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!
Can the outdoors help your dog live longer?
New research from the Dog Aging Project suggests that regular outdoor activity may help dogs live longer, healthier lives. Scientists are finding that exercise, mental stimulation, and environmental variety all play a meaningful role in how dogs age.
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Spring in Sacramento with your dog: why April works
Sacramento doesn't always get the credit it deserves as a dog-friendly destination.
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Best dog-friendly hiking trails near Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest has trails for every skill level. Hike Pine Knot Trail to a 7,784-foot viewpoint, tackle Castle Rock Peak, or take the family-friendly Woodland Trail loop.
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Spring dog adventures at East Bay Regional Park District
The East Bay Regional Park District spans 73 parks and over 1,250 miles of trails across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Spring brings wildflowers, green hills, and perfect conditions for hiking with your dog.
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Tick season in California: removing ticks from your pet
As California warms up, ticks become a real hazard on trails and in tall grass. Learn how to safely remove a tick from your dog using tweezers, and why prompt removal matters for preventing serious diseases.
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Kids and dogs: tips for safe California outings
When a child gets scared of your dog on a hike or at the beach, stay calm and take control. Use leash commands, communicate with parents, respect boundaries and reward your dog for good behavior around kids.
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Fall fun with your dog at South Lake Tahoe
Wild Blue Dogs hosts fall camp on 33 fenced acres near South Lake Tahoe, with training in agility, nose work, lure-coursing and more. This nonprofit camp also funds canine cancer research and treatment grants for dogs in need.
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The health benefits of having dogs in your life
Owning a dog brings real health benefits, from lower blood pressure and better weight management to reduced stress and stronger social connections. Dog owners are four times more likely to meet weekly exercise goals.
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Winter and spring pet activities in Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite welcomes leashed dogs on paved roads and paths near iconic landmarks like Bridalveil Fall and Glacier Point. Beyond the park, the towns and trails of Mariposa County offer even more pet-friendly hikes, lodging, and dining worth discovering.
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Best dog-friendly hikes in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has more dog-friendly hiking trails than any city in California, and most of them are good. Looking beyond LA? See the best dog-friendly trails in California. The problem isn’t finding a trail — it’s finding one that matches…
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Santa Barbara with your dog: what locals keep quiet
Santa Barbara's dog-friendly secret isn't on the downtown wharf: it's in the foothills, the canyons, and a beach the locals still call Hendry's. Here's where we actually go on a Central Coast weekend.
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Dog-friendly Marin County: trails, beaches, and patios
Why Marin County is a dog's paradise in spring If you haven't taken your dog across the Golden Gate Bridge yet this spring, you're running out of excuses.
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Earth Day 2026 with your dog: 5 California parks
Earth Day lands on April 22 this year, and we think the best way to mark it is exactly the way we mark most days at DogTrekker — out on a California trail with a happy dog.
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Dog-friendly Gold Country: exploring the Sierra foothills in April
There’s a sweet spot in the California calendar when Gold Country is at its absolute best — and we’re in it right now. The foothills are green, the wildflowers are putting on a show along Highway 49, and the historic…
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East Bay Regional Parks: closed areas off-limits to dogs
After severe storms caused downed trees, flooding, and mudslides, most East Bay Regional Parks closed for safety. The Park District urges visitors and their dogs to stay out of closed areas due to hidden hazards.
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Dog-friendly spring getaway in coastal Mendocino
The Mendocino coast is a paradise for dogs and their people. Pedal railbikes through redwood groves, kayak Big River with your pup aboard, stroll the fragrant botanical gardens, and explore pristine beaches along one of California's most scenic and welcoming…
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Five things to know before a California dog trip
Planning a California trip with your dog involves more than finding pet-friendly hotels. Beach rules, dramatic climate swings, wildlife hazards, transit policies, and accommodation fees all vary by region and require advance research to keep your trip smooth and your…
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Dog lover’s guide to California’s state parks and lakes
California's state parks offer lakeside romps and woodland strolls for leashed dogs. From splashing at Lake Tahoe and Folsom Lake to camping at Lake Oroville, here's your guide to trail etiquette, rules and the best pup-approved park adventures.
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Illness shuts down Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara
Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara closed indefinitely after multiple dogs fell severely ill and one died following visits. City officials are testing for toxins while pet owners share stories of sudden vomiting, seizures and emergency vet trips.
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Best dog-friendly hikes in the East Bay
The East Bay Regional Park District manages over 125,000 acres across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. From Point Isabel's off-leash shoreline to Mission Peak's steep summit climb, these are the regional parks every Bay Area dog should know.
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Top 10 dog-friendly activities in and around Fort Bragg
The city of Fort Bragg released its top 10 dog-friendly activities list, and it's a great starting point for planning a coastal trip with your dog. Ten picks from Glass Beach and MacKerricher State Park to Pomo Bluffs, the Skunk…
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South Yuba River Independence Trail: A dog-friendly adventure
The South Yuba River Independence Trail in Nevada County features reconstructed wooden flumes, scenic river views, and a swimming hole perfect for dogs. This historic canal path, now the nation's first wheelchair-accessible wilderness trail, welcomes leashed dogs year-round.
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Do we hear an echo? Check out Echo Lakes!
Echo Lakes near Highway 50 at Echo Summit offer a flat, frozen surface perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with your dog. Trek downhill to Lower Echo, then continue to the upper lake for stunning Sierra scenery.
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Lake Del Valle: Paradise for water dogs
Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore offers 5,000 acres, a five-mile lake, off-leash trails, and one of the few places where your dog can join you on a rental boat. Pack a picnic, bring a fishing rod, and plan to…
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