California State Highway 108 climbs into the Sierra Nevada to 9,628 feet, and winter usually shuts it down around the Highway 108 SNO-Park area, roughly 6 miles east of Strawberry near Pinecrest. This seasonal recreation spot opens up a whole different landscape once the snow settles in—you’re looking at serious winter terrain with your dog, not summer hiking.

The SNO-Park itself sits right at the winter closure gate, which means you’re starting your adventure from a location that’s specifically managed for snow recreation. The parking area is plowed and maintained, and there are sanitation facilities on site, which matters when you’re dealing with winter conditions and a dog who needs to do their business.

Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling dominate the activity list here, but dog sledding is also an option if you’re interested in that kind of thing. If you’re just planning to hike with your dog through the snow, you’ll want to pick a trail that works for both of you—deep powder can be tough on paw pads, and the elevation means you’ll be working harder than usual. The whole SNO-Park system is marked with distinctive brown highway signs, making them easy to spot as you drive through the mountains.

Snow conditions really dictate what’s actually doable on any given day, so what’s possible in January might be completely different from March conditions. The season runs from November 1st through May 30th, though most people focus on the months when there’s actually reliable snow. You’ll need to buy a parking permit before you leave your car—either $15 for a single day or $40 for the entire season, which makes sense if you’re planning multiple trips up the mountain.