Featured hikes
Acalanes Ridge
Lafayette
While the 23-acre Acalanes Ridge is physically small compared to other John Muir Land Trust properties, it is of exponential importance to those who live in the community and enjoy its scenery, trails and sweeping views of the region.
Read more
BART Linear Park
Concord
BART Linear Park in Concord, situated in Contra Costa County's East Bay Area, offers a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.
Read more
Big Break Regional Park
Oakley
Big Break Regional Shoreline, part of the so-called “Inland Coast” at the mouth of the massive San Francisco/San Joaquin river estuary, was once a massive farm, now submerged. It is now part of the East Bay Regional Park District.
Read more
Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve
San Ramon
As part of the East Bay Regional Park District, one of the most dog-friendly park districts in California, dogs at the Bishop Ranch Open Space Regional Preserve must be on a leash where posted and under full verbal control elsewhere, and there is a lot
Read more
Brazil Quarry Park
Concord
Located in Concord, Contra Costa County, the 4-acre Brazil Quarry Park offers a serene escape for both locals and visitors in the East Bay Area.
Read more
Briones Regional Park
Pleasant Hill
Although Briones Regional Park is close to Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Lafayette and Walnut Creek, there are peaks within it from which you can see only park and watershed lands for miles in every direction.
Read more
Briones to Mount Diablo
Lafayette
The Briones to Mount Diablo Regional Trail connects Briones Regional Park and Mt. Diablo State Park, serving the communities of Lafayette and Walnut Creek.
Read more
Carquinez Strait Regional Park
Martinez
Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline comprises 1,415 acres of bluffs and shoreline along Carquinez Scenic Drive between the town of Crockett and the hillsides overlooking Martinez and is part of the East Bay Regional Park District.
Read more
Contra Costa Canal Trail
Pleasant Hill
As part of the East Bay Regional Park District which is one of the most dog-friendly park districts in California, dogs must be on a leash where posted and under full verbal control elsewhere, and there is a lot of elsewhere!
Read more
Contra Loma Regional Park
Antioch
Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch, Contra Costa County, East Bay Area, is a sprawling 780-acre oasis offering a range of outdoor activities for visitors.
Read more
Del Valle Regional Park
Pleasant Hill
Please check Del Valle Regional Park website for cyanobacteria (toxic algae) warnings before your visit. Del Valle Regional Park, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, is a 5,000-acre park set amid oak-studded hills.
Read more
Diablo Foothills Regional Park
Pleasant Hill
Diablo Foothills Regional Park is the gateway to the parklands of Mount Diablo State Park and Walnut Creek Open Space.
Read more
East Bay Regional Park
Pleasant Hill
The East Bay Regional Park District, 90 years young this year, spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco with more than 125,000 acres in 73 parks and 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, nature study—and, of course, dog walking/hiking.
Read more
Gustin Ranch
Martinez
To the north of Dutra Ranch lies Gustin Ranch – 80 acres of thick woods and grass-covered hills, offering sweeping views of the Carquinez Strait, Mt. Diablo and the Sierra.
Read more
Highlands Park
Concord
Highlands Park is located next to Highlands School off the north side of Pine Hollow Road between Pennsylvania Boulevard and Louisiana Drive in Concord.
Read more
Iron Horse Park Trail
Concord
This multi-use, whole-access trail between the cities of Concord and Pleasanton follows the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way established in 1891 and abandoned in 1978.
Read more
Iron Horse Regional Trail
Pleasant Hill
The dog-friendly Iron Horse Regional trail is a multi-use, whole-access trail between the cities of Concord and Pleasanton follows the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way established in 1891 and abandoned in 1978. The completed Iron Horse Regional Trail spans a distance of 32 miles.
Read more
Kennedy Grove Regional
El Sobrante
Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, offers a comfortable setting for either small or large group picnics (some by reservation) or informal gatherings of friends and families.
Read more
Lafayette Reservoir
Pleasant Hill
The Lafayette Recreation Area is a year-round, day-use park ideal for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating and picnicking, located off Highway 24 only one mile from the Lafayette BART station. Dogs are allowed so long as they are on-leash at all times.
Read more
Lime Ridge Open Space
Pleasant Hill
Lime Ridge Open Space, with trailheads and parking in both Concord and Walnut Creek, is located on the eastern edge of Walnut Creek on a dominant ridge leading to Mount Diablo.
Read more
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline
Richmond
The 307-acre Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline in Richmond, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, offers a beautifully landscaped shoreline picnic area, a fishing pier at a historic site and a hilltop with excellent panoramic views of the north Bay Area.
Read more
Paso Nogal dog park
Pleasant Hill
Paso Nogal Park in Pleasant Hill is designated as open space featuring approximately 63 acres of scenic hiking trails (dogs on leash welcome), small picnic areas and two fenced dog exercise areas (2.5 acres): one for dogs under 25 pounds and the other for larger
Read more
Point Isabel Regional Park
Pleasant Hill
There are beautiful views of the Golden Gate and Marin County from the Point Isabel Regional shoreline, a landscaped, 23-acre dog park at the west end of Central Avenue in Richmond, part of the East Bay Regional Park District.
Read more
Point Pinole Regional
Pleasant Hill
The journey is as scenic as the destination at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, a 2,315-acre parkland right next to densely populated Pinole, Richmond, and San Pablo.
Read more
Shadow Cliffs Regional
Pleasant Hill
Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, located in Pleasant Hill, Alameda County, in the East Bay Area, offers a delightful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.
Read more
Sobrante Ridge Botanic
Richmond
The Sobrante Ridge Botanic Regional Preserve's 277-acre oak/bay parkland preserves the habitat of the extremely rare Alameda manzanita as well as other indigenous plant and animal species. It is part of the East Bay Regional Park District.
Read more
Sunol Regional Wilderness
Pleasant Hill
Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol's first inhabitants.
Read more
Ted and Kathy Radke
Martinez
At Ted and Kathy Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline, managed by the dog-friendly East Bay Regional Park District, there is an array of recreational opportunities, making it an ideal destination for both active adventurers and those seeking tranquility.
Read more
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
Richmond
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park encompasses 2,430 acres along the Wildcat Creek watershed and the surrounding hills and ridges. It is part of the dog-friendly East Bay Regional Park District.
Read moreOther hikes
Bayview Trail
San Pablo
With comfortably rocked paths, and friendly visits from the local wild life, the Bayview Trail will take you right along the Bay giving you clean air, and a cool breeze.
Read moreBlack Diamond Mines Regional
Antioch
As part of the East Bay Regional Park District, one of the most dog-friendly park districts in California, dogs must be on a leash where posted and under full verbal control elsewhere.
Read moreBodfish Preserve
Orinda
With its dream-like woodlands and footpaths that connect to nearby trails, the 7-acre Bodfish preserve is now known as a community treasure. But it...
Read moreDelta de Anza/Mokelumne loop
Antioch
Enjoy a moderate 5.62-mile loop by taking the Mokelumne Coast-to-Crest Trail to the Delta de Anza Trail. This paved loop passes through or near several...
Read moreDutra Ranch
Martinez
The Franklin Hills represent an important wildlife corridor that allows animals to roam and thrive in natural habitat. By 2003, John Muir Land Trust held...
Read moreFernandez Ranch
Martinez
Located just off Highway 4, between Hercules and Martinez, Fernandez Ranch offers stunning views, shaded hiking trails and a variety of wildlife,...
Read moreFranklin Canyon
Hercules
One of the most important projects ever undertaken by John Muir Land Trust, Franklin Canyon is a 483-acre property comprised of rolling hills, deep...
Read moreHampton Trail
Martinez
In the scenic countryside of Martinez, the Hampton Trail offers a delightful escape for dog owners seeking a leisurely stroll amidst nature.
Read moreKings Canyon Loop
Moraga
The Kings Canyon Loop, located in Moraga, Contra Costa County, in the East Bay Area, is a picturesque trail that begins at the Valley Vista Staging Area.
Read moreLen Hester Park
Concord
Len Hester Park, situated in Concord within Contra Costa County in the East Bay Area, offers a serene escape for both residents and visitors.
Read moreMarkham Nature Park
Concord
Markham Nature Park and Arboretum is a dog-friendly 17-acre island full of natural beauty near the heart of downtown Concord. People who visit for the first time are surprised that such a lovely, natural park exists inside the city limits.
Read moreMorgan Territory Addition Fire road
Danville
Morgan Territory Addition Fire Rd at Mount Diablo State Park. 0.4 miles.
Read moreMount Wanda Hiking trail
Martinez
Mount Wanda is part of the John Muir National Historic Site, but is not located on the main property. It is short drive to reach the parking lot for...
Read moreMulholland Ridge Open Space
Moraga
Mulholland Ridge Open Space Preserve Mulholland Ridge is a 250 acre open space area along Donald Drive on the boundary of Orinda and Moraga.
Read moreOursan Trail
Orinda
The Oursan Trail, located in Orinda, Contra Costa County, in the East Bay Area, offers a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions....
Read morePoint Pinole Road
San Pablo
Does a view of the bay, access to play, picnic and fishing areas sound good to you? Then join the parade! Point Pinole Road is a popular route for walkers, dog lovers, parents with strollers and bicycle enthusiasts.
Read moreStrentzel/Muir Home
Martinez
The Muir/Strentzel home is located at the main park site and is within walking distance from the visitor center.
Read moreSycamore Valley Short Ridge
Danville
Located within the Sycamore Valley Open Space Preserve in Danville, the Sycamore Valley Short Ridge Trail is a popular destination for both nature enthusiasts and their dogs.
Read moreYgnacio Valley Park
Concord
The 9.5-acre Ygnacio Valley Park is located at the northeast corner of Oak Grove Road and David Avenue in Concord.
Read moreMore Adventures in Contra Costa County
Leptospirosis in California dogs: a Bay Area owner’s guide
Leptospirosis is now a core canine vaccine, and Northern California — especially the Bay Area, North Coast, and Sierra foothills — is one of the higher-risk pockets in the country. What the latest peer-reviewed research says about the disease, the…
Read more
Where to adopt a dog in the Bay Area
The Bay Area has dozens of rescue groups across San Francisco, the East Bay, South Bay, Peninsula, North Bay, and Wine Country. We round up the shelters, breed-specific rescues, and senior dog sanctuaries ready to match you with your next…
Read more
Best dog-friendly hikes in the East Bay
The East Bay Regional Park District manages over 125,000 acres across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. From Point Isabel's off-leash shoreline to Mission Peak's steep summit climb, these are the regional parks every Bay Area dog should know.
Read more
DogTrekker® 15th anniversary
DogTrekker.com celebrates 15 years of helping California dog lovers travel together, supporting animal welfare groups and inspiring millions of readers since launching in June 2011. DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind --…
Read more
Hop on, paws up: JSX makes dog travel easy
JSX lets dogs fly in the cabin on 30-seat jets with no security lines and no cargo holds. Pups up to 79 pounds ride beside you on routes connecting Burbank, Oakland, Napa and other California cities, making weekend getaways stress-free.
Read more
Capitol Corridor’s pet-friendly rail program marks successful first year
The Capitol Corridor's Pets Onboard program has carried over 1,000 pets between Sacramento, Oakland and San Jose in its first year. Small dogs and cats ride for $29 each way, giving pet owners a practical alternative to highway traffic.
Read more