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.
Mariposa County, known affectionately as the “Mother of Counties,” was one of California’s original counties created at the time of statehood in 1850. Today, it is known as the "Home of Yosemite National Park."
From a DogTrekker’s point of view, there’s a lot of “gold” still to be discovered.
Stories about Gold Country
17 dog-friendly vacation rentals in the Gold Country
17 dog-friendly vacation rentals across the Gold Country, from Arnold to Twain Harte, drawn from DogTrekker's directory of vetted pet-welcoming properties.
Why spring is the best-kept secret in Gold Country
If you've been waiting for the right moment to load up the car and point it toward the Sierra foothills, this is it.
Spring in Sacramento with your dog: why April works
Sacramento doesn't always get the credit it deserves as a dog-friendly destination.
Off-leash, earned: Eastern Sierra & Gold Country
Where your dog can legally run off-leash in the Eastern Sierra and Gold Country — and the honest test for whether she's actually ready.
Dog-friendly Father’s Day: 5 California trips dads will want
Five honest California Father's Day trips, all dog-friendly: McCloud and the Shasta Cascade, Paso Robles ranch country, Trinidad on the Humboldt coast, Mammoth Lakes at full stretch, and Nevada City in the Gold Country. Muddy dogs, cabin porches, no infusions.
Dog-friendly breweries in California: your spring patio season guide
Spring patio season is here, and California has more than 350 dog-friendly breweries across the state. From Lagunitas in Petaluma to Firestone Walker in Paso Robles and Cool Beerwerks in Gold Country, here is where to start your paws-and-pints tour.
ADA accessible dog-friendly trails in Gold Country
Gold Country is best known for its Gold Rush history, but this stretch of the Sierra Nevada foothills also holds some of California's most rewarding accessible trails — places where handlers with mobility needs and their dogs can explore paved paths, historic flumes, and lakeside
Dog-friendly Amador County winery tasting trail
If your idea of California wine country starts and ends with Napa, we need to talk. About 90 minutes east of Sacramento, Amador County's Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the state — and unlike the more polished Napa
Dog-friendly Gold Country: exploring the Sierra foothills in April
There's a sweet spot in the California calendar when Gold Country is at its absolute best — and we're in it right now. The foothills are green, the wildflowers are putting on a show along Highway 49, and the historic downtowns of Sutter Creek, Murphys,
Best dog-friendly campgrounds in California for spring
Spring is the perfect time to camp with your dog in California. Mild temperatures, green hillsides, and wildflower blooms set the scene from March through May, and you will beat the summer crowds at campgrounds from the redwood coast to the Sierra foothills.
Best ADA and guide dog friendly trails in California
California is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, and everyone deserves to experience them — including hikers with guide dogs, service dogs, and mobility needs. These ADA-accessible trails offer breathtaking scenery without barriers.
Wild Blue Dogs camp at Tahoe? You lucky dog!
Wild Blue Dogs' fall camp in South Lake Tahoe, September 13-19, pairs bonding activities like agility, nose work and kayaking with certified trainers. All proceeds support canine cancer research, and you'll enjoy quiet Tahoe beaches and great weather all week.