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!

Cataract Falls: A California classic

The hike to Cataract Falls on Mount Tamalpais is a Marin County classic, with nine cascades tumbling along a wooded ravine. The 2.5-mile round trip is strenuous but hugely popular with dogs and their people, especially after winter rains.

Woof it up at little Yosemite

Sunol Regional Wilderness in the East Bay comes alive in spring with wildflowers and rushing waterfalls in the Little Yosemite gorge. The Canyon View Trail offers a scenic 3-mile round trip along Alameda Creek.

Liquid treasure in Gold Country

Hidden Falls Regional Park in Placer County rewards hikers with a thundering 50-foot waterfall on an easy 5.6-mile loop through wildflower-dotted hills. Nearby Cronan Ranch adds 12 miles of trails leading to the raging American River.

Cruise control in Santa Cruz wine country

The Santa Cruz Mountains wine region welcomes dogs at tasting rooms tucked among redwoods and ocean views. Follow a dog-friendly wine trail from Davenport to Soquel to Aptos, with stops for picnics and vineyard strolls along the way.

Vine and dine in Sonoma

The town of Sonoma charms with its historic plaza, dog-friendly sidewalk cafes and walkable tasting rooms. Stroll to nearby wineries, treat your pup at Three Dog Bakery and finish with dinner at a top-rated patio restaurant.

Sonoma County trippin’

A Sonoma County road trip from Petaluma to Sebastopol to Santa Rosa serves up craft breweries, off-leash dog parks, wine-country trails and walkable downtowns. Each town brings its own character and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way.

Hiking hills and headlands

Sonoma County delivers scenic hikes from Bodega Bay's birdwatching trails to the Sea Ranch headlands and Hood Mountain's rugged peaks. Inland, Tolay Lake Regional Park near Petaluma adds sweeping views of Bay Area landmarks.

Redding: Waterfall capital of California

Redding and the Shasta Cascade region boast over 225 miles of trails and some of California's best waterfalls. Spring is prime time to hike with your dog to cascades at Whiskeytown Lake and along the McCloud River.

Hideaways by the sea

The Sonoma Coast offers dog-friendly hideaways from Bodega Bay to Sea Ranch, where you can fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific. Cozy inns, vacation rentals and blufftop cottages put sandy beaches and coastal trails right outside your door.

Dogs in the Park

Yosemite National Park has strict pet rules, but leashed dogs can still enjoy paved trails to Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and Mirror Lake. Dog-friendly campgrounds and vacation rentals inside the park make overnight stays possible.

East Bay Regional wonders

The East Bay Regional Park District spans 65 parks across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, with over 1,200 miles of trails where dogs can hike off-leash in undeveloped areas. Del Valle and the Ohlone Wilderness are standout picks.

Image from Whiskeytown calls on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly waterfalls and trails at Whiskeytown

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding is a rare National Park Service gem that welcomes leashed dogs on 70 miles of trails. Four waterfalls, lakeside swimming and stunning scenery make it worth the trek north.

Tuolumne County: North entrance (Hwy 120)

The Highway 120 corridor through Tuolumne County blends Gold Rush history with outdoor adventure on the way to Yosemite. Ride a stagecoach in Columbia, swim at Rainbow Pool and bed down at dog-friendly hotels in Groveland and Jamestown.

Fall trekking in the SLO lane

San Luis Obispo County serves up wine tasting, coastal hikes and historic missions along a leisurely Highway 101 road trip. From Paso Robles wineries to Pismo Beach bluffs and Morro Bay seafood decks, your dog is welcome throughout.

Mariposa County: West entrance (Hwy 140)

Highway 140 through Mariposa County leads to Yosemite's Arch Rock entrance, passing dog-friendly lodgings, scenic Merced River trails rich with wildflowers, and charming gateway towns. It's a route packed with places to stay and hike with your pup.

Wilder keeping it super cool in Santa Cruz.

Set the scene in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County pairs redwood forests, sandy beaches and a walkable downtown into one excellent dog-friendly getaway. Ride a steam train, go tidepooling, hike off-leash trails and explore 15 miles of dog-welcoming coastline.

Madera County: South entrance (Hwy 41)

Oakhurst in Madera County serves as the main gateway to Yosemite's south entrance, with dog-friendly inns, wineries, a historic railroad and nearby Bass Lake. From budget-friendly stays to five-star luxury, this corridor has options for every DogTrekker.