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!
Wellness by the sea at the Stanford Inn
The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino pairs wellness with dog-friendly hospitality. Swim in the saltwater pool, dine on organic vegan fare at Ravens Restaurant, and let your pup curl at your feet in the lobby.
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Chow down in a Valley town
The Tri-Valley region serves up an impressive spread of dog-friendly dining across Pleasanton, Danville, Livermore and Dublin. From Mediterranean fare and craft beer gardens to farm-to-fork bistros and winery cafes, outdoor tables welcome pups everywhere.
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Into the Tuolumne County high country
Tuolumne County stretches from Gold Rush towns like Sonora and Jamestown into the High Sierra, with dog-friendly hotels, patio restaurants and miles of national forest trails. Drive Highway 108 over Sonora Pass for a truly spectacular day trip.
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For a personal touch, go for the b&b experience
Tuolumne County's bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals add a personal touch to your Gold Country getaway. From the AAA Four-Diamond McCaffrey House in Twain Harte to a mountaintop lodge near Yosemite, dogs are welcomed warmly at each.
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Time out for Tuolumne County (Yosemite north entrance)
Tuolumne County's Gold Rush towns along the route to Yosemite's north entrance have a relaxed attitude toward dogs. Stagecoach rides in Columbia, vintage train excursions in Jamestown and the scenic John Muir Highway make this a rewarding approach.
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Rush on up to Redding
Redding is your gateway to the Shasta Cascade region, starting with a stroll across the stunning Sundial Bridge and 19 miles of Sacramento River trails. Walk across Shasta Dam, enjoy dog-friendly patio dining, and stay at welcoming local hotels.
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Hike, splash, camp at Tuolumne County lakes
Tuolumne County's mountain lakes offer swimming, hiking, camping and boating with your dog. From popular Pinecrest Lake to massive Lake Don Pedro, where you can rent a dog-friendly houseboat, there is a waterside adventure for every pup.
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Walking trails and waggin’ tails near the Stanford Inn
The Stanford Inn in Mendocino makes walking with your dog a wellness practice. Trails through Mendocino Headlands State Park and Van Damme State Beach are a short drive away, offering ocean views and forest beauty.
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Yosemite is positively pawsome for dogs
Yes, Yosemite is dog-friendly, with some caveats. Leashed dogs are welcome at several campgrounds, in picnic areas, and on paved paths in the valley. Here's what you need to know about the rules before heading out with your pup.
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Hiking ‘California’s Switzerland’
The Eastern Sierra's Little Lakes Valley Trail winds past seven high-elevation lakes below 13,000-foot peaks, with wildflowers in summer and blazing fall color in October. Nearby Convict Lake offers an easy 3-mile loop with dramatic mountain scenery.
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Journey to Wawona (Madera County, south entrance)
The Highway 41 corridor from Oakhurst to Yosemite's south entrance is full of dog-friendly stops. Bass Lake resorts, the quirky town of Coarsegold, a steam train in Fish Camp and the luxury Tenaya Lodge all welcome four-legged travelers.
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Paws for an overnight break in Mendocino County
With summer crowds gone and low-season specials in play, fall and winter are ideal for a dog-friendly Mendocino County coast getaway. The Little River Inn, Beachcomber Motel, and other welcoming properties offer cozy rooms and easy beach access.
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Hike-in breakfast with a view
Hike two miles up Mount Tamalpais to West Point Inn for a monthly pancake breakfast with sweeping views. Or head to Cavallo Point Lodge near the Golden Gate Bridge for trails and a dog-friendly patio restaurant.
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Dog-friendly Highway 20 preserves beckon in spring
The Sierra foothills along Highway 20 between Marysville and Nevada City burst with wildflowers and waterfalls each spring. South Yuba River State Park and the vast Spenceville Wildlife Area both offer gorgeous, dog-friendly trails worth a weekend trip.
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Around Keswick Reservoir with your pup – Redding hikes
The Sacramento River Rail Trail near Redding follows a historic railroad route along turquoise Keswick Reservoir for 11 paved miles. The trail passes a 1923 tunnel and relics from the copper mining era.
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A big bark for Sonoma’s bark park
Bartholomew Park Winery near Sonoma Plaza sits within a 400-acre preserve locals call Bart Park. Hike the 3-mile loop through oak hills and redwood groves, then spread a picnic overlooking the vineyards at this little-known Sonoma gem.
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Soak up some coastal scenery in Monterey County
The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches 18 miles of paved, scenic coastline perfect for walking with your dog. Pair it with an inland hike at Garland Ranch Regional Park for off-leash trails through redwoods and open savannahs.
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All wine, no whine at these Lake County wineries
Lake County is one of California's fastest-growing wine regions, with over 30 wineries welcoming dogs at their tasting rooms and picnic areas. Sample sauvignon blancs, petit sirahs and big reds while your pup relaxes beside you.
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A big bark for Sebastopol’s Barlow
A short walk on the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail near Sebastopol leads to The Barlow, a lively complex of food producers, breweries, and artist studios where dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.
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Take time to coast
Mendocino County's vast public lands offer everything from off-leash coastal walks at Stornetta Public Lands to beach romps at Noyo Beach in Fort Bragg. The historic Point Arena Lighthouse even has pet-friendly vacation rentals right on the grounds.
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Tails wag on Big Sur Coast
A drive along the Big Sur coast with your dog means breathtaking ocean views, purple-sand beaches, and walks through towering redwoods. Dog-friendly stops include Sand Dollar Beach, Pfeiffer Beach, and several state park campgrounds with cabins for overnight stays.
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Just beach it, beach it, beach it
San Diego's beaches are a paradise for dogs. Ocean Beach allows off-leash romping around the clock, Fiesta Island offers 1.5 miles of waterfront freedom, and Coronado and Del Mar provide seasonal off-leash access on gorgeous sandy stretches.
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Get gushy with your puppy – Redding hikes
Waterfalls near Redding are flowing and swimming holes await. Hike behind the cascade at Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir, then take your dog to see three levels of McCloud River Falls on a scenic round-trip hike.
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Spring rambles in the South Bay
South of San Francisco, spring turns the hills green and the trails inviting. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offers 17 acres of off-leash fun, while the Uvas Canyon Waterfall Loop near Morgan Hill delivers waterfalls, footbridges and lush scenery.
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