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Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens

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!

Lobby of the Lodge at the Presidio.

Condé Nast readers go all-in for the Bay Area

A MarketWatch study ranked San Francisco the most dog-friendly city in America, and Conde Nast readers agree. Three Bay Area hotels stand out for pup-loving travelers, including two in the scenic Presidio.

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Image from Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa: pet-friendly stays and snowy-to-splashy adventures on DogTrekker

Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa: pet-friendly adventures

Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa County deliver two trips in one: snow-dusted scenery and quiet roads give way to roaring waterfalls and fresh green foothills. Either season is perfect for exploring with your dog by your side.

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Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Yosemite Mariposa

Spring pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County

Spring in Yosemite Mariposa County brings swelling rivers, wildflowers, and fresh scents that delight dogs on paved paths where leashed pets are welcome. See Bridalveil Fall at peak flow, explore Sierra National Forest trails, and discover dog-friendly towns beyond the…

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Calaveras-Big-Trees-State-Park-in-Spring-_-Lisa-Boulton-1024x649

Calaveras Big Trees State Park with your dog

Calaveras Big Trees State Park lets you stand among giant sequoias with your dog. While pets can't join the dirt grove trails, paved paths near the visitor center wind past towering trees.

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Yucaipa-RP-e1580840337621

Yucaipa Regional Park: dog-friendly lake day

Yucaipa Regional Park in the Inland Empire offers flat lakeside paths, shaded lawns, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for dogs of all ages. Paved trails loop past three scenic lakes at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains.

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Whiskeytown Lake, a dog-friendly boating destination in Redding, California

Spring splash: where your water dog wants to be

California is warming up and your water dog knows it. From the crystal-clear pools of the South Yuba River to calm Lake Natoma, here are the best spring splash spots to hit before the crowds arrive.

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Wildlands Estero Americano Coast Mouth

Sonoma’s new dog trails: where to hike this spring

New coastal access near Bodega Bay adds another destination for dog lovers exploring Sonoma County's parks, beaches and spring hiking trails.

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Image from Paddle with pups in magical Mendocino on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly Mendocino coast: why April is the best time

There's a stretch of California coastline where fog rolls in like a slow exhale, bluffs erupt in wildflowers every spring, and nobody blinks when your dog walks into a restaurant. That's the Mendocino Coast, and April is arguably the best…

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Image from Spring forward at Lake Tahoe on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe in spring: hike, eat, and stay

Spring has arrived in the Sierra and Lake Tahoe is shaking off winter. Snow melts, trails open at lower elevations, and mountain air hits different with your dog trotting beside you. Our guide to dog-friendly Tahoe hikes, restaurants, and lodging…

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Image from Spring forward at Lake Tahoe on DogTrekker

ADA accessible dog-friendly trails in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in California, and the good news is that much of it is accessible to visitors of all mobility levels — along with their dogs. We’ve compiled a…

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Donner Lake Rim Trail, a dog-friendly hiking trail in Truckee, California

Truckee with your dog: the mountain town locals prefer

South Lake Tahoe gets the traffic, but the dog-owning locals in the northern Sierra keep coming back to Truckee: a historic rail town with outdoor tables, woodsy trails and a fraction of the crowds.

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Dog - Shasta Lake

Four dog-friendly California lakes to paddle and picnic

Spring is the sweet spot for California lakes. Water levels sit high after winter runoff, the summer houseboat parade hasn't started yet, and daytime temps are…

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Boulder Creek Falls, a dog-friendly waterfall in Whiskeytown, California

Dog-friendly California waterfalls: 4 spring hikes at peak flow

Spring is the sweet spot for California lakes. Water levels sit high after winter runoff, the summer houseboat parade hasn't started yet, and daytime temps are…

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Seniors on trail

Foxtails and California dogs: what to know before summer

Foxtails peak from May through October across California — and their one-way barb makes them a veterinary emergency when embedded. Here's where to check your dog, what symptoms to watch for, and when to call the vet.

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Image from Canine snoring on DogTrekker

Why does my dog snore? Causes and vet advice

Dog snoring can be normal or a sign of something worth checking out. A veterinarian explains the most common causes, from breed-related anatomy and excess weight to allergies and sleeping position, and when to seek medical advice.

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Image from Pull up a pillow (and a dog bed) and stay the night on DogTrekker

Pull up a pillow, pull up a dog bed

After a day of hiking or wine tasting in Tri-Valley, more than two dozen dog-friendly hotels await. Options range from budget-friendly Tri Valley Inn and Suites to chain properties, with pet fees varying from zero to 50. While the Tri-Valley…

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Image from Eat, drink and be hairy: dog-friendly restaurants and wineries in Gilroy, CA on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly restaurants and wineries in Gilroy, CA

Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World, boasts a generous lineup of dog-friendly restaurants and wineries. Enjoy al fresco dining and vineyard visits along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail any time of year.

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Image from Unsure about your dog on a train? Try a small-scale starter train on DogTrekker

Nervous about your dog on a train? Start small

Not sure how your dog will handle a train ride? The miniature steam train at Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley makes a great test run. The park itself offers swimming, hiking, and a botanical garden across more than 2,000 acres.

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Poop happens – pack it out.

Poop on the trail: a note from Camp California

Dog waste on hiking trails is a bigger problem than most people realize, with millions of tons produced each year. Camp California shares practical tips for packing out pet waste and keeping trails clean for everyone.

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Del Mar, California from above

Favorite San Diego beaches: Del Mar and La Jolla

Del Mar Beach and La Jolla Cove near San Diego are two stunning coastal spots to visit with your dog. Enjoy scenic bluffs, ocean walks, and dog-friendly parks like Ellen Browning Scripps Park.

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Temecula dog --ar 169 --v 6.1

Temecula with your dog: a guide to wine country

Temecula wine country is a playground for dogs and their people, with pup-friendly wineries, scenic hiking trails at the Santa Rosa Plateau, a walkable Old Town and plenty of outdoor dining options. Traveling with your dog can transform an ordinary…

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Hyper realistic professional photo of authentic pu

7 essential puppy training tips for new dog owners

The first year with a new puppy sets the stage for lifelong habits. These seven training tips cover early socialization, positive reinforcement, consistency and patience to help your pup grow into a confident, well-mannered travel companion.

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Three real dogs strapped into three airplace seats

Hop on, paws up: JSX makes dog travel easy

JSX lets dogs fly in the cabin on 30-seat jets with no security lines and no cargo holds. Pups up to 79 pounds ride beside you on routes connecting Burbank, Oakland, Napa and other California cities, making weekend getaways stress-free.

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Golden retriever walking on a scenic autumn trail among colorful fall foliage and trees, capturing the beautiful outdoor adventure with your dog.

Dog’s guide to autumn: 5 Northern California day trips

Autumn in Northern California means cooler trails, colorful foliage and fewer crowds. These five dog-friendly day trips cover Apple Hill orchards, Gold Rush towns, ocean bluffs and redwood groves, each one perfect for a fall road trip with your pup.

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