Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

With 19,500 acres to explore, it's easy to spend a few days at the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Nestled at the base of the Sierra foothills, this expansive site features miles of shoreline and waterside trails, scenic panoramas of the Sierra Nevada and Sacramento Valley, and two reservoirs, Folsom and Natoma, drawing millions of outdoor enthusiasts each year. The best part is, dogs are welcome at Folsom Lake, so you don't have to leave your best friend at home when you visit!

If your pup loves taking long walks and climbing over rocks and things, they'll be pleased to know that Folsom Lake offers 95 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, and four-legged adventurers. For a moderate hike, hit the 14-mile Pioneer Express Trail, which is part of the 50-mile Western States/Pioneer Express National Recreation Trail, or the 16-mile Darrington Trail, which is located on the south fork of Folsom Lake near Salmon Falls. If you prefer to take it easy, head to the 2-mile Oaks Nature Trail, which provides pawsome views of the lake and an introduction to the area's flora and fauna via several interpretive stops.

Whichever paths you choose, always observe good trail petiquette by keeping your doggo on a leash and cleaning up after them. Stay alert for poison oak, rattlesnakes, bobcats, and mountain lions, but be sure to enjoy the scenery as well. If you're near the water, look for kingfishers, grebes, red-tailed hawks, eagles, and other bird species.

After you and Fido have gotten a good workout in, you can rest your feet and paws at one of the many picnic areas scattered throughout the site, which include spots at Willow Creek, Nimbus Flat, and Beals Point. The SRA also has a couple of campgrounds where you and your pooch can spend the night. Depending on which part of Lake Folsom you visit, be prepared to shell out a day use fee of $5 to $12. Camping fees start at $33 during peak seasons.

Experience the puptacular natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada with your furry pal at the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area!