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!
Tri-Valley: open space and wine country for your dog
The Tri-Valley east of San Francisco combines dog-friendly wine country, craft beer trails, and tens of thousands of acres of open space where dogs can roam off-leash. Pleasanton Ridge, Dublin Hills, and Del Valle Regional Park are standout picks.
Read more
Sniff your way to the garlic capital
Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World, welcomes dogs to wineries along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, restaurants with patios, and hiking trails at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch and Mount Madonna.
Read more
Big mountains, big fun at dog-friendly Mammoth
The drive to Mammoth Lakes on Highway 395 is half the adventure, with stops at Mono Lake and Convict Lake. Once there, your dog can join you for snowshoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing in the Inyo National Forest.
Read more
Hiding in plain sight: Santa Clara Valley wine trail
Gilroy sits in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley, one of California's oldest wine-growing regions with more than 35 family-owned wineries. Many welcome dogs, and a Wine Trail Pass gives you year-round tasting access with dog-friendly stops clearly marked.
Read more
Fetch special rates for Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp
Wild Blue Dogs, a nonprofit fighting canine cancer, hosts a week-long fall camp on the shores of South Lake Tahoe. The all-inclusive event features private beach access, hiking, education sessions, and plenty of fun for dogs and their people.
Read more
Dogs take on the National Park Service
Dog access to California's parks and beaches has come under increasing pressure in recent years. The fight over the Golden Gate National Recreation Area showed what's at stake. Here's how responsible dog owners can protect outdoor access for all.
Read more
By land or by lake: Redding as a basecamp
Redding is the gateway to Upstate California, where rugged mountains, serene lakes, and stunning waterfalls await you and your dog. Hike the Sacramento River Trail, boat on Shasta Lake, or tackle the three McCloud River falls.
Read more
Treks, tours, and top spots in Placer County
From Hidden Falls Regional Park near Auburn to the Miners Ravine Trail in Roseville, Placer County is loaded with dog-friendly hikes and outdoor adventures. Explore 30-plus miles of trails, seasonal waterfalls, and scenic American River views with your pup.
Read more
Eat and drink like a local in Placer County
Placer County's farm-to-table food scene welcomes dogs at breweries, restaurants, and wine trail stops. Highlights include Dueling Dogs Brewing Co. on a 10-acre Lincoln ranch, The Monk's Cellar in Roseville, and lakeside barbecue in Tahoe City.
Read more
Our favorite dog-friendly hotels and resorts in California
From rooftop dog runs in San Francisco to waterfront cottages on Tomales Bay, these ten California hotels truly welcome four-legged guests. Expect welcome kits, dedicated dog menus, private dog parks and staff who treat your pup like a VIP.
Read more
Butte County: nature and culture for dogs and people
Butte County serves up Gold Rush history, college-town energy and beautiful hiking in the southern Shasta Cascade region. Walk your dog through Bidwell Park, explore lava flows at North Table Mountain, then refuel at a dog-friendly Chico brewery patio.
Read more
Best dog-friendly hiking trails in Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake has over 100 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails through pine forests, high desert, and alpine meadows. From easy loops like Woodland Trail to the challenging climb up Cougar Crest, there's a route for every pup.
Read more
Santa Monica: a tail-wagging destination for pups and people
Santa Monica offers dog-friendly hotels near the pier, off-leash parks like Airport Park and Herb Katz Dog Park, pet-welcoming restaurant patios, and top-notch grooming spas. It's a SoCal hotspot for pups and people.
Read more
Rattlesnake season: heightened risks for California hikers and dogs
As warm weather returns, rattlesnakes emerge across California's trails and grasslands. Learn how to identify these snakes, protect your curious dog from bites, and what to do if a close encounter happens.
Read more
Bark Park in Susanville: dog-friendly stop in Lassen County
Bark Park in Susanville offers separate off-leash areas for large and small dogs, open dawn to dusk. This Lassen County community gem is a welcome rest stop for travelers with pups on road trips through northeastern California.
Read more
Redding: perfect pit stop for you and your dog
Redding is the perfect base for exploring Northern California with your dog. Walk the iconic Sundial Bridge, hike and swim at Whiskeytown Lake, and enjoy craft beer on dog-friendly patios around this welcoming mountain town.
Read more
How to pick a truly dog-friendly motel
Not all pet-friendly motels truly welcome dogs. Learn how to spot the real deal by checking reviews, comparing fees, assessing on-site amenities and evaluating staff attitudes before booking your next trip with your pup.
Read more
Winter pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite Mariposa County is a wonderful winter destination for dogs and their people. Leashed pups can enjoy paved trails past iconic landmarks, snowy forest hikes, and cozy pet-friendly lodging at spots like Tenaya Lodge and AutoCamp Yosemite.
Read more
Palm Springs tops the Condé Nast Traveler awards
Two Palm Springs hotels landed on Conde Nast Traveler's 2024 list of the 10 Best Hotels in the World. Hermann Bungalows and Colony Palms Hotel both welcome dogs and offer upscale desert retreats. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function()…
Read more
Check into Berkeley’s classic Claremont Club & Spa
The historic Claremont Club and Spa in the Oakland Hills pampers dogs of all sizes with fluffy beds, treats and sweeping Bay Area views. Nearby East Bay Regional Parks offer 120,000 acres of trails to explore.
Read more
Camping and hiking with your dog in California deserts
Desert camping with your dog requires extra care, from hydration and paw protection to tent safety and wildlife awareness. Here are practical tips for enjoying California's desert landscapes with your pup. California's deserts are a world apart — wide-open spaces…
Read more
Is the dog park California’s new dating scene?
Tired of dating apps? California dog parks are becoming a popular, low-pressure way to meet fellow pet lovers. We weigh the pros and cons of finding romance while your pup plays fetch.
Read more
Winter/spring guide to pet-friendly lodging in Yosemite Mariposa
Yosemite Mariposa County offers dog-welcoming places to stay for every style, from glamping at AutoCamp to the award-winning Tenaya at Yosemite in Fish Camp. Plan ahead for pet policies and pair your stay with nearby trails and wildflowers.
Read more
Will those darned people take us to Mars?
Written from a dog's perspective, this tongue-in-cheek look at Mars colonization asks the important questions: Will there be belly rubs in space, and did anyone learn from what happened to poor Laika on Sputnik 2.
Read more