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!

Inland bounty in Monterey County

Beyond Carmel's famous off-leash beach, Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley offers miles of off-leash trails, swimming holes in the Carmel River and dog-friendly water fountains. Hikes range from a flat 1.4-mile loop to a strenuous ridge climb.

Santa Cruz: As much about wine as beaches

Santa Cruz County is as much about wine as beaches. The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation is known for cool-climate pinot noir, and many dog-friendly tasting rooms dot the hills from Soquel to Davenport, including Poetic Cellars and Bonny Doon Vineyard.

Cupid calls in Mendocino

Mendocino County's Sheep Dung Properties offer architecturally stunning cottages on fenced rural land perfect for a romantic getaway with your dog. Nearby, Howard Creek Ranch Inn and Andiron Seaside Inn provide coastal retreats with antique charm.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay welcomes dogs with off-leash beach time at Francis Beach, hidden coves at Montara, and five miles of coastal bluff trails. Pair your sandy adventures with a meal at the dog-friendly Brewing Company patio.

17 miles of magnificence

The 17 miles of Highway 1 from Albion to Fort Bragg hold charming inns, bluff-top trails, and the artsy village of Mendocino. Dogs are welcome at coastal state beaches, the Point Cabrillo lighthouse, and the Stanford Inn.

Mendocino’s inland charms

Inland Mendocino County holds surprises like the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett, dog-friendly trails around Lake Mendocino near Ukiah, and a string of small family wineries between Ukiah and Hopland where tasting is often free and dogs are always welcome.

Take a bragg-adocious break

Fort Bragg packs a lot of dog-friendly fun into a small coastal town. Roam leash-free beaches, hike the Ten Mile Beach Trail to MacKerricher State Park, and ride the historic Skunk Train through redwood forests.

Sniffing out dog-friendly trails in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers far more than freeways for dogs and their people. Hike to a 40-foot waterfall at Eaton Canyon, stroll 22 miles of coastal trail around Santa Monica Bay, or explore sandstone formations in Topanga.

Pet-passionate Stanford Inn

The Stanford Inn By the Sea in Mendocino has welcomed pets for decades, greeting dogs with treats and food bowls. Next door, Catch-A-Canoe rents outrigger canoes where up to four dogs can ride while you paddle Big River.

Woof it up in wine-country luxury

For a romantic wine country getaway with your dog, Carneros Resort offers luxury cottages with private fenced patios and fire pits. Calistoga Ranch provides 127 acres to explore and a dog concierge for your pup.

What’s that in your dog’s eye

After a hike, a squinting dog likely has something stuck in its eye. Foxtails, thorns, and grass can lodge behind the third eyelid and scratch the cornea. A quick vet visit is far cheaper than risking surgery.

Image from Dog-friendly hiking around vacaville on DogTrekker

Put these hiking havens on your radar

Bay Area regional park districts offer incredible hiking with your dog. East Bay Regional Parks has 1,200 miles of trails, Marin County Parks manages 34 preserves, and Monterey County welcomes off-leash dogs at Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley.

Soaking up scenery in San Diego

San Diego's 18 open space preserves make it one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. Hike 60 miles of trails at Mission Trails Regional Park, explore Los Penasquitos Canyon, or let your pup run leash-free on Ocean Beach.

No tent or rv? no problem…

No tent? No problem. From dog-friendly KOA cabins near Petaluma and Watsonville to Casini Ranch on the Russian River, these soft-camping options let you and your pup enjoy the outdoors without a full gear kit.

Exploring Marin County with your dog

Marin County offers dogs everything from Headlands trails with Golden Gate Bridge views to off-leash romps on Rodeo Beach. The Tenderfoot Trail winds through cool redwoods and Terra Linda's open space spans over 1,000 acres.

Wag Hotels: Resort-style pet boarding in the Bay Area

When you can't bring your dog along, Wag Hotels offers resort-style boarding in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Redwood City. Services range from supervised daycare and swimming pool dips to Ultra Suites where you can video-call your pet from afar.

Image from Favorite California campgrounds for dog lovers on DogTrekker

Rules and regs regarding Rover

Dogs are welcome at most California campgrounds, but trail and beach access varies widely by land manager. National forests and BLM lands tend to offer more freedom, while state and national parks often restrict dogs to campgrounds and paved surfaces.

Moseying around Mariposa County

Mariposa County's Highway 140 corridor leads to Yosemite through dog-friendly gateway towns. Hike the wildflower-rich Hite Cove Trail in spring, ride a vintage steam train at Sugar Pine Railroad, and stay at charming local lodges.

Into the high country

Tiny Lee Vining sits at the gateway to Mono Lake's otherworldly tufa towers and Yosemite's Tioga Pass. Leashed dogs can explore the national forest scenic area, and nearby Twenty Lakes Basin offers Yosemite-caliber scenery without the park's pet restrictions.

Photorealistic. hyperrealistic. you are in the easte

Exploring the Eastern Sierra: Fall adventures and leaf-peeping spots

The Eastern Sierra lights up each fall with vibrant color at Conway Summit, Virginia Lakes, and Lundy Canyon. Dog-friendly Virginia Lakes Resort puts ten lakes within a mile of your cabin.

Image from Tuolumne tell-all on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly Gold Country: Exploring Tuolumne County

Tuolumne County near Yosemite is rich in Gold Rush history and dog-friendly adventures. Ride a stagecoach in Columbia, hop an old locomotive in Jamestown, and hike national forest trails near Groveland.

Fall foliage and dog-friendly lodging in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern Sierra deliver dog-friendly lodging from historic Tamarack Lodge to pet-pampering Westin Monache, plus leash-free national forest trails and fall color that peaks at Convict Lake, McGee Creek Canyon, and Devil's Postpile.

Calistoga on a leash

Calistoga at the north end of Napa Valley charms visitors with castle-like wineries, bocce courts, Michelin-starred patio dining and a walkable downtown. Dogs are welcome at tasting rooms, restaurants and lodgings throughout town.

Take a fall hike around Redding

Redding earns its title as California's Trail Capital with about 100 miles of paths in and around the city. Fall is a great time to hike the Upper Sacramento Ditch Trail and the Sacramento River Rail Trail with your dog.

Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens near me..

Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens Blog