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The Gold Country, an amazing American road trip

The Gold Country, an amazing American road trip

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The Gold Country, an amazing American road trip

California’s Gold Country, home to the Gold Rush in 1849, combines history, nature, authentic American West small towns, a sensational culinary scene, wine, microbreweries, and majestic scenery in a captivating way that no other California region rivals.

The gold rush continues today in the form of tourism in a region encompassing a dozen cities and counties with hundreds of dog-friendly places to stay, eat and drink, hike, splash, and much, much more.

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Pug at Sacto. Midtown Pooch parade
Effortless day trips and outdoor adventures
Dogs love Sacramento outdoor dining.
Farm-to-fork dining with four-legged friends
Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Yosemite Mariposa
Spring pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County

Download a detailed map of Gold Country.

Here are the members of the Gold Country Visitors Association:

 

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Gotta lake it

Gold Country lakes offer cool relief for dogs and their people all summer long. From Folsom Lake's miles of shoreline to hidden Long Lake near Soda Springs and Bass Lake's pontoon boat rentals, there's a splash spot for every pup.

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On the road to Yosemite

The Yosemite Region spans four gateway counties, each with its own dog-friendly highlights. From Merced River hikes in Mariposa County to Gold Rush history in Tuolumne County, the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.

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All aboard for Gold Country history

Tuolumne County's Gold Country is home to two must-visit heritage railroads. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park features Hollywood's famous Movie Railroad, while the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers narrated steam train rides near Yosemite.

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Dog-friendly wineries: Just a click away

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Roam among giants

Most giant sequoia groves sit inside national parks where dogs aren't welcome on trails. But Nelder Grove near Oakhurst and Converse Basin Grove in the Sequoia National Forest offer dog-friendly paths among these massive, awe-inspiring trees.

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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.

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