The Westside Trail in Tuolumne County follows the old roadbed of a narrow-gauge railway that the West Side Lumber Company operated decades ago. Walking or biking along this historic corridor, you get a real sense of how this region moved timber out of the Sierra foothills back in the day. The trail cuts through a canyon with some genuinely impressive views—the kind of landscape that makes you understand why people settled in Gold Country in the first place.

The trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and people on horseback, so you’ll encounter a mix of users out here. Dogs are welcome on leash, which means you can bring yours along without any hassle. The terrain is manageable for most fitness levels, though sections can get steep depending on which way you’re heading. Summer can get hot out there, so an early start makes sense if you’re going with your dog—more shade and cooler temperatures at the beginning of the day.

What makes this trail different from some of the more crowded spots in the Sierra is that it doesn’t feel overly maintained or manicured. You’re genuinely hiking through a working landscape that’s been used by people and animals for over a century. The canyon walls rise up around you in places, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll spot traces of the old railroad—weathered timber, cut rocks, sections of embankment that wouldn’t exist without all that historical use.

Water sources are limited along the route, so bring enough to drink. The trail doesn’t have the alpine feeling of higher elevations, but that’s partly why it works well for dogs—the elevation gain is moderate, and you’re not dealing with exposed rocky terrain. You can get details about trailhead locations and current conditions through the Visit Tuolumne website if you want to plan a specific section before heading out.