Our DogTrekker writers know dog-friendly California like your pup knows the treat jar—intimately and enthusiastically. Whether sniffing out beaches in San Diego, dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma, hiking trails in the Sierra, or cozy mountain cabins near Big Bear Lake, we're your trusted guides for dog travel. From bustling cities to hidden wilderness gems, we fetch reliable tips, insights, and local secrets to make traveling with your four-legged friend effortless. Trust DogTrekker to lead you and your pup to tail-wagging dog travel adventures across dog-friendly California.

Going to the snow? Get a SNO-Park permit first

Planning a snow day with your dog? A California SNO-Park permit gets you access to plowed parking lots at 18 Sierra Nevada locations near prime snow-play areas and ski trails. Day passes are just fifteen dollars.

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Strap on the snowshoes and get moving

Snowshoeing with your dog is easier than you think. Rent snowshoes from a local ski shop, pick a dog-friendly trail like Paige Meadows or Hope Valley, and use a hands-free skijoring leash to keep your poles working.

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Kick and glide with Fido at your side

Several Lake Tahoe cross-country ski resorts welcome dogs on groomed trails. Tahoe Donner offers eight dog-friendly routes plus fire-pit relaxation after your run, while Tahoe Cross Country and Kirkwood sell doggy day passes for their own designated trail networks.

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Plowed dog walking trails? We’ll bark for that!

After a snowstorm, North Lake Tahoe plows several walking trails so you and your dog can get outside without snowshoes or skis. Options include the Palisades Tahoe bike path, the Truckee River Legacy Trail, and many more around the lake.

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North Valley Animal Disaster Group

When the Camp Fire destroyed over 14,000 homes, the all-volunteer North Valley Animal Disaster Group in Chico deployed rescue teams and set up emergency shelters for thousands of displaced animals. They rely on donations to keep saving lives.

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Four ways to a happier deaf dog

Living with a deaf dog is more rewarding than you might expect. A vet tech shares four tips, from teaching hand signals and alerting your dog to your presence to keeping them leashed on hikes for safety.

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Best dog-friendly hiking near Concord

The East Bay's trail network makes Concord a great launching point for dog-friendly hikes. Lime Ridge Open Space, Shell Ridge, and Briones Regional Park all offer acres of open terrain with off-leash options for well-behaved dogs.

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Benefits of being a dog parent

Having a dog can lower your blood pressure, boost your social life, and get you outside more often. A vet tech explains why daily walks and canine companionship lead to a healthier, happier life for both of you.

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Go retro in a dog-friendly airstream trailer

Sleep in a vintage Airstream trailer with your dog at locations across Southern California. AutoCamp in Joshua Tree, Caravan Outpost in Ojai, and Hotel Paseo in Palm Desert all offer retro-chic, pet-friendly accommodations with modern comforts. Retro is all the…

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In GPS, five pet-friendly hotels are raising the bar

Five Greater Palm Springs hotels go above and beyond for dogs, from The Saguaro's no-fee policy for pets of any size to La Quinta Resort's PAWS program and Westin Mission Hills' on-site adoption partnership with a local shelter.

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Halloween safety tips

Halloween brings hidden dangers for dogs, from chocolate candy and xylitol to spooky costumes that can cause stress. A veterinarian shares practical tips to keep your pup safe during the holiday, including what to do if they eat something toxic.

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German Shepherd rescue of Orange County

Gia, a stunning five-year-old German shepherd, was pulled from a high-kill shelter by German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. She is bright, aware, and loyal, and GSROC is looking for just the right person to give her a forever home.

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Tips for traveling with a puppy

Traveling with a puppy takes preparation. A vet tech covers the essentials, from making sure vaccines are current and scheduling frequent potty breaks to packing a Kong for crate time and keeping your adventurous pup safely leashed.

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Dogs welcome at Yountville tasting rooms

Yountville in Napa Valley is a strollable, dog-friendly culinary destination with luxury lodging at North Block Hotel and Bardessono, plus dozens of tasting rooms and acclaimed restaurants with outdoor seating for you and your pup.

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Gold Country wine trail

The Placer Wine Trail features 20 boutique wineries in the Sierra Foothills near Auburn. Most are family owned and dog-friendly, including Vina Castellano, where pups are welcome in the tasting room, on the patio, and out by the pond.

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Lake County hideaway

Bed and Barrel at Stonehouse Cellars in Lake County Clearlake Oaks is a winery, tasting room, and B&B where dogs roam free. Nearby, Clear Lake and Blue Lakes offer swimming, fishing, and boat rentals for the whole family.

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Mendocino County ‘hole in one’

The Madrones in Philo, Mendocino County, bundles a tasting room, wood-fired restaurant, wellness spa, and five pet-friendly guest quarters into one Italian-style compound. Next door, The Brambles offers quirky Victorian cabins in the redwoods.

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Little jo’s Yosemite adventure

It was one of those "Yahoo" moments that I found out the way to bring my little Jo to Yosemite. It was rewarding being in Yosemite with my fur baby overlooking Half Dome.

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