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!
Put paws to GGNRA paths in San Mateo County
San Mateo County's GGNRA lands offer scenic coastal walks with your dog, from the dramatic headlands at Mori Point in Pacifica to the sweeping ridgeline views atop Sweeney Ridge. Both on-leash and off-leash areas remain open under current rules.
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East Bay park gets a new name
Oakland's beloved Redwood Regional Park has been renamed after Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt, the only woman on the East Bay Regional Park District's first board of directors. She championed acquiring the parkland that now welcomes 1.4 million visitors a year.
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Dog-friendly Calaveras County: Wine, caves and Gold Rush towns
Calaveras County blends Gold Rush history with wine tasting and outdoor adventure. Walk your dog through Murphys' 25-plus tasting rooms, hike near New Melones Lake or watch humans stomp grapes at the annual street fair in this Sierra foothills getaway.
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Tips on traveling with a senior dog
Older dogs can be sensitive to changes in routine, so traveling with a senior pup requires extra planning. From packing familiar items and medications to keeping vet records handy, these tips help your companion stay comfortable.
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Time to revisit Yosemite with your dog
Early fall brings thinner crowds and autumn color to Yosemite, and there is more for dogs to do than you might expect. Leashed pups can walk to Lower Yosemite Fall and along the valley bike paths.
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Hop on a houseboat with your pup
A houseboat vacation means water, sun and quality time with your dog. Trinity Lake and Lake Don Pedro both offer dog-friendly houseboat rentals through Suntex Marinas, with fishing boats and pontoons available too. Here's what you need to know.
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Road trip! explore a scenic byway
Fall is prime time for a scenic drive through California's mountains with your dog. Three standout routes cross the Sierra and Cascades, from the twisting Ebbetts Pass to Yosemite's Tioga Road and the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
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Don’t get skunked by the Skunk Train
The Skunk Train has rolled through Northern California redwood forests for over 130 years, departing from Fort Bragg and Willits. Dogs ride free in open-air cars, taking in views of towering trees, river canyons, and 30 bridges along the way.
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Board the storied Skunk Train
Ride the historic Skunk Train through old-growth redwoods on Mendocino County's dog-friendly logging-era railroad. Choose the coastal Pudding Creek Express from Fort Bragg or the inland Wolf Tree Turn from Willits, both showcasing ancient forests and stunning scenery.
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Cruising for history and scenery in Santa Cruz County
Roaring Camp Railroads in Santa Cruz County sends steam trains through towering redwoods on tracks once used for logging. The 75-minute ride to Bear Mountain includes a picnic stop, and the historic village offers kid-friendly activities and hiking.
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Make it a family affair in Marin County
Marin County rolls out the welcome mat for families with dogs. From the shops and farmers market at Marin Country Mart in Larkspur to off-leash romps at Rodeo Beach and scenic trails through the Marin Headlands, there's fun for everyone.
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Dog-passionate places to rest heads and paws
The Mendocino Coast has hotels that truly love dogs, greeting them with treats, beds and bowls. From the eco-luxury Stanford Inn to the Victorian-era Little River Inn and Fort Bragg's Beachcomber properties, pet pampering is the standard here.
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All aboard for Gold Country history
Tuolumne County's Gold Country is home to two must-visit heritage railroads. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park features Hollywood's famous Movie Railroad, while the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers narrated steam train rides near Yosemite.
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A pedigreed playground for your pup
Fort Bragg Noyo Harbor Inn puts you steps from a fishing village, state park beaches, the Skunk Train, and Glass Beach. Off-leash dog areas at Noyo Beach and Seaside Beach make this Mendocino Coast stretch a pup paradise.
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Not all tri-valley trails are made for walking
The Tri-Valley offers trails you follow by taste, not by foot. A beer trail with 22 craft breweries, a wine trail with 50-plus wineries, and a top-rated ice cream trail all welcome dogs at many stops.
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Urban delights along the iron horse trail
The 32-mile Iron Horse Regional Trail follows an old railway through the Tri-Valley, connecting towns and parks along the way. Stop in dog-friendly downtown Danville for patio dining, shopping and a romp at the Canine Corral dog park.
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High altitude amenities
Tenaya Lodge, set among 50 acres of Sierra National Forest just two miles from Yosemite, rolls out the red carpet for dogs. Their pet package includes beds, bowls, treats, plus dog-sitting and kennel services.
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Sacramento: A beer-lover’s magnet
Sacramento's craft beer scene is thriving, with over 40 breweries and nearly all of them dog-friendly. From Ruhstaller's downtown taproom to Bike Dog Brewing's Doggie Sundays, the city's hop-growing heritage makes it a great destination for beer-loving dog owners.
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Wag your way through the Central Valley
California's Central Valley holds surprises for dogs and train lovers alike. Ride vintage electric cars at the Western Railway Museum near Suisun City, or hop aboard the Sacramento River Fox Train for a leisurely round trip through Gold Rush country.
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Put tails to trails in and around Redding
Redding calls itself the Trail Capital of California, with 80 miles of paths within city limits. The Sacramento River Trail runs 17.5 miles from the Sundial Bridge to Shasta Dam, with more options on nearby BLM lands.
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Take a stroll through history
Lagoon Valley Park near Vacaville blends history and outdoor fun, with a 2.5-mile lake trail and a 30,000-square-foot off-leash dog park. Nearby, the Western Railway Museum even lets dogs ride aboard historic streetcars.
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Tuolumne County: Heart of Gold Country
Tuolumne County's wine and craft beverage trail features dog-friendly stops like Indigeny Reserve, a 160-acre property producing hard cider and spirits outside Sonora. In historic Jamestown, three tasting rooms and a steam train ride await you and your pup.
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Calaveras County: Sip and swirl along Highway 4
The town of Murphys on Highway 4 has more than 20 dog-friendly wine tasting spots along Main Street. From Twisted Oak's playful vibe to Ironstone Vineyards' museum housing a 44-pound gold specimen, Calaveras County wine country is full of surprises.
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Redding family fare (dogs included of course!)
Redding makes a great family base camp with dogs. Stay at the pet-friendly Sheraton near the Sundial Bridge, explore riverside trails and botanical gardens, then take the kids to Caldwell Park or rent a dog-friendly houseboat on Shasta Lake.
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