Sycamore Grove Park has two public entrances, one on Wetmore Road and one on Arroyo Road, which makes it easy to plan a loop hike with your dog or just pick whichever parking area is more convenient for your schedule. Parking and restrooms are available at both entrances, so you can take care of logistics before heading out.

A 2.5-mile paved path connects the two parking lots and works well for dogs who need a smooth, even surface or if you’re just looking for a straightforward walk. The real appeal, though, is the network of dirt trails branching off along the way. These let you pick your own adventure—stick to the relatively flat terrain for an easy pace, or head up into the hills where you’ll get views stretching across the Livermore Valley. The variety means you can tailor the experience to your dog’s fitness level and how much time you have.

The park itself is genuinely worth exploring for the wildlife you might encounter. Along the Arroyo Del Valle, keep an eye out for frogs, pond turtles, dragonflies, ducks, and occasionally muskrats. Beyond that riparian corridor, grassland and oak woodland habitats support deer, ground squirrels, butterflies, lizards, and plenty of birds—red-tail hawks, white-tail kites, scrub jays, magpies, and meadowlarks are common sightings. Your dog will probably be more interested in the scents than the views, but there’s something satisfying about walking through a habitat where you know that much wildlife is actually using the space you’re walking through.

One important thing to remember: pets must be leashed at all times in the park, which protects the wildlife and keeps everything safe for other visitors and their dogs. The leash requirement means you can’t do off-leash romps, but the trails themselves are engaging enough that most dogs stay content with the walk.