine. The region spans multiple communities along the I-10 corridor, each with its own dog-friendly appeal.
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Secret mountain hikes with dogs in California
California's best dog-friendly mountain hikes hide in national forests and regional parks, far from the famous national parks that ban pets on trails. Dawn in the Sierra Nevada is a quiet, pink-tinted secret. My dog, Scout, knows it before I…
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Dog-friendly fall fun in Greater Palm Springs
This fall, Greater Palm Springs is the perfect playground for you and your four-legged travel buddy. Explore dog-friendly breweries, dine on sunny patios where wagging tails are always welcome, and follow a curated itinerary for the ultimate getaway.
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