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!
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
8 dog-friendly lakes near Southern California
When Southern California heats up, head to these eight dog-friendly lakes within three hours of the city. From Castaic Lake's golden foothills to Big Bear's alpine waters, each spot offers shoreline access and cool relief for overheated pups.
Read more
7 California beaches where dogs run completely free
California offers seven world-class off-leash dog beaches, from Huntington Dog Beach's golden sands to Carmel Beach's iconic shoreline. This field-tested guide covers the best times to visit, parking tips and insider knowledge for each location.
Read more
Deadly hitchhikers: tick-borne diseases that could cripple your dog
Ticks carry serious diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease that can strike your dog fast. Learn the warning signs, prevention strategies and why regular tick checks after hikes could save your pet's life.
Read more
Big Bear Lake: mountain fun with your pup
Big Bear Lake is a tail-wagging alpine getaway just hours from Southern California, with forested trails, a flat shoreline path, and dog-friendly boat rentals on the lake. Crisp mountain air and laid-back charm make it an ideal escape for dogs…
Read more
Hidden Falls Regional Park: dog-friendly hikes in Placer County
Hidden Falls Regional Park near Auburn offers 1,200 acres of wide, well-maintained trails through oak foothills, shady creek corridors, and seasonal waterfalls. The approachable terrain works for dogs of all ages and energy levels, with loops you can tailor to…
Read more
Rainy-day fun to keep your dog sane
When rain cancels the daily walk, your dog still needs engagement. Scent games, frozen Kongs, DIY puzzles and short training sessions can tire out a restless pup just as well as a hike.
Read more
Winter offers at Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg offers two winter specials through March 2026, including a weeknight rate starting at two hundred thirty-nine dollars and a third-night-free deal. Set along the Noyo River with dog-friendly rooms and a welcoming outdoor patio…
Read more
Dog-friendly camping in the Inland Empire
The Inland Empire doesn’t get much camping love in the usual roundups, which is a mistake. The San Bernardino Mountains sit 90 minutes from most of Southern California, and the range from lakeside USFS campgrounds to free dispersed camping means…
Read more
ADA accessible dog-friendly trails in the Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area offers one of the most extensive networks of accessible, dog-friendly trails in California. From the paved waterfront promenades of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to the wide levee paths maintained by the East Bay…
Read more
Dog-friendly Marin beyond Bolinas and Stinson
Beyond Bolinas and Stinson, Marin County has an entire weekend of dog-friendly trails, brewpubs, and redwood hikes the locals don't post about. Here's where we actually go.
Read more
Pups for the planet: leaving only paw prints
This Earth Day, DogTrekker is celebrating something worth wagging about: our community. A recent reader survey shows 99% of you pack it in and pack it out, and 95% leash up in sensitive habitats. Now, that’s a pack worth howling…
Read more
10 ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe with your dog
Lake Tahoe delivers ten ways to play with your dog, from swimming at dog-friendly beaches and riding gondolas to floating the Truckee River and paddling kayaks. Add hiking, patio dining, and pup pampering for the ultimate trip.
Read more
Win a dog-friendly getaway at Surf & Sand Lodge
The Surf and Sand Lodge in Fort Bragg sits front row on the Mendocino coastline, with miles of beaches, dunes, and trails right outside the door. Dog-friendly rooms come with a pet welcome package and ocean views.
Read more
Letting your dog loose on the Pacific Crest Trail
A forest ranger shares insider info on an off-leash section of the Pacific Crest Trail near Carson Pass. You and your dog can hike freely toward Meiss Meadow through some of the Sierra's finest alpine scenery.
Read more
Stop and smell the roses — and everything else
California's dog-friendly botanical gardens make perfect outings for leashed pups and their people. From the ocean-view Mendocino Botanical Garden to the UC Davis Arboretum, these scenic spots offer easy paths, picnic grounds and year-round beauty.
Read more
Preparing your dog for camping: vaccines and tick prevention
Before hitting the trail with your dog, make sure vaccinations for leptospirosis and Lyme disease are current and flea and tick prevention is in place. A vet shares essential camping prep tips for keeping your pup safe.
Read more
Tri-Valley: wide open space for you and your dog
The Tri-Valley sits alongside thousands of acres of East Bay Regional Parkland where dogs can hike off-leash under voice control. From Pleasanton Ridge to Del Valle Regional Park, wide-open spaces and scenic vistas await you and your pup.
Read more
Yes on A: protect Marin County parks
Marin County's Measure A funds parks, open space, and farmland through a quarter-cent sales tax. DogTrekker supported the original measure in 2012, and this extension ensures continued care for the trails and preserves you and your pup enjoy.
Read more