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Yolo County

Routes
Hikes

Yolo County

The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Yolo County

4.8

(12)

465

hikers

7

hikes

Dog friendly hiking trails in Yolo County traverse a varied landscape, from flat wetlands and riparian corridors to rolling hills and canyons. The region is characterized by waterways like Putah Creek and Cache Creek, oak woodlands, and open chaparral. Elevations range from near sea level along the Sacramento River to over 2,200 feet in the Blue Ridge hills. This diverse terrain provides a range of options for outdoor activities.

Best dog friendly hiking trails in Yolo County

  • The most popular…

Last updated: July 8, 2026

4.5

(2)

58

hikers

#1.

UC Davis Arboretum Trail

7.14km

01:49

20m

20m

The UC Davis Arboretum Trail offers a delightful and easy escape into a vibrant botanical world, perfect for a leisurely stroll. This 4.4-mile (7.1 km) route, with a negligible 54…

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Easy

4.0

(1)

3

hikers

The West Sacramento River Walk offers a delightful blend of urban scenery and natural beauty, making it a fantastic option for an easy outing. You'll traverse flat, paved paths and…

Moderate
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1

hikers

Hike the challenging 20.6-mile American River Bike Trail in Sacramento, featuring river views, parks, and the Guy West Bridge.

Hard

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

13

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

Lisa
May 27, 2025, Log Cabin Gallery in the former Boy Scout Cabin

This wooden cabin was built by two Boy Scout troops in 1927, with help from the Davis Rotary Club, which donated quite a few supplies for the construction. For two years in the 1950s the cabin served as a nursery school, and in 2000 the Boy Scouts vacated the cabin after ongoing disputes traced back to discriminatory practices.

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Sue
August 9, 2024, Yolo County Park

This little park along the river is wonderful. It has beautiful shade trees, picnic tables, and restrooms. It is a lovely place to spend a few hours enjoying the peaceful surroundings, especially on a hot day.

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maniboyflex
November 26, 2023, Lake Spafford

Lake Spafford is a segment of the original channel of Putah Creek, with a trail system that goes around the lake. It’s an artificial lake created as the result of dredging back in the 1870s when the city was still being developed.

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Large park entered around the historic site of Sutter's Landing on the south bank of the Sacramento River with meadows, picnic areas, restrooms, and riverside trails.

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This beautiful trail is perfect for bird watching, fishing, hiking and also road biking. Therefore, you will rarely be alone and it is likely that you will meet other adventurers during your trip. The route is accessible all year round and is worth a trip at any time of the year. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.

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Anette
December 5, 2022, Guy West Bridge

The Guy West Bridge is a suspension bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists over the American River in Sacramento, California's Sacramento County. It connects the campus of California State University at Sacramento with the neighboring Commons campus.

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Anette
December 5, 2022, River Bend Park

This beautiful park on the American River is a nice place to hike and relax. There are also plenty of recreation areas. You have to pay an entrance fee, for more information click here: https://regionalparks.saccounty.gov/Parks/Pages/RiverBendPark.aspx.

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The historic pioneer cabin at the entrance to town was built by members of the Davis Rotary Club for use by local Boy Scout troops in 1927. This cabin is an example of a continued fondness for the rustic forms and images of pioneer America. It was the Rotary Club's first local community project. Stones for the cabin were gathered by the Boy Scouts and transported from a nearby creek by trucks. Telephone pole cedar logs were donated by Pacific Gas & Electric Co, the other supplies by the Davis Rotary Club. Originally built on UC Davis-leased land, the university had been renting the parcel to the Boy Scouts since the construction of the cabin in 1927, but the city took over the lease in order to build a public parking lot next to the cabin. Since that time, the Boy Scouts paid the city $1/year for a land tenancy sublease, but co-owned the cabin with the Davis Rotary Club. In 1999 the city's Human Relations Commission cited the Boy Scouts' stance on not admitting gay leaders and atheists in making its recommendation to the City Council to cancel the lease. The scouts vacated the cabin in 2002. The nearby John Natsoulas Art Gallery, now called the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, is the largest of the Davis art galleries. They operate the Log Cabin Gallery, by appointment, in the former Boy Scout Cabin. https://localwiki.org/davis/Boy_Scout_Cabin

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog-friendly hiking trails are available in Yolo County?

There are 8 dog-friendly hiking trails in Yolo County featured in this guide, offering a variety of experiences for you and your canine companion. These range from easy strolls to more challenging treks.

What is the best time of year to hike with my dog in Yolo County?

Spring, from March to May, is an excellent time to visit Yolo County with your dog. The temperatures are mild, the landscapes are vibrant green, and wildflowers are abundant. This makes for a comfortable and scenic hiking experience for both of you.

Are there any easy, short dog-friendly hikes suitable for beginners or older dogs?

Yes, Yolo County offers several easy and relatively short options. The Lake Spafford – Lake Spafford loop from Davis is an easy 5 km (3.1 mi) hike, perfect for a relaxed outing. Another great choice is the UC Davis Arboretum Trail, which is 7.1 km (4.4 mi) and winds through diverse gardens.

Where can I find dog-friendly trails with good views in Yolo County?

For trails with rewarding views, consider exploring areas within Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park. While specific routes aren't detailed here, the park is known for its rugged canyons and oak woodlands, offering panoramic vistas, especially from higher elevations like Fiske Peak. The West Sacramento River Walk also provides pleasant urban views along the Sacramento River.

Are there any dog-friendly loop trails in Yolo County?

Yes, for a convenient loop experience, you can try the Lake Spafford – Lake Spafford loop from UC Davis Health Stadium. This easy 5.9 km (3.7 mi) route offers a pleasant walk around the lake, bringing you back to your starting point.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see on dog-friendly hikes in Yolo County?

Yolo County's trails traverse diverse environments. You can expect to see oak woodlands, vibrant wildflower meadows (especially in spring), and riparian habitats along waterways like Putah Creek and Cache Creek. The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area offers vast wetlands, perfect for birdwatching.

Are there any challenging dog-friendly hikes for experienced hikers?

For those seeking a more challenging adventure with their dog, the American River Bike Trail, though long at 33.2 km (20.6 mi), is rated as difficult and offers a significant distance challenge. Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve also provides exhilarating hiking with steep slopes and rocky terrain, rewarding hikers with sweeping views of Lake Berryessa.

What do other hikers say about the dog-friendly trails in Yolo County?

The dog-friendly trails in Yolo County are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from peaceful riparian areas to scenic rolling hills, and the overall accessibility for enjoying nature with their dogs.

Are there any specific attractions or landmarks near the dog-friendly trails?

Many trails offer proximity to interesting sights. For instance, the trails around Davis are close to Lake Spafford. If you venture towards West Sacramento, you might see landmarks like the Tower Bridge or the Delta King Hotel along the Sacramento River Front.

Are there any specific regulations or permits needed for dog-friendly trails in Yolo County?

While specific permits for general hiking are not typically required for most public trails in Yolo County, it's always advisable to check the individual park or reserve websites for the most current regulations regarding dogs, especially concerning leash laws and waste disposal. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you carry waste bags.

Can I find trails suitable for birdwatching with my dog?

Absolutely! The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a vast wetland conservation area that offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities from its levee trails. The Putah Creek Riparian Reserve also provides shaded trails along the creek, perfect for observing local birdlife in a peaceful setting with your leashed dog.

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