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!
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.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dog-friendly hotels and RV parks in Gilroy, CA
Planning a road trip through Gilroy? Several hotels and RV parks welcome dogs, from the Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn to Betabel RV Park with its enclosed off-leash dog area.
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Onward to Mammoth, Bishop, and Lone Pine
From Mammoth Lakes's gondola rides and Devil's Postpile to Bishop's famous bakery and the ancient bristlecone pines, the Eastern Sierra is packed with dog-friendly stops. Continue south to Lone Pine, gateway to Death Valley and classic Western movie country.
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A dog-friendly bird’s eye view in Del Norte County
Del Norte County offers dog-friendly adventures from redwood gondola rides at Trees of Mystery to rugged coastal trails and craft beer patios in Crescent City. Take the SkyTrail through an ancient canopy, hike the California Coastal Trail, and play fetch…
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California dreamin’ with your dog: 11 pet-friendly destinations
California is packed with dog-friendly vacation spots, from Marin County's beaches and hiking trails just across the Golden Gate Bridge to Santa Cruz's surf-friendly shores. Here are some of the best pet-welcoming destinations across the Golden State. California is a…
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Moorten Botanical Garden: a dog-friendly desert oasis
Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs welcomes leashed dogs to explore over 3,000 species of desert plants. Wander through the Cactarium and outdoor trails while your pup sniffs earthy desert aromas in the warm sun. If you're a dog owner…
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Calistoga in Napa Valley: a very dog-friendly wine city
Calistoga in Napa Valley is a standout wine country town for dog lovers. Stroll Lincoln Avenue, hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail, taste wines at dog-welcoming wineries like Chateau Montelena, and dine on pet-friendly patios.
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