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!
Naturalist John Muir’s dog-friendly legacy
The John Muir Land Trust protects over 2,500 acres of open space in Contra Costa County, including 1,200-acre Fernandez Ranch and ridge-top Acalanes Preserve. Many properties allow off-leash dogs away from developed areas.
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Moseying around the Mojave
The 1.6-million-acre Mojave National Preserve offers winter adventurers rose-hued dunes, Joshua tree forests, and ghost towns to explore with leashed dogs. A high-clearance vehicle opens up hundreds of miles of dirt roads through this rugged San Bernardino County landscape.
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The Gold Country’s golden chain highway
Highway 49 links 330 miles of Gold Rush history, dog-friendly trails, and small-town charm. Base yourself in Oakhurst or Sonora for steam-train rides, state park explorations, living-history weekends at Columbia, and scenic Sierra detours along the way.
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Paw-some road trips from Sacramento
Sacramento's big backyard delivers dog-friendly road trips to Placer County waterfalls, Gold Country mining trails, and small-batch wineries in the Sacramento River Delta. Two-room suites at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade make a comfortable home base.
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Award-winning California hotels that welcome four-legged guests
From Palm Springs resorts to Bay Area landmarks, California's best dog-friendly hotels earned major accolades in 2024. Here are award-winning properties that treat your pup like a VIP guest. California is home to some of the finest dog-friendly hotels in…
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Dog-friendly lakes not named “Tahoe”
Skip the Tahoe crowds and explore California's quieter dog-friendly lakes instead. From Clear Lake in Lake County to Big Bear, Shasta Lake and more, these alternatives offer great swimming, boating and shoreline fun with your pup.
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Activities in Sacramento’s big backyard
Sacramento sits within easy reach of Folsom Lake, Apple Hill wineries, Gold Country, and the Sacramento River Delta. These day-trip destinations offer hiking, paddling, seasonal tastings, and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way.
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Best dog-friendly lakes in California
California is loaded with dog-friendly lakes for swimming, fetching, and cooling off. From Lake Tahoe's alpine beaches to the warm waters of San Luis Reservoir and Big Bear Lake, here are the best spots for a water day with your…
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Bringing your dog to Yosemite: the complete 2026 guide
Yes, you can bring your dog to Yosemite. Full trail list (Valley, Wawona, Glacier Point), where to stay in Mariposa County, B.A.R.K. Ranger program, shuttle rules, FAQ. Updated 2026 by the DogTrekker editorial team.
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Introducing the DogTrekker Southern California portal
DogTrekker's new SoCal Portal showcases Southern California's best dog-friendly places to stay, play, hike, dine, and splash, from laid-back beach towns to high-desert escapes. Sunshine, surf, mountains and deserts—Southern California is a dog lover's dream. DogTrekker.com's brand-new SoCal Portal pulls…
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Wag again at Little River Inn
Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast has new doggie dining cabanas, updated rooms and pup-friendly adventure packages. Fifth-generation innkeeper Cally Dym invites guests to revisit this bluff-top gem near trails, beaches and ocean sunsets.
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Attention all water dogs: It’s splash season
California's splash season means it's time to hit the water with your dog. From Russian River paddling trips to Mendocino coast kayaking, these DogTrekker-tested favorites offer seaside coves, freshwater lakes and rivers for every water-loving pup.
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Plan your perfect Sacramento daycation
Sacramento is a dog-travel powerhouse with 32 miles of river parkway trails, farm-to-fork dining on spacious patios and craft breweries that welcome pups. These one-day itineraries pair top dog-friendly hotels with the best the capital city has to offer.
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DogTrekker’s official spring/summer event guide is live!
DogTrekker's spring and summer 2025 event guide highlights pup-friendly fundraisers across California. From Pasadena Humane's Wiggle Waggle Walk to the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash and Woofstock Chico, your participation supports rescue efforts that change animal lives.
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Hit reset in the sunny Shasta Cascade region
The Shasta Cascade region spans eight Northern California counties filled with mountains, forests, rivers and high desert. For dog lovers, it means room to roam, small-town hospitality, swimming holes and long trails with dramatic volcanic scenery around every bend.
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Plan a summer reset in the Shasta Cascade region
Northern California's Shasta Cascade region spans eight counties packed with national and state parks, trails, lakes and pet-friendly towns. From Mount Shasta's peaks to Burney Falls, spring brings wildflowers and ideal conditions for exploring with your dog.
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Mendocino County wineries warmly welcome dogs
Mendocino County's Anderson Valley is one of the most dog-friendly wine regions in California. Nearly a dozen Highway 128 wineries welcome pups with treats, water bowls, fenced play areas and resident winery dogs.
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Dog-friendly waterfall hikes in California: a region-by-region guide
California has waterfalls almost everywhere, but the ones that welcome dogs are a smaller, more specific list.
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Marin County: Trails, off-leash beaches, and waterfront patios
Cross the Golden Gate and the whole vibe changes. Sausalito shimmers off the water, redwoods close in around Mill Valley, and somehow five minutes from San Francisco, you’re in the kind of place where dogs are expected at the coffee…
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Mushroom poisoning in dogs: symptoms and warning signs
Fall rains bring mushrooms to lawns and trails, and many are toxic to dogs. Symptoms range from nausea to liver failure and can appear within 30 minutes. Rush to the vet with a damp sample if ingested.
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Hiking Mount Tamalpais’s Old Railroad Grade with your dog
Follow the historic Old Railroad Grade 6.6 miles up Mount Tamalpais, tracing the route of the crookedest railway in the world. The smooth trail climbs 1,300 feet through redwoods to panoramic Bay Area views.
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Dog-friendly places to play in Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park's 1,017 acres are a dog lover's playground, with off-leash training areas, hikes to the summit of Strawberry Hill, lakeside strolls at Spreckels Lake and car-free weekends when pups rule the roads.
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Things to do with your dog in Santa Cruz
Beyond the beaches, Santa Cruz County offers dog-friendly hiking at Byrne-Milliron Forest and Pogonip, steam train rides at Roaring Camp Railroads, and leashed strolls down boutique-lined Pacific Avenue. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park even allows dogs on select trails.
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Vet Buzz: keeping your dog cool on hot days
Dogs can't sweat, so summer heat poses real risks. A veterinarian shares tips on providing shade and water, avoiding hot asphalt, skipping midday outings, and recognizing heat stroke signs like prolonged panting and a temperature above 103 degrees.
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