Dog walking in Hughson

West Side (West Modesto)

The Modesto Dog Park at Elk Park is just a twenty-minute drive from Hughson, so you’d need to be barking mad not to check it out! The park is huge -- there’s enough room here for even the most energetic fur ball to leap about to their heart’s content. There’s a separate area for small dogs so your pooch can socialize no matter their size, and waste bags and toys are provided. As an added bonus, there’s an entrance to the Virginia Corridor Trailway nearby! The trail is still being completed, but a stretch of the eight mile walk makes a fabulous warm-up or cool-down.

East La Loma Park

If your pooch likes hiking, a walk on the Dry Creek Trail is sure to get their tail wagging! According to local legend, the trail is haunted by the heartbroken ghost of a poor farmhand, pining for the love of a rich banker’s daughter. Don’t worry, though -- whether you and your pup are superstitious or skeptics, it’s difficult to be scared when you walk through dappled sunlight under mature trees! As the trail winds into East La Loma Park, you’ll notice a couple of wooden obstacles that your furry friend can leap over. Remember to bring waste bags and water!

Bystrom

Looking for a pretty place to stretch all six of your legs? Consider checking out the Tuolumne River Regional Park! The park’s 500 acres run alongside the river for seven miles and feature a pawesome paved trail with fabulous views over the water. The walk is well-shaded by gorgeous walnut trees, so there’s no need to worry about your furry friend overheating in the California sun. Careful, though -- the trail is popular with cyclists, so keep an eye out for speeding bikes! Two-legged family members might appreciate the two playgrounds, and there are plenty of spots for barbecuing.

Oakdale

The Oakdale Dog Park is a little difficult to find -- it’s tucked away on Crane Road, just outside of town -- but once your pooch gets inside those double gates, you two might decide the search was worth it! Like the park in Modesto, the dog run has separate areas for large and small dogs, but unlike the Modesto park, the surface here is grass, not sand. You might need to bring a towel for post-play cleanup. Bags, toys, and water are all provided, so all you need to do is BYOB (Bring Your Own Beast)!

Countryside

The Swanson Centennial Dog Park in Turlock is a real mutts-visit! Unlike the park in Oakdale, the off-leash area is well shaded by large sycamore trees. Not only that, but the area is huge -- there’s plenty of space for your pooch to run around and tire themselves out in, or for a spirited game of catch. There’s also a couple of benches so tired pet parents can take a load off and watch their pups play! Unfortunately, though, there’s no separate small dog area, so be mindful of your tyke’s temperament. Don't forget to bring waste bags and water.