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Dogs Play in Calaveras County, too!

Okay, just being honest here…dogs are our best friends, right? No judgement…just pure love. So, of course we want to take them with us pretty much wherever we go.  And Calaveras County is just the place to spend quality time with our favorite people…ahem, pets. Dogtrekker.com says “Friendly folks and dog-friendly accommodations make Calaveras a premier destination for traveling with your furry family member.” Plus, we take animal love and care to heart. Check out the amazing work being done by the Calaveras Humane Society and Friends of Calaveras Animal Services to save the lives of hundreds of pets each year.

WHERE TO PLAY?

Zoe at Utica Reservoir

Lake Trails – If you’re coming into the county and you’ve been in the car all day, check out the trails at New Melones and New Hogan Lake.  Recreation trails here offer several short and moderate loops for a run or hike. Fall and spring are great times to hike these trails with your best friends because of the cooler temperatures, the grasses are green and the wildflowers are blooming in the spring or the golden colors of the changing season emerging in the fall.

Everybody poops. Sooo….we all know dogs poop. They have to. We get it.  And even though we are out in nature, please, let’s all scoop the puppy’s poops.

Pacific Valley

Hiking Trails – In the Arnold area you’ll find several entrances to the Arnold Rim Trail, which has 30+ miles of single track and fire roads meandering through the conifers at about 4000 feet in elevation. Make the trek to the rocks known as Top of the World for spectacular sunset views of the coastal mountains and Sierra foothills. The ART is accessible year-round (with the exception of snow) and provides lots of welcome shade as the weather warms up. Note that the Arnold Rim Trail is also an equestrian and mountain biking trail, so make sure your pup has good recall if you are letting him off leash. Cameron Trail at New Hogan Lake is an easy 10.7 mile out-and-back trail perfect for bringing the pups. The trail isn’t too crowded, is nicely groomed, and easily accessible from the parking lot or campgrounds if you plan to stay a few days by the lake.

Snow Play – Want to see cross country skiing from the pooch perspective?  Watch this video and then head to Bear Valley Adventure Company for a day of fun. The Stanislaus National Forest offers plenty of winter outdoor options. From one of the three official parking areas at the east end of Highway 4, you can head out for a day of snowshoeing or skiing. Don’t forget your parking pass, available for $15 from SNAC, Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods , Bear Valley Snowmobile, or Bear Valley Adventure Company.

Let’s Go For A SwimSummer brings the opportunity to enjoy the high country and the hundreds of miles of recreation that the Stanislaus National Forest has to offer. Try a canoe outing on Spicer, Union or Utica reservoirs or Lake Camanche near Valley Springs (life jacket rentals available at SNAC and Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods in Arnold and Lake Camanche Marina in Valley Springs). Fun short day hikes include Osborn Ridge and Inspiration Point near Lake Alpine.  In campgrounds and developed recreation areas, leash policies apply, but most other areas in the National Forest don’t require dogs on leash, so feel free to roam and swim!

Calaveras Big Trees State Park does not allow dogs on the trails through the sequoia groves, but they’re welcome in the campgrounds and on the park’s fire roads while on leash.

WHERE TO EAT AND WHERE TO STAY?

Meet Copper the dog at The Gateway Hotel

You may notice that many of our businesses (including many lodging properties) are dog-friendly (look for the paw-print icon at the top of individual listings). After a day on the lake, hiking, or just shopping and wine tasting, retreat to Copperopolis to be spoiled at the stunning Gateway Hotel where they will  welcome your sweet fur-baby for a small pet fee. Gateway Adventure Company located across the plaza from the Gateway Hotel has pet supplies, just in case.

Several businesses in downtown Murphys, Angels Camp, and Mokelumne Hill have water bowls outside just for your thirsty pets. A few ideas for dog-friendly dining in Murphys are Rob’s Place, V Restaurant, Bistro & Bar, or Alchemy all located on Main Street right in downtown Murphys.  Hawg Dawg’s and The Parlour Pub in Valley Springs and Renegade Winery in Mokelumne Hill all have dog friendly outdoor seating for food, wine, and craft beer. In Angels Camp, Mike’s Pizza has great pizza, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, ribs, games for the kids, and a big heart for the doggos. Or, you can enjoy lunch and a cocktail at The Pickled Porch Cafe in historic downtown Angels Camp. Here at the Calaveras Visitors Bureau, we always keep a water bowl filled with fresh water outside the Angels Camp Museum. While we LOVE dogs, and you should expect us to lavish LOTS of attention and biscuits on your canine cutie-patooties, they are unable to be inside the museum buildings with the exception of all service dogs.

Did you bring everything your dog will need for multi-day outings? SNAC in Arnold will outfit your pup with its own life jacket for water adventures on the high country lakes, Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods has collapsible food and water bowls in Arnold and Spences Ranch Feed & Supply and Tractor Supply in Angels Camp also have a great selection of products for the four legged. Valley Springs Feed & Pet Supply has everything your dog might need while spending a few days on vacation.

If you’d like more dog-friendly recommendations (and there is so much more in Calaveras), please feel free to call us at the Calaveras Visitors Bureau at 209-736-0049 or drop us an email at info@gocalaveras.com.  We would love to help you and your puppos plan your next visit to Calaveras!

DOGGIE DOCTORS & DAYCARE…just in case

Arnold Pet Clinic – 209-795-4471  1114 Blagen Road, Arnold

Angels Camp Veterinary Hospital – 209-736-0488  1997 Deer Creek Road, Angels Camp

Motherlode Veterinary Hospital – 209-728-3423  382 Highway 4, Murphys

Calaveras Veterinary Clinic – 209-754-5123  1910 Gold Strike Road, San Andreas

Town & Country Pet Resorts – 209-772-1972  4442 Penn Mine Road, Campo Seco

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