Big Bear Lake | DogTrekker

Meandering Mariposa County with your dog

Highway 140 through Mariposa County leads to Yosemite but deserves a day of its own. Sample wines at Butterfly Creek, hike the Merced River Trail, and stay at dog-friendly lodges from Yosemite Bug to Yosemite View Lodge.

Marijuana toxicity and your dog

With marijuana use on the rise, canine toxicity cases are becoming more common and more severe. A veterinarian explains the symptoms, from staggering and urine dribbling to dangerous reactions from edibles, and why quick treatment matters for your dog.

Meandering the Mendo Coast with your dog

Mendocino County's 102 miles of winding coastline reward slow travelers with leash-free beaches, Glass Beach, botanical gardens, scenic trails through MacKerricher State Park and cozy seaside lodgings from Fort Bragg to Gualala.

Senior dogs with a lot of living to do

Senior dogs still have plenty of living to do. Meet Shelley, a 16-year-old on wheels at Lily's Legacy Sanctuary, and Louie, a playful Muttville alum who just found his forever home. Their stories prove age is just a number.

Best water activities for senior dogs in California

From gentle beach outings and pond-side cottage stays to houseboat adventures on Lake Shasta, California offers plenty of water-friendly activities suited to senior dogs who still love a good splash.

El Dorado County’s adventure loop

The El Dorado County Adventure Loop packs 45 miles of Gold Country exploration into one weekend, with dog-friendly hiking at Cronan Ranch, wine tasting at Jose Wine Caves and Gold Rush history in Coloma.

Dog-friendly beaches of San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo County's coastline is loaded with dog-friendly beaches, from leash-required state strands at Pismo and Cayucos to the off-leash fun at Olde Port Beach in Avila, where bonfires and ball-chasing await.

Sit, stay and snore in dog-friendly San Francisco

San Francisco may be the most dog-friendly city in California for overnight stays. From the vintage Ocean Park Motel near Fort Funston to Victorian B&Bs in the Mission, the options for pup-welcoming lodging are endless.

Ways to snag prime reservations

Snagging a prime campsite or hotel room in California's most popular destinations takes strategy. Here are seven tips for working cancellation windows, wait lists and first-come sites to land that perfect spot with your dog.

Tails in Tahoe

Fall at Lake Tahoe means golden aspens, cooler trails, and thinner crowds. From easy lakeshore strolls at Kiva Beach and the Rainbow Trail at Taylor Creek to backcountry routes into Desolation Wilderness, the hiking options with your dog are practically…

Yearning for Yolo

Yolo County rewards those who pull off the highway with dog-friendly tasting rooms in Winters, farm tours in the Capay Valley, new wineries along the Sacramento River in Clarksburg and patio dining throughout.

Calistoga on a leash

Calistoga at the north end of Napa Valley charms visitors with castle-like wineries, bocce courts, Michelin-starred patio dining and a walkable downtown. Dogs are welcome at tasting rooms, restaurants and lodgings throughout town.