Hiking in and around Northstar Resort is a fantastic way to experience the Sierra Nevada with your dog in tow. The Tahoe Trail High Traverse offers trails for both seasoned hikers and those wanting a casual walk, and the dog-friendly Northstar chairlift gets you and your dog up the mountain without the steep climb. From the top, you’ll see Lake Tahoe and endless pine forests—the kind of views that make you understand why people drive hours to get here.

The trails are well-maintained, so you won’t be picking your way through overgrown brush. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails, which means you can explore at whatever pace makes sense for your dog’s fitness level. One solid route starts at the Vista chairlift top and follows the Tahoe Multi-Use trail for 1.5 miles to the Rendezvous chairlift summit. If you’ve got more energy, drop down the Altitude Adjustment trail for 1.0 miles, then head north on TryUmph for a quarter mile to access the Tahoe Zephyr Express and connect to additional trails. You can really customize the distance and difficulty based on what works for you and your dog.

Summer heat matters here—the elevation keeps things cooler than lower elevations, but dogs still warm up fast. Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Pack snacks and lunch too; the meadows and shaded spots are perfect for taking breaks and letting your dog rest. Cleanup bags are essential; trails stay nice when everyone practices Leave No Trace principles.

The whole experience feels different than hiking down at valley level. There’s something about the high elevation, the way sound travels differently through those pine forests, and how clear the air feels. Even if you only do a shorter loop, you get the full Sierra experience without overdoing it. The chairlift option makes this accessible for dogs that might struggle with the sustained elevation gain, which opens up Tahoe hiking to more dogs than you’d think.