Big Bear Lake | DogTrekker

Dog-friendly Calaveras County: Wine, caves and Gold Rush towns

Calaveras County blends Gold Rush history with wine tasting and outdoor adventure. Walk your dog through Murphys' 25-plus tasting rooms, hike near New Melones Lake or watch humans stomp grapes at the annual street fair in this Sierra foothills getaway.

Dog-friendly Lake County adventures

Lake County offers dog-friendly water adventures from Clear Lake to the spring-fed Blue Lakes. Rent electric boats, splash at state park beaches, hike wildlife areas and watch for bald eagles and wild tule elk at Cache Creek in cooler months.

All wine, no whine at these Lake County wineries

Lake County is one of California's fastest-growing wine regions, with over 30 wineries welcoming dogs at their tasting rooms and picnic areas. Sample sauvignon blancs, petit sirahs and big reds while your pup relaxes beside you.

A Tahoe classic that rewards with a splash

The steep 4.4-mile hike up Shirley Canyon at Palisades Tahoe rewards you and your dog with cascading waterfalls, a mountain lake, and access to the High Camp complex at 8,200 feet. Ride the tram back down for free.

Carmel City Beach, Monterey County

Carmel City Beach is perhaps the best-known off-leash dog beach in the country, a powdery mile-long strand within walking distance of Carmel-by-the-Sea's shops and restaurants. Nearby, Big Sur's Pfeiffer Beach offers dramatic sea stacks and pink sand.

California labradors, retrievers and more rescue

San Diego-based California Labradors, Retrievers and More Rescue saves dogs who need it most, including injured, senior, and mixed-breed pups. Meet Mai Tai, a three-legged boxer with perfect manners ready for her new family.

Off we go, into the wild blue yonder

Wild Blue Dog Camp at Lake Tahoe is a week-long summer camp for you and your dog. Activities range from agility and nose work to kayaking and beach yoga on a sandy 33-acre lakefront property.

A few of our favorite dog-friendly campgrounds

Unlike most state parks, national forest campgrounds let dogs hit the trails. Crystal Basin Recreation Area and the Carson Pass region in the Sierra offer hundreds of dog-friendly campsites and miles of trails through stunning alpine scenery.

Bark early to reserve these primo camping spots

The most popular coastal and lakefront campgrounds fill up fast, so mark your calendar six months out. Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe and MacKerricher State Park on the Mendocino coast are two primo dog-friendly spots worth the early booking effort.

Feeling fine in Felton

Just seven miles from Santa Cruz, Felton offers dog-friendly steam train rides through redwoods at Roaring Camp Railroads, trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and the quirky Bigfoot Discovery Museum.

Arch in from the west (Mariposa County, west entrance)

Highway 140 through Mariposa County leads to Yosemite's west entrance with plenty of dog-friendly fun along the way. Wineries, bakeries, riverside trails and lodging from rustic Yosemite Bug to the riverside View Lodge make this route worth savoring.

Time out for Tuolumne County (Yosemite north entrance)

Tuolumne County's Gold Rush towns along the route to Yosemite's north entrance have a relaxed attitude toward dogs. Stagecoach rides in Columbia, vintage train excursions in Jamestown and the scenic John Muir Highway make this a rewarding approach.