Cooper at Manhattan Beach (aka Blufftop Beach), Half Moon Bay
From the editors: We thank John Poimiroo for this special tribute to Cooper, a passionate and loyal DogTrekker! Check out his adventures after the "more" below.
___________________________
Cooper loved to travel. You might say Dogtrekker.com was created for Coop.
In his ten years, this Lab/border collie/cattle dog mix traveled to seven states, but most of all he loved going anywhere DogTrekker recommended. Coop teamed up with Niki Frost when he was just eight weeks old. His mom had been rescued by
Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue when she was pregnant with 10 puppies.
Niki relates that at seven months she took Coop to the vet, worried that his rough paws might need ointment. She recounted, "When I asked the vet, she grabbed his paws and looked at me in the eyes and said, 'This dog is not a house cat! His paws should be rough. He is made to swim in oceans, run in sand, climb on rocks and go on adventures. I would be concerned if they were not rough."
And so, Niki set out to assure that Cooper's paws never softened. Only her heart would do that. She and Coop became avid DogTrekkers, though the jury is still out whether Coop loved the beach or the mountains more.
more »
Aspen visiting Glacier Point at Yosemite. Photo: Lauren Burtz
Autumn is in full swing in
Mariposa County, home of Yosemite National Park. The great news for DogTrekkers is that the park is open and the vehicle reservations required during the pandemic are no longer needed as of Nov. 1.
Crispy fall weather, light crowds and enhanced cleaning and safety standards are in effect throughout the county, making this a great time to take the family (including the four-legged members) on vacation. Check out our top lodging options and the specials they are now offering.
more »
Photo: Dave Kendrick
The practice of “forest bathing,” or “shinrin-yoku,” popularized in the USA by a string of books including best-seller “Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness” by Japanese immunologist Quing Li, has taken off in Mendocino County. And there’s no better place to indulge in the practice of absorbing oneself in a forest atmosphere then here, where dog-friendly options amid the redwood giants abound. more »
Serenity in Yosemite - courtesy of Annie Nagel
We all know that Yosemite National Park is a great destination for you and your dog to visit, but an even better destination is Mariposa County, the home to Yosemite National Park.
The current travel climate makes getting into and planning your trip to Yosemite a bit more challenging. New restrictions make having a day-use pass or over-night stay in Yosemite a must for you and your dog. But have no fear, Mariposa County is a great and safe way to get you and your pup into the mountains for a weekend escape. To help you plan, we’ve provided four great dog-friendly activities to help make your weekend trip a blast. more »
Early Morning on Ahwahnee Meadow. Photo: Teri Marshall
What better way to enjoy the mountains for bipeds and quadrupeds alike than by being out on a hike? In Mariposa County's scenic Merced River Canyon, several dog friendly recreation areas exist including the Merced River Hike at the Briceburg Recreation Area. more »
Mary Bowerman Trail
Concord prides itself on being a proactively ADA-accessible city offering many ways for visitors with disabilities to experience and enjoy the region. more »
Upper McCloud Falls / Photo: @cjthedalmation
OK, COVID-19 cost us some waterfall viewing time during their March/April peak flows, but the many waterfalls within an easy drive of where you are staying in Redding are still flowing.
For a quick taste, visit Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir. It’s right off Interstate 5 via a short path, has a generous parking lot, a viewing platform for photo opps and a cave beneath the falls for sensory thrills (your dog may or may not want to go there, so be alert!) more »
Shasta Dam / Photo: @ohana_thehusky
Like to hike? You’re in luck in the Trail Capital of California, as Redding has so aptly branded itself. The city boasts some 80 miles of trails within its city limits and hundreds more within a 20-mile radius of its core.
A heads up: there are still a few trails closed in the Whiskeytown area, but other than annual maintenance, most of the region's trails are open, and most are dog-friendly. You can check the status of your favorite trail by clicking on the link above and viewing the Trail System Overview tab. more »
Dog-Friendly Trails in Gilroy!
Gilroy is a pet-welcoming destination that makes a great getaway any time of year. The "Garlic Capital of the World" features outstanding restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, outlet shopping, and plenty of outdoor adventures for you and your four-legged friends.
Start by booking a pet-friendly hotel room at Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn, Motel 6 Gilroy or Quality Inn & Suites Gilroy so you can stay and play for more than just one day. Then make your first stop the California Welcome Center Gilroy (in Gilroy Premium Outlets) for helpful maps, valuable coupons, and insider tips to make the most of your stay.
Taste your way along the
Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, where many wineries like Kirigin Cellars, Satori Cellars, and Sarah's Vineyards welcome dogs (and may even have some special treats waiting for them!). Take a stroll through historic Downtown Gilroy and indulge in the town's signature spice at Garlic City Cafe. There are many other
outstanding restaurants that also welcome dogs, from authentic Mexican food at Los Pericos and Victoria's Mexican Restaurant to Asian cuisine at Ginger Cafe and Saigon 2 Siam Bistro.
Get out and enjoy the great outdoors on
dog-friendly hiking trails at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch Park, Mt. Madonna, and the Uvas Creek Levee. You can even meet up with other four-legged friends at the Heartland Dog Park, which has separate areas for large dogs and small dogs.
Plan your great Gilroy getaway today at
VisitGilroy.com!
more »
The Contra Costa County town of Concord calls itself a “Northern California Original,” and it’s easy to see why. With a booming craft brew scene, creative dining options and a thriving music scene (it’s the birthplace of jazz great Dave Brubeck and the Concord record label), quick access to thousands of acres of open space and massive Mount Diablo looming in its backyard, it’s an East Bay oasis for outdoorsy types. more »