The Cove Oasis Loop, nestled at the base of the Southern Santa Rosa Mountains,offers the perfect stroll for families and their four-legged friends. The mostly flat, gravel path begins at the top of the levee, a few steps into the Cove Oasis, a 114-acre open space set aside by the city. more »
One of the more popular spots for four-legged hikers, Mission Creek Preserve offers more than 17 miles of dog-friendly trails through stunning desert scenery. Far removed from the bustle of modern life, Mission Creek Preserve lets you see the Coachella Valley’s natural side. more »
The Homestead Trail that snakes up the side of Shadow Mountain to a giant illuminated cross is thought to be a spiritual trek for some, as well as a quiet spot to meditate above it all. It’s a perfect trail for a sunrise hike with spectacular views from just about anywhere along the way. more »
Desert Dog. Photo Credit: Ken Bosma (CC)
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, many Greater Palm Springs hikers can’t wait to soak up some rays on their outdoor adventures with their pups. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water — 2 liters minimum. Once half your water is gone, it’s time to turn back. more »
Happy dogs at Point Isabel. Photo Credit: @theemmanation
The Bay Area wouldn’t be what it is without its tawny, oak-studded hills, and we have the East Bay Regional Parks District to thank for keeping many of them accessible to the public. The district manages 65 parks spanning 114,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, offering between them some 1,200 miles of dog-friendly trails. Away from developed areas, four-legged friends trained to come when called can trek with you leash free. more »
Pena Adobe Regional Park / Photo: Mindy Lamont @fiandmimi
There’s a lot more to this Vacaville than meets the eye when whizzing past it on Interstate 80. Dog-friendly lodging abounds (take note: it’s lot less expensive than in nearby Napa or Sonoma), but perhaps one of Vacaville’s biggest assets its central location as a basecamp. If you’re a wine lover, get settled and head straight to Suisun Valley Rustic Wine Country, where wine grapes were first planted more than 100 years ago. more »
Photo: Instagram @thecharliebean
Yes, Oakland is a vibrant urban place to visit, but it’s not all about dog-friendly ale and wine trails, waterfront dining and hotels (more about that below). As dog-centric locals know, one of the pleasures of living here is proximity to many open-space preserves where you can flee the big-city hustle-bustle and revel with your pup in the shade of redwoods or atop grassy ridges with panoramic views. more »
All set up! - Photo Credit: Cassie Elizarraraz
Summers are made for camping, and Lake County has no shortage of dog-friendly campgrounds, both public and private, where you can pop a tent or pull up an RV for a few days of outdoor fun with your family, pup included. On the private campground side, you’ll find full hookups, tent sites, club rooms, motel-style lodging and lots of other amenities at waterfront resorts including The Narrows Family Resort (at Blue Lakes) or Pine Acres Blue Lake Resort. more »
Diablo Foothills Regional Park - Photo Credit: @oaklandanne
Concord and neighboring communities are surrounded by thousands of acres of protected open space cherished by locals and visitors alike. At this time of year, the hills are neon green, the weather cool and the trails ideal for DogTrekking. If you’re new to the area and up for a jaunt of an hour or more, start on the Contra Costa Canal Trail, one of the most popular paths in the East Bay Regional Park District system. more »
DogTrekker followers are continually astonished by the wealth of possibilities offered by the 64 parks in the East Bay Regional Park District, which encompasses 108,000 acres laced with 1,200 mile of trails in Contra Costa and neighboring Alameda counties. A favorite is Briones Regional Park just outside Pleasant Hill, which features 6,255 acres of rolling terrain that is especially beautiful in spring. more »