Tamarack SNO-Park sits on the south side of Highway 168 east of Shaver Lake, and it’s one of the few places in the Sierra Nevada where you can actually take your dog sledding in winter. The California Department of Parks and Recreation manages this SNO-Park as part of a statewide system marked by brown highway signs, and the snow recreation here is serious—you’ve got cross-country skiing, snowmobile trails, and legitimate dog sledding opportunities that go beyond just walking around in the snow.

The park’s elevation puts you right in the heart of Fresno County‘s winter playground. While Shaver Lake itself is the more famous draw in the area, Tamarack offers something different: focused snow activities with your dog in a setting that actually gets reliable winter conditions. The terrain works well for dogs that are used to hiking, and the open snow fields give them room to move freely without getting tangled in trees or rocks the way they might on some other backcountry trails.

Winter is obviously the prime season here, and you’ll need a valid California Sno-Park permit to park in the lot. The dog sledding draws people from across the Central Valley who want to try something unusual with their dogs—it’s not something you see at most California parks. Even if you’re just cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, having your dog along changes the experience. The snow environment keeps things cool for them, which matters if your dog isn’t built for hot weather hiking.

The park can get busy on weekends when the snow is good, so arriving early helps you secure a parking spot and get on the trails before crowds build up. Bring extra water even though it’s snowy—dogs still need to drink, and snow isn’t a reliable substitute. The SNO-Park website has current conditions and any temporary closures.