Gold Country
California’s Gold Country, home to the Gold Rush in 1849, combines history, nature, authentic American West small towns, festivals, a sensational culinary scene, wine, microbreweries, and majestic scenery in a captivating way that no other California region rivals. Download a detailed map of Gold Country.
The gold rush continues today in the form of tourism in a region encompassing a dozen cities and counties, including the city of Sacramento, which served as the main supply center for the Gold Rush. From a DogTrekker’s point of view, there’s a lot of “gold” still to be discovered.
The California Gold Country also includes the counties of Sierra, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Sacramento, Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Mariposa and Madera. Cities also include Folsom, and Rancho Cordova and Elk Grove.
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Related Posts
Sacramento and folsom: gold country getaways
Dog party in downtown Sacramento. Photo: Kelly Huston Sacramento and Folsom are the dog-friendly gateways to California Gold Country. And there’s no denying it: temperatures here can get very hot...
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Read moreDog-friendly folsom
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Johnny Cash may have put Folsom on America's mental map. but visitors don't sing the blues once they experience the vitality of this historic little city at the western gateway to California Gold...
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Pretty Plumas County, in the southeast corner of the Shasta Cascade region, is a nature lover’s dream. National forest extends across
Read moreButte County: Outdoor wonders and downtown fun
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Butte County promises college-town culture and coolness, along with outstanding hikes, beautiful botanical gardens, and sun-splashed patios that serve local
Read moreHappy Holidays! and top destination stories of 2023, part 1
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As this year comes to a close, our greatest joy comes from expressing gratitude for the DogTrekker family. As we wish you this season's warmest greetings, we're also happy to...
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As this year comes to a close, our greatest joy comes from expressing gratitude for the DogTrekker family. Your engagement
Read moreSunset’s annual travel awards spotlight four-paw cities in California
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DogTrekker team members are big fans of Sunset, the iconic publication that’s celebrating 125 years in 2023. The California-based magazine recently announced its Sunset Travel Awards, including several must-visit standouts...
Read moreRancho Cordova
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Rancho Cordova curves along the American River between Sacramento and Folsom, in Northern California’s sun-splashed Gold Country. This charming, dog-friendly community has trails, parks, open-air patios, and nearly a dozen...
Read moreRancho Cordova: A beer-lovers destination!
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Rancho Cordova, a suburban community on Highway 50 about 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento, is a great jumping-off place for forays into the Sierra foothills, as well as a...
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Read morePlacer County promises trails, thrills and tasty surprises
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Welcome to Placer County, a 1,400-square-mile playground where dog-friendly fun is always in season. From cosmopolitan Roseville and Rocklin,
Read moreDreamy Placer County hotels for dogs and their families
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Placer County activities promise a tail-waggin' good time, of course. And when you’re ready to unwind, dog-friendly Placer County hotels, motels, B&Bs and vacation rentals offer
Read moreThe splashy side of Placer County
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Majestic mountains and Gold Rush heritage set Placer County apart. You’ll also find golden opportunities for fun on the water.
Read morePlacer County promises dog-friendly trails, thrills and tasty surprises
![a man and a woman sitting on a rock with a dog.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/e39e7b32-738f-b062-42e1-a5002e1096d0-300x224.jpg)
Welcome to Placer County, a 1,400-square-mile playground where dog-friendly fun is always in season. From cosmopolitan Roseville
Read moreThe Gold Country, an amazing American road trip
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California’s Gold Country, home to the Gold Rush in 1849, combines history, nature, authentic American West small towns, a sensational culinary scene, wine, microbreweries, and majestic scenery in a captivating...
Read moreTahoe’s tail-waggin’ winter highlights
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Lake Tahoe promises classic fun in any season, but this slice of California really sparkles during the winter. The destination is
Read moreCalifornia SNO-Parks: SNO many options for dog-friendly fun
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Read moreMend your mind and thrill your dog in Mendocino County
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Mendocino County isn’t just about that beautifully sculpted coast. The inland regions are also gorgeous in a green and hilly kind of way.
Read moreDog-friendy Tuolumne County (video)
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Welcome to Tuolumne County, California where you can experience iconic Yosemite explorations, authentic California Gold Country discoveries and unforgettable High Sierra outdoor adventures.
Read moreWidescreen Yosemite adventure
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Home to towering waterfalls and 200-foot-tall giant sequoias, there’s no place like Yosemite. And Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite puts you just two miles from Yosemite National Park.
Read moreBark for some of our favorite dog-friendly campgrounds
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California is incredibly rich and varied in terms of geography, and its thousands of dog-friendly campgrounds are equally as diverse. From the mountains to the ocean to the desert, there’s...
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A couple of caveats to bear in mind before you get ahead of yourself: Most developed campgrounds in California close mid to late October, no matter how delightful the weather....
Read moreAll aboard! Take a dog-friendly train ride to summer fun
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Summer is a time for family vacations, and whether it’s a multi-day trip or day trip, not much can get children more excited or add to the memory bank than...
Read moreAll aboard for Gold Country history
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Tuolumne County is the heart of California Gold Country, and to get a feel for it, you and your family will want to visit both Columbia State Historic Park
Read moreFetch special rates for Fall Camp by Wild Blue Dogs!
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Dreaming of Lake Tahoe's mountain landscapes, fresh air and hiking adventures? Interested in private beach access, plus a full week of fun and education for you and your pups? You...
Read moreBucket-list cottages and cabin escapes
![Two beagles stand side by side on a wooden porch in front of a rustic door with narrow windows. The porch, accessible by stairs, adds to the cottage's charm. The beagles appear alert and attentive, ready for their next adventure in this cabin setting.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Dog-friendly-cabins.-Photo-by-Jessica-Bay-300x169.jpg)
Whether you prefer a farm stay in Gold Country, a trek along Yosemite trails, or a Marin County coastal stroll, you'll always find great options.
Read moreLuxury Gold Country farm visit designed for dogs
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Dog & Pony Ranch was developed to be completely dog-friendly. The property offers hiking trails, a swimming pond and other adventures.
Read moreSnow dogs! Where to ruff it up in the white stuff
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Those of us who live in California have to pinch ourselves in thanks for proximity to gorgeous mountain environments just day-trip distance away. Even if you don’t live in a...
Read moreTail-waggin’ fun in Folsom and surrounding areas
![People and dog on kayak in Folsom](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_4817-300x166.jpg)
Just up Highway 50 from Sacramento, the city of Folsom is a superb dog-friendly destination with a handsomely renovated Old Town just a block or two from the Sacramento River....
Read moreIf it’s summer, it’s splash time with your dog!
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Thousands of splash spots in California await people and pups eager to get wet in the great outdoors.
Read moreOnly in California
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Consider it a modern-day Gold Rush. California’s pioneering craft breweries attract travelers looking for liquid gold, in the form of unforgettable ales and lagers. You’ll find plenty of pup-friendly taprooms...
Read moreTail-waggin’ times outside the Park
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Yosemite National Park is a small (but mighty) part of Mariposa County. The rest of the Yosemite Mariposa realm is all-in with doggo-loving culture.
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California’s Sno-Park sites, most in the Tahoe basin but some farther afield on the flanks of the Sierra, are white oases for winter fun.
Read moreDog daze of summer!
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Use DogTrekker.com to finds beach websites, park phone numbers and directions.
Read moreLeave no dog behind
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One simple mission has always guided DogTrekker’s work: Leave no dog behind, whether you’re on vacation or at a shelter.
Read moreFolsom: Gateway to Gold Country
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Folsom isn’t only a convenient destination for Northern California visitors, it’s also diverse, offering many options for “socially distanced” outdoor recreation. Start by stepping out on a segment of the...
Read moreTuolumne county invites visitors to ‘wander freely’
![Dog outside in Tuolumne County](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_4686-240x300.jpg)
Tuolumne County, in the heart of Gold Country, is open and courting visitors (DogTrekkers included!) this summer. Its “Wander Freely” campaign encourages responsible travel and offers lots of tips on...
Read moreTuolumne County: Heart of Gold Country
![A dog standing at the counter waiting to place an order](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dog-waiting-to-order-scaled-e1696030871287-300x168.jpeg)
We can’t begin to count the ways you and your pup will be enchanted and entertained in the heart of Gold Country, but we can start you off on the Tuolumne...
Read moreMore than Fool’s Gold in Folsom
![Dog hanging out in Folsom](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_3465-240x300.jpg)
Just a blink up Highway 50 from Rancho Cordova, Folsom is a Gold Country gateway rich in pioneer history. It boasts tons of recreational opportunities, a captivating Old Town district...
Read moreStrike gold with El Dorado County wines
![Collie and small dog in El Dorado County](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_3464-300x278.jpg)
Although sprawling El Dorado County has quite a few craft breweries, it’s better known for its wine, apples and other fresh produce. The EDC Wine Trail features more than a...
Read moreIt’s a dog’s life in santa cruz wine country
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Oh, the carefree life of a winery dog. It ranks high on our list of reincarnation fantasies. Yet in Santa Cruz County, which is home to over a dozen dog-friendly...
Read moreGold country treasure hunt
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Are you one of those folks who enjoys taking selfies with your dog wherever you roam? Add some fun to your quest by participating in the Placer Wine Trail Photo...
Read moreSummer’s last splash: gotta lake it!
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When Northern Californians mention “The Lake,” you know they’re talking Tahoe. September is “tweener” season at Big Blue, a time when locals breathe deep, tourism drops off and visitors in...
Read moreAmador county
![Dog sitting on the grass in Amador County](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_3317-300x300.jpg)
Follow Highway 49 south through Amador County for yet another take on Gold Country. You’ll find lodging at historic, dog-friendly establishments like Hanford House in Sutter Creek, the Imperial Hotel...
Read moreCalaveras County
![Dog on blanket in Calaveras County7](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_3318-300x300.jpg)
Calaveras County became known in 1800s for its rich gold deposits—and for a certain jumping frog memorialized in a short story by Mark Twain. Today, it’s a destination for Gold...
Read moreEl dorado county
![Two dogs on a trail in El Dorado County](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_3316-240x300.jpg)
Named for the mythical city of gold, El Dorado County epitomizes California Gold Country. Its county seat, Placerville, is named for the alluvial deposits in the American River where many...
Read moreTurquoise blue persuasion in pollock pines
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Once you reach Pollock Pines on Highway 50, you’re deep into Gold Country. And on a hot summer day, nothing could be more appealing than a dip in a turquoise-blue...
Read moreSummer fun with your pup in folsom
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History, a vibrant dining scene and outdoor recreation options galore beckon in this gateway to California Gold Country.
Read moreUp the hill in placerville with your furry sidekick
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The El Dorado County seat was named for the alluvial deposits that drew prospectors here during the Gold Rush. It’s nickname, “Hangtown,” relates to the lawlessness of the times. Today,...
Read moreFor a personal touch, go for the b&b experience
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Sure, you can be traditional and stay at a dog-friendly hotel or motel during your Tuolumne County getaway, but the choices don’t stop there. Bed-and-breakfast inns, Airbnbs and traditional vacation...
Read moreTuolumne County’s ‘don’t miss’ family attractions
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If you’re traveling in Gold Country with family this summer, put Columbia State Historic Park on your “must visit” list. It’s a place where lasting memories are made. On weekends, you’ll...
Read moreOff we go, into the wild blue yonder
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If you like camping and wouldn’t think about taking off for the wild blue yonder without your four-legged companions, consider giving your team an entire, activity-packed week together in the...
Read moreTime out for Tuolumne County (Yosemite north entrance)
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The rugged country leading up to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat (North) entrance boasts a pioneer history as rough-hewn as the landscape itself. Tuolumne County towns along the Highway 120/49 corridors—Oakdale,...
Read moreThanksgiving hike at Cronan Ranch
![overlook view of valley with river at Cronan Ranch.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/37919798266_5a7cd751af_o-e1663335300662-300x169.jpg)
DogTrekker.com reader Peregrine W. wrote to us to share her Thanksgiving outdoor adventure at Cronan Ranch with her two pups:
Read moreA cluster of winery finds in Gold Country
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Wine grapes were introduced to the Sierra Nevada foothills during the Gold Rush years, when miners were thirsty for refreshment and farmers eager to provide. Today, the Sierra Foothills AVA...
Read moreBig reds and good times in Amador County
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Amador County, best known for its robust zinfandels and barberas, celebrates big reds with its annual Barbera Festival, an outdoor sip-and-stroll event set this year for Sept. 16 at Terra...
Read moreHistoric Folsom: Gateway to the Gold Country
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Visitors know Folsom for the song made famous by the Man in Black, but no one sings the blues once they get to this historic little city at the western...
Read moreFinding gold in El Dorado County
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Talk about diverse: El Dorado County stretches from the city of Folsom, at the beginning of the Sierra Nevada foothills, all the way up to Lake Tahoe and the High...
Read moreWoofin’ it up in Tuolumne County
![Dog looking for its dinner in Tuolumne County](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_2020-300x300.jpg)
Like other parts of Gold Country, Tuolumne County is rich in history, rugged scenery and recreational opportunities. You can get some of both and soak up some local color too at First...
Read moreSecond stop: Highway 50, Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe
![Lake Tahoe with rocky surroundings.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/sophia-simoes-DZej7dt53z4-unsplash-300x169.jpg)
Of the two primary ways to get to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento (Interstate 80 or Highway 50), 50 is by far the more scenic.
Read moreThird stop: South Lake Tahoe to Truckee
![Historic buildings on edge of Lake at Tallac Historic Site](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/chris-mansker-xgu0SCNcc54-unsplash-scaled-e1659647489205-300x169.jpg)
Highway 89 along Tahoe’s West Shore is a treat for the senses on many levels. It takes about an hour in non-traffic conditions to drive straight through, but why would...
Read moreThe glamping route
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“Glamping,” a hybrid word referring to rustic-chic, outdoor-oriented lodging that doesn’t involve pitching your own tent, is a concept that’s been exploding for more than a decade, with new properties...
Read moreTuolumne County: North entrance (hwy 120)
![Dog with Yosemite hat on at the Tuolumne County north entrance](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1916-240x300.jpg)
The 19th-century miners who swarmed California’s Gold Country made an indelible mark on Tuolumne County, dotting the map with a string of settlements that still have a boomtown feel. There...
Read moreLiquid treasure in Gold Country
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You’ll hear the furious, highway-like roar long before you catch sight of Hidden Falls, a wide wall of water that explodes into a 50-foot ravine at the center of Hidden...
Read moreCuddle up at Lake Tahoe
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You know that Lake Tahoe is a great spot to play in the snow, not just for skiers and boarders, but for any brand of DogTrekker who enjoys navigating in...
Read moreGet some snowshine at Lake Tahoe
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Northern California’s favorite mountain playground offers a lifetime’s worth of opportunities to play in the snow with your pup. Start with a snowshoe trek at a SNO-PARK pullout or, in...
Read moreDoggin’ it on the Pacific Crest Trail
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You don’t have to be a lean and hardy thru-hiker to enjoy sections of the famous Pacific Crest Trail stretching 2,560 miles from Mexico to Canada. It travels through some...
Read moreGlamp it up with your four-legged friend
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Maybe you like the idea of camping but don’t own (or care to own) the requisite equipment. Enter “glamping,” a hybrid word referring to rustic-chic, outdoor-oriented lodging that doesn’t involve...
Read moreFolsom: Gateway to Gold Country
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Yes, country legend Johnny Cash put Folsom on America's musical map—and soon there will be a 2.5-mile, Class I bike trail named in his honor. It will cross Folsom Prison...
Read moreDoggedly exploring Amador County
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If there’s one part of California wine country getting an exceptional amount of buzz this past year, it’s Amador County—and specifically the Shenandoah Valley AVA, best known for its robust...
Read moreGotta lake it
![Mother and daughter with a dog resting on a pier looking at lake](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/AdobeStock_172818012-300x200.jpeg)
Summertime and the livin’ is easy…as long as you’re on a lake. Heading up to Gold Country, you’ll find lots of places to dip your paws no matter which road...
Read moreRoam among giants
![beagle on rock in front of trees](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Cricket-redwoods-eastern-sierra-photo-by-jessica-bay-300x225.jpg)
We’re all familiar with giant sequoias, those massive, awe-inspiring sentinels of the forest found only on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. The most famous groves (Mariposa and Grant)...
Read moreNo tent or rv? no problem…
![Dog on red camp chair](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1699-236x300.jpg)
Don’t run out to buy a tent if you don’t know that you’ll enjoy camping and take it up as a regular pastime. Novices who don’t own a full kit...
Read moreA fine find in gold country
![2 beagles on log in sierra meadow](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Splash-and-Cricket-sierra-hike-meadow-photo-by-Jessica-Bay-300x225.jpeg)
The Sierra Nevada foothills, with their quaint, Gold Rush-era towns and growing portfolio of wineries, are a joy to explore with a four-legged companion.
Read moreTreasure in gold country
Eden Vale Inn Not interested in snow? You, your significant other and the four-legged tagalong who can’t be left behind will find walkable serenity coupled with luxurious accommodations at dog-friendly...
Read moreThree dog-friendly options in South Shore
![View of Lake Tahoe with paddle boarders.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/manya-krishnaswamy-nhKXb57ugi8-unsplash-scaled-e1659649436417-300x169.jpg)
Maybe you knew about these dog-friendly South Shore options—or maybe not. All are worth checking out next time you visit with your four-legged friend.
Read moreApple hill is wine country, too
Photo credit: Miss Chien (CC) California Gold Country has it all: rugged scenery, historic towns—and a booming wine industry that offers myriad opportunities for DogTrekkers. September and October, when after-harvest...
Read moreCome dog, come all to railtown 1897 state historic park
![steam engine on tracks](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/306921175_10159406382493731_7171856384915077854_n-e1664885620623-300x169.jpeg)
Tie a bandana around Rover’s neck so he’ll look the part as you explore Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.
Read moreTraveling tuolumne with tucker
Spade the mighty watchdog. Photo: Isolino Ferreira The 19th-century miners who swarmed California’s Gold Country made an indelible mark on Tuolumne County, dotting the map with a string of settlements...
Read moreYou call this camping? we say four paws up
Go in style. Camping doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping on the ground or getting up close and personal with dirt. These privately operated spots have tons of amenities for you and...
Read moreDog-passionate folsom
Oscar having fun at Folsom Lake. (CC) T. Dibble Johnny Cash may have put Folsom on America's musical map, but visitors don't sing the blues once they experience the vitality of this...
Read moreEl dorado county’s adventure loop
![Dogs Lola and Leroy](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/eldoradoadventure-lolaleroy-melindamiller-300x226.gif)
Lola and Leroy on an adventure in Gold Country. Photo: M. Miller Next time you can wrangle a weekend away in Gold Country, head east on Highway 50, exit at...
Read moreGold country flower power five favorite dog-friendly hikes
![Huge fields of lupines blooming near Folsom Reservoir.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Field-of-Lupines-at-Folsom-Reservoir-scaled-e1718749255308-300x169.jpeg)
Wildflower season has come early to the Sierra foothills this year, and you’ll have to act fast to enjoy the bloom before it’s gone. Here are five favorite dog-friendly wildflower...
Read moreGo with the flows in northern California
Luna at Lower Yosemite Falls. (CC) Luna Dog Mom. Yosemite Falls: Yosemite in winter can make for a glorious getaway for you and your best friend. Yes, you’ll have to...
Read moreGold country getaways
Kennedy Meadows in Sonora. Rachael Moore (CC) On Highway 49 you’ll find a string of Gold Rush-era towns delightfully uncrowded at this time of year. While Sutter Creek and Jackson...
Read moreDog-friendly wineries in Placer County
Pescadore Vineyard. (CC) Howard Koons Here at DogTrekker.com, we’ve made dog-friendly wineries easier to find through a new, interactive map on our California Wine Country landing page. Clicking on the...
Read moreDog-friendly wineries in the gold country
Gold Country - Somerset wine dog California Gold Country hugs the western slope of the Sierra Nevada and is home to hundreds of wineries. Many offer free tastings, intimate access...
Read moreDog-friendly wineries: just a click away
![Dog ready for an outing](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1213-300x208.jpg)
Here at DogTrekker.com, we’ve made dog-friendly wineries easier to find through a new, interactive map on our California Wine Country landing page. Clicking on the map of the county or...
Read moreDog-friendly Lake Tahoe beaches
![Senior black lab stands in lake with stick floating nearby](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jeremy-perkins-QqRuDeIXb5I-unsplash-300x200.jpg)
Summer is in full swing and Lake Tahoe is one of the top DogTrekker destinations. So we want to share some of the places to take your dog for a dip...
Read moreTuolumne and mariposa meanderings
Tuolumne and Mariposa counties make up the southern part of the Gold Country region stretching along the Sierra Nevada’s western flank. But they’re also part of the Yosemite Region and serve as gateways to the iconic national...
Read moreEden vale inn
Eden Vale Inn is a unique destination nestled in the Sierra Foothills. Named one of America’s Top 10 Most Romantic Inns, Eden Vale is also one of the most dog-friendly Inns...
Read moreSplash dog fun in gold country
![dog runs on dock at lake](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/roberto-nickson-aZox57cA-eI-unsplash-1-scaled-e1659536095395-300x169.jpg)
If you are anywhere in the Amador, Calaveras, Folsom, or Greater Sacramento/Stockton area looking to get your pooch involved in Dock Diving, we have just the place. Gold Country Pet...
Read moreThe gold country’s golden chain highway
![Dog by the Golden Chain Highway](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1112-300x227.jpg)
Sure, you’ve visited parts of Gold Country. But have you ever driven the entire 330 miles of Highway 49, the historic “Golden Chain Highway?” Considering all the dog-friendly places to...
Read moreLake Tahoe’s South Shore and more
![German shepherd at the Tahoe Keys Resort.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/titan-beach-e1655314953561-300x169.jpeg)
Summer is prime time at South Lake Tahoe, for hotel stays and vacation rentals alike. A vacation rental can be your ticket to dog-friendly togetherness and flexibility; plus the lake...
Read moreGo for the gold
Gracie at Dog and Pony Ranch. Photo courtesy Dog and Pony Ranch. The history books don’t say much about the ruff 'n' ready canines who kept lonely miners company and...
Read moreWhen it snows
![border collie sits in show behind woman cross county skiing.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/glenna-haug-3hiqo-5IxsU-unsplash-300x200.jpg)
Yes, it will snow again — and when it does, you and your best friend will find groomed cross-country trails as well as limitless tracts of public lands to glide...
Read moreHidden trails, hidden falls
If you live in Sacramento or anywhere near the Interstate 80 corridor through the Sierra Nevada foothills, Hidden Falls Regional Park near Auburn in the Gold Country foothills should be...
Read moreFour paw salute to our sponsors
As we begin adding new Southern California regions in 2014, it’s important to give a shout-out to all of the destinations who partnered with us in 2013. These Paw-of-Approval destinations...
Read moreSniff and smell the apples
September in El Dorado County means apples—lots and lots of apples and all thegood things, from cider to pie, that go with them. More than 50 family-owned ranches on the north side of...
Read moreExplore the countryside
![Dog at unfriendly Lambert Bridge](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Lambert-Bridge-Winery-7.jpg-300x200.webp)
The words “wine” and “Sacramento” may not seem to go together—until you realize more than 200 wineries and tasting rooms are situated within 75 miles of the state capital.
Read moreSettle into South Shore
![senior golden retriever in lake](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jennifer-barnes-E1Zox-llAYU-unsplash-scaled-e1659646027771-300x169.jpg)
Where to stay is always the first consideration for DogTrekkers on overnight quests, and in South Shore there’s something for every budget, from the luxe Fireside Lodge B&B to the...
Read moreFolsom for you and your dog
Johnny Cash may have put Folsom on America's musical map, but visitors don't sing the blues once they experience the vitality of this historic little city at the western gateway to California...
Read moreTails in Tuolumne County
Like other parts of Gold Country extending into the High Sierra, Tuolumne County is rich in rugged scenery. It’s also a great place to learn about the colorful and convoluted...
Read moreAngles on Amador County
In summer, water rules, and Amador County offers many options, from Camanche Reservoir in the foothills to beautiful Silver Lake in the Eldorado National Forest near Carson Pass. If you’re...
Read moreDown by the Riverside
Not all hikes lead to a specific destination, but those that do are rewarding—especially when the weather is warm, the destination wet and the scenery in between bright green and...
Read moreKnock on madera
Madera County notches into Yosemite National Park via Highway 41, segments of which are included on an 87-mile scenic loop known as the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway.
Read moreTuolumne tell-all
![Road on the way into Tuolumne](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_799-300x225.jpg)
Tuolumne County, bordering Yosemite National Park along the Highway 49 and Highway 120 corridors, played a pivotal roll in 19th-century stampede for gold and silver, and its rugged landscape is...
Read moreDogtrekkers four-paw salute to our sponsors
A recap of 2012 wouldn't be complete without a four-paw salute to the supporting sponsors of DogTrekker.com. All of these destinations have partnered with us this year, helping to fund important...
Read moreSay hello to folsom
![Folsom Lake](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/simon-hurry-ZiRwjB4sL4U-unsplash-scaled-e1659568529347-300x169.jpg)
Johnny Cash may have slipped Folsom into America’s psyche, but visitors will sing a different tune once they experience the vitality of this historic little city at the western gateway...
Read moreTail-waggin’ gold country farm trails
For many Northern California families (dogs included, of course) autumn wouldn’t be autumn without a trip to the Apple Hill region of El Dorado County, where pie shops, u-pick orchards,...
Read moreFall walk with Fido
![A road curves through a forest where the trees display bright autumn colors in Gold Country.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Road-with-fall-color-trees-and-snow-scaled-e1724451855710-300x168.jpeg)
If you’re not already packed up and headed for the hills, get moving! The first week of October is prime time for fall foliage in the upper elevations of Gold...
Read moreSniffing out scenery in Sierra County
![Dog sniffing scenery in Sierra County](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/qPUvlTr_5sM-300x169.jpg)
Even during the summer high season, Sierra County, home to fewer than 4,000 souls, is off the beaten track for most Northern California travelers. In fall, it can feel like...
Read moreSouth yuba river state park
![Senior black lab stands in lake with stick floating nearby](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jeremy-perkins-QqRuDeIXb5I-unsplash-300x200.jpg)
We’d love South Yuba River State Park even if its many trails and swimming holes weren’t dog-friendly, and we bet you will, too.
Read moreMonterey meanderings
Monterey County is vast, stretching south through Big Sur and east through the winery-rich Carmel Valley and into the Santa Lucia Mountains. You and your four-legger are sure to have...
Read moreSacramento wineries and beyond with your furry friend
The words “wine” and “Sacramento” may not seem to go together—until you realize more than 200 wineries and tasting rooms are situated within 75 miles of the state capital. Many...
Read moreCronan ranch ramble
Not all hikes lead to a specific destination, but those that do are rewarding—especially when the weather is hot and the destination is wet. Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park, a...
Read moreShoe you can do it
![dog follows snowshoer](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/bonnie-kittle-q64bx-L-xeA-unsplash-300x240.jpg)
Anywhere there’s snow, you can snowshoe. Your hound, however, won’t float atop fresh powder like you do. He risks postholing, floundering in tree wells or even breaking through a snow...
Read moreKick, glide, bark
![cross country skier with brown dog with snow and pine trees](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rich-morgan-9-ycW3sQfc-unsplash-300x200.jpg)
Cross-country skiing is intensely popular in Northern California snow country, but if you prefer groomed trails at developed ski areas, your need to know where dogs are welcome and where...
Read morePie am i in gold country
![The sun shines through the trees in an apple hill vineyard.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/apple-hill-slider1-e1685138804229-300x168.jpg)
Things get so busy in October in the Apple Hill region of El Dorado County that shuttle buses are put into play. But from Labor Day weekend until the calendar...
Read moreTahoe splash spots
![French bulldog wearing life jacket swimming in lake.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/karsten-winegeart-6k10GyBHkVE-unsplash-1-300x200.jpg)
It can be tricky to find a beach at Lake Tahoe where you can bring Fido, but with a little planning you'll discover plenty of dog-friendly shoreline to dip your...
Read moreHorsing around
![A scenic view of Horsetail Falls and the surrounding trees.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/photo-1516085467497-931580300c3f-300x169.jpeg)
Who on the way up to Tahoe hasn't caught a glimpse of Horsetail Falls, the spectacular, 800-foot cataract visible from Highway 50 at Twin Bridges? The half-day trek to the...
Read moreCabins in the woods: Tahoma meadows and desolation hotel
![](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/e7e39727-e5a3-4345-9b54-a314a93f773e-e1713978565531-300x169.jpg)
Tahoma Meadows: A cozy retreat for pet owners One of the best-kept secrets in Lake Tahoe’s West Shore is Tahoma Meadows Bed & Breakfast Cottages. This charming hideaway has become...
Read moreDo we hear an echo? check out echo lakes!
![Upper Echo Lake surrounded by mountains and trees on a sunny day.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/peter-caldwell-5tSrR-ZBLbg-unsplash-300x169.jpg)
Pick a bluebird day and pack plenty of pep for an excursion to Echo Lakes, the southern gateway to Desolation Wilderness and one of the most glorious (and dog-friendly) ski...
Read morePaws up for these dog-friendly hotels
![A chilled-out canine lounging blissfully on a cozy bed adorned in shades of blue and white. In the softly focused background, an individual is hunched over a laptop, engrossed in work. Provides a perfect scenario for those who wish to spend a relaxing day indoors with their dog while juggling some office tasks. - Dogtrekker](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/story_4886-300x197.jpeg)
If you’re like many visitors, you want to stay in a central location just a short jaunt from the attractions on your “must experience” list. Fortunately, central Sacramento is chock-full...
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