The Eldorado National Forest sprawls across Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, and Placer counties in the central Sierra Nevada, offering miles of trails through meadows and mountains that work well for hiking with dogs. The forest is large enough that you’ll find plenty of solitude even during busy seasons, which makes a real difference when you’re trying to enjoy a day outside with your dog rather than managing crowds on a narrow trail.

Dogs need to stay leashed throughout the forest, but that doesn’t stop you from accessing most of the popular areas. The Desolation Wilderness has numerous trails where leashed dogs are welcome, and the Mokelumne Wilderness provides another solid option if you want to switch things up. The terrain varies enough that you can pick routes matching your dog’s fitness level—some trails are gentle walks through shaded forest while others climb steeply with better views.

Many of the forest’s campgrounds allow dogs, so you can plan a overnight trip without leaving your dog behind. Just verify pet policies when you reserve, since individual campgrounds have different rules. Sleeping in a tent after a full day of hiking tends to work well for tired dogs.

The lakes and streams scattered throughout offer good opportunities to let your dog wade or swim on hot days. Some areas get crowded with swimmers in summer, but you can find quieter spots if you’re willing to walk a bit from the main parking areas. The water’s usually cold even in August, so your dog will cool off quickly.

Before heading out, check the U.S. Forest Service website for current trail conditions and any temporary closures. The forest can have snow at higher elevations well into spring, which affects which trails are actually passable. Getting this information upfront saves you from driving several hours only to find your planned route blocked by downed trees or unsafe conditions.