The Western States Pioneer Express Recreation Trail is a 9-mile round trip that follows an old mining route, giving you a real sense of Gold Country history as you walk it with your dog. Located near Auburn in Placer County, this out-and-back trail offers moderate difficulty and attracts hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, so you’ll share the path with other trail users.

The main draw here is the Middle Fork American River running alongside much of the route. The views are genuinely nice—steep canyon walls, river access in places, and the kind of shade from ponderosa pines and oak that makes mid-day hiking actually doable in the summer. The trail itself is well-maintained and wide enough that passing other people with dogs isn’t awkward, which matters on a popular trail.

Your dog will get real variety on this hike. There are open sunny stretches where the trail climbs away from the river, shaded sections where it hugs the canyon, and a few spots where the path narrows enough to feel more remote. Water access is pretty regular given the river proximity, so you can let your dog drink along the way, though you’ll want to bring enough water for yourself regardless.

The trailhead is accessible from Auburn, and parking is straightforward. Most people do the full 9 miles as an out-and-back, but you can turn around whenever the distance feels right for your dog’s fitness level. Early morning is your best bet if you want to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Bring sun protection—even with the shade, sections of this trail get genuine heat exposure. The elevation gain is gradual enough that even older dogs can manage it, just give yourselves plenty of time.