Featured hikes
Caples Lake to Emigrant Lake
Kirkwood
Caples Lake in the Carson Pass area off Highway 88 is known for fishing, hiking and camping opportunities. At 7,800 feet the water is always cold, so don't plan on much swimming!
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Carson Pass Information
Kirkwood
The rugged Carson Pass area is one of Northern California's premier alpine hiking regions in summer and a popular back-country skiing area in winter.
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Hope Valley
Markleeville
Hope Valley, located on the south side of Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road, is a prime destination in Markleeville, Alpine County, within the Gold Country region.
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Lake Margaret
Kirkwood
If you're looking for an easy and very pretty hike accessible from a main thoroughfare, look no farther than the Lake Margaret Trail on the north side of Highway 88 midway between Silver Lake and the Carson Pass summit.
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Carson Pass
Markleeville
Carson Pass is located on the south side of Highway 88 at Carson Pass 60 miles east of Jackson in Alpine County. Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snow play. No snowmobiles.
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Markleeville
In the picturesque Hope Valley of Alpine County, Hope Valley Outdoors is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.
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4 high-elevation dog-friendly hikes for late wildflower season
California's high country blooms a full month or two after the valleys. Four dog-friendly hikes where wildflowers are still climbing into June and July: Carson Pass, Panther Meadows on Mount Shasta, the June Lake Loop, and the country around Lassen.
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High Sierra escapes from Sacramento
From Sacramento, you can reach Lake Tahoe's alpine beaches and mountain parks in about two hours. Let pups splash at Kiva Beach, hike Van Sickle Bi-State Park, paddle Echo Lakes or grab a post-hike pint at FiftyFifty Brewing in Truckee.
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Ruffin’ it in snowy Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe rolls out the red carpet for dogs in winter, with plowed walking trails along the lakeshore, cross-country ski centers that welcome pups, pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, and wide-open wilderness to explore on snowshoes or on foot.
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Visit California’s dog-friendly SNO-Parks
California's 18 SNO-Parks offer affordable winter access to stunning Forest Service lands for snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and even skijoring with your dog. A season pass costs just $40 and covers all locations from November through May.
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Sno much fun, on a shoestring budget
California's SNO-Parks offer budget-friendly winter fun for you and your dog. For as little as $15 a day, enjoy skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and romping through snowdrifts at 18 sites scattered across the Sierra from Sierra County to Mammoth Lakes.
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Tahoe’s tail-waggin’ winter highlights
Lake Tahoe in winter means plowed trails, snowshoeing with your dog, and even skijoring across snowy landscapes. With over 20 miles of cleared paths and pet-friendly lodges from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe, cold-weather fun comes easy here.
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