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!

Mend your mind in Mendocino Village

Mendocino Village is packed with dog-friendly options, from the Stanford Inn to bluff-top hikes at Mendocino Headlands State Park. Paddle a canine cruiser canoe up the Big River estuary or dine with your dog at Ravens restaurant.

Redwoods, railroads, beaches and more

Santa Cruz County delivers 29 miles of coastline with 15 dog-friendly beaches. Start at Mitchell Cove, the top dog beach, then cruise Highway 1 for more sandy stops. Head inland to Henry Cowell Redwoods for a steam train ride.

Conquer Concord with your dog

Concord rewards DogTrekkers who linger with scenic trails, craft breweries, and a famous Taco Trail featuring 40 restaurants. Hike Lime Ridge or Black Diamond Mines, then let your dog go off-leash at Fernandez Ranch.

What’s shakin’ in wintertime Redding?

Winter is a great time to visit Redding with your dog in uncrowded conditions. Snap photos on the Sundial Bridge, hike the Sacramento River Trail, then chase waterfalls at Hedge Creek Falls and McCloud River Falls.

Clear your head at Clear Lake

Clear Lake in Lake County is a natural freshwater paradise about 75 miles north of Santa Rosa. Rent a dog-friendly pontoon boat, stay in waterfront cabins, sample local wines, and let your pup splash at Clear Lake State Park.

Cruz your way to a wine heaven

Santa Cruz County is home to more than 70 small-production wineries and tasting rooms, many of them dog-friendly. Follow the Organic Wine Trail or the Corralitos Wine Trail for a relaxed afternoon of sipping with your pup at your side.

Water Dog Sea Cave & River Dog packages

Little River Inn rolls out the red carpet for dogs with kayaking packages on the Mendocino Coast. The Water Dog Sea Cave package includes a two-night ocean-view stay, dog-friendly dining, and a guided kayak tour through sea caves.

Outdoor Gilroy: More than just garlic!

Gilroy is more than garlic. Mount Madonna County Park offers 4,605 acres of trails through redwood forest, oak woodland, and grassy meadows. Nearby Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch adds 33 more miles of dog-friendly paths.

Bass Lake: A pet-friendly, Yosemite-area lure

Bass Lake near Yosemite has warm water, dog-friendly resorts, and vacation rentals surrounded by Sierra National Forest. Rent a pontoon boat, hike to a fire lookout, or relax at a nearby winery while your pup enjoys the mountain air.

Dog-friendly Sacramento: Two rivers run through it

Sacramento American and Sacramento rivers meet at Discovery Park, where the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail offers riverside scenery and wildlife. Start in Old Sacramento or loop William Land Park south of downtown.

Spring into Yosemite

Spring is the perfect time to visit Yosemite with your dog. Waterfalls rush, wildflowers bloom, and leashed dogs are welcome on most paved roads and paths in the valley. Mariposa County along the way adds dog-friendly lodging, dining and hikes.

Around Clear Lake we go

Nearly a dozen communities ring Clear Lake in Lake County, each with its own dog-friendly appeal. From Lakeport's dog parks and boat rentals to Kelseyville's wineries and Clearlake's waterfront cabins, there's plenty for you and your pup to explore.

Enchanted dog-friendly hiking in Santa Cruz

Byrne-Milliron Forest in Santa Cruz County combines hiking with outdoor art, featuring sculptures of sprites and goddesses along the trails. Dogs with solid recall can go off-leash, and nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods and Nisene Marks offer even more trail options.

Best dog-friendly hikes in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County is packed with dog-friendly hikes. Walk through redwoods along the Pipeline Trail at Henry Cowell, find a hidden koi pond at Pogonip Open Space, or hop aboard the Roaring Camp steam train with your well-behaved pup.

Pick a dog-friendly trail, any trail

The East Bay Regional Park District spans 1,250 miles of trails across 65 parks, and most allow off-leash dogs in undeveloped areas. From Lime Ridge Open Space to Black Diamond Mines, the options near Concord are outstanding.

Maya at the Sacramento River near Redding.

River, bridge, dam and your dog – Redding hikes

The Sacramento River National Recreation Trail stretches nearly 19 miles from Redding's iconic Sundial Bridge to massive Shasta Dam. Along the way, you and your dog can take in stunning architecture, riverside swimming spots and views of California's largest reservoir.

Mammoth Lakes winter woof

Mammoth Lakes welcomes winter DogTrekkers with dozens of dog-friendly lodgings and endless open spaces. Cross-country ski from your cabin at Tamarack Lodge, snowshoe around Convict Lake, or explore miles of plowed trails through stunning Eastern Sierra scenery.