Spicer SNO-Park sits on the south side of Highway 4 at Spicer Road in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Arnold, and it’s one of the few places in California where you can actually run your dog in winter snow on established trails. The park is part of California’s SNO-Park program, which maintains winter recreation areas marked by distinctive brown highway signs along the mountains.

The trail system here is extensive. Snowmobile trails head out to Union and Utica Reservoirs, Summit and Elephant Rock Lakes, and the Spicer Reservoir Power House. If you’re an experienced rider, you can continue on the un-groomed Slick Rock Road route to reach Lake Alpine. The variety means you can pick a destination based on your energy level and the day’s conditions.

What makes this place particularly good for dog owners is the dog sledding opportunity—it’s a legitimate activity here, not just something you do informally. Cross-country skiing is also popular, and there’s plenty of open space for general snow play if you just want to let your dog run around in the snow. The parking area is snow-cleared, and there are sanitation facilities available, which matters when you’re spending the day out here.

Keep in mind that accessibility depends heavily on snow conditions. The park operates seasonally from November 1 through May 30, so timing matters. You’ll need to purchase and display a parking permit for your vehicle—either a daily permit for $15 or a season pass for $40. The combination of groomed and un-groomed trail options means you’re not locked into a single experience. You could do a mellow afternoon at one of the lakes with your dog, or push further into the backcountry if conditions allow.