Briceburg Canyon Trail is a three-mile hike above the Merced River corridor that makes for a solid day trip if you’re in the Mariposa area with your dog. The trailhead is at the Bureau of Land Management’s Briceburg Visitors Center along Highway 140, where there’s a Day Use parking lot. You’ll start by crossing a suspension bridge over the river—it’s a memorable moment, with good views of the water rushing below and the sound of it hitting the rocks. The bridge crossing alone is worth the drive if your dog hasn’t done something like that before.

The trail itself follows the old Yosemite Valley Railroad route, so there’s some historical interest mixed in with the scenery. You’ll walk alongside the Merced River for much of it, and depending on when you go, you might see spring wildflowers dotting the canyon walls. The terrain is gentle, which works well for dogs of varying ages and fitness levels. The whole hike takes a few hours if you’re moving at a casual pace and taking in the views.

This area has wildlife around—deer, river birds, and other animals—so keeping your dog on leash is important both for their safety and to avoid bothering the local population. The canyon walls can feel pretty steep from the river level, and while the trail itself stays safe, you’ll want to bring plenty of water for both you and your dog. There’s not much shade, so an early start helps beat the heat if you’re going in summer.

After you finish hiking, there are picnic areas nearby where you can sit down with your dog and eat something. The whole experience has that quiet, worked-in feeling of a trail that’s been used for over a century. It’s not crowded, and the river views stay consistent throughout.