Jenkinson Lake sits at 3,500 feet in the Sierra foothills near Pollock Pines, which means it’s about 10 degrees cooler than the Central Valley—a genuine relief on hot summer days. The 650-acre lake has a nine-mile trail that loops around it, and this is where you’ll spend most of your time with your dog. The path stays mostly shaded along the shoreline, which your dog will appreciate, and it’s well-maintained enough that even older dogs can handle sections of it without too much trouble.

There’s a waterfall that drops into a swimming hole, which is scenic to walk past even though dogs can’t swim in the lake itself—it’s the domestic water supply for the area. You’ll want to bring water bowls since the trail doesn’t have regular water stations, and having some snacks for your dog makes the longer stretches more pleasant. The eastern part of the lake has a 5 m.p.h. speed limit for boats, so it stays quieter than many other lake areas—kayakers and paddle boarders are common, but you won’t see jet skis tearing around.

If you want to make it an overnight trip, Jenkinson Lake has camping with designated sites for families, groups, and people with horses. Some sites work fine for dogs, though you’ll want to confirm what’s available when you book. The trail rules are straightforward: keep your dog leashed to protect wildlife and prevent them from wandering into areas with other visitors. The lake gets busy on weekends, especially in summer, so going on a weekday morning means quieter trails and fewer crowds to navigate. Bring more water than you think you’ll need—the trail is exposed in stretches, and a dog working its way around nine miles will get thirsty.