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!

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Tonia Kraakman on Pexels

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.

Image from Mushroom toxicity on DogTrekker

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.

Old Railroad Grade trail in Mill Valley.

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.

Image from Places to play in golden gate park with your dog on DogTrekker

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.

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.

Image from Vet Buzz: keeping your dog cool on hot summer days on DogTrekker

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.

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.

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.

Dogs love to play in the Eastern Sierra.

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.

Image from Hiding in plain sight: the Santa Clara valley wine trail on DogTrekker

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.

Image from Fetch special rates for Fall Camp by Wild Blue Dogs! on DogTrekker

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.

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.

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.

Image from Placer County promises dog-friendly trails, thrills and tasty surprises on DogTrekker

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.

Image from Eat and drink like a local in dog-friendly Placer County on DogTrekker

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.

GarlicLover_high_focus_on_dog_incredible_details_blur_the_backg_d89b5aba-25ae-4759-ae31-fab2dbff3eab

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.

Image from Butte County: nature and culture for pups and their people on DogTrekker

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.