Joseph D. Grant County Park

If you have a curious pup who loves to climb over rocks and things, treat them to an outdoor adventure at the Joseph D. Grant County Park! Covering almost 11,000 acres in the hills east of San Jose, this extensive site is the largest park in the Santa Clara County System and boasts 51 miles of hiking trails! Featuring some of the county's finest open space resources and myriad recreational activities, Grant Park is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts both human and canine.

Leashed doggos are allowed on all trails at Grant Park, so leash up and let the fun begin! Make sure your pooch is well-versed in proper trail petiquette, as you'll be sharing the paths with equestrians and mountain bikers. For a relatively easy trek, follow the Hotel, Loop, and Bass Lake Trails, which will lead you and your pup from the Ranch House to Bass Lake and back on a 2-mile loop. For more of a challenge, hit the Washburn Trail, which features one of the most difficult grades in the Bay Area.

Whichever routes you take, you and Fido will be rewarded with pawsome views of the area's hills and lakes. You might also encounter some cattle grazing and wild pigs lounging along the way. And while the park is beautiful all year round, the wildflowers are especially puptacular during spring. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen, as shade is limited on the trails.

After your hike, you and your pooch can refuel with a packed lunch at one of the shaded picnic areas. If you'd like extend your adventure, Grant Park has two main campgrounds that you and Fido can call home for the next few days. There are about 40 reservable family campsites, with each one allowing a maximum of two pets. Be sure to bring along some water and clean-up bags for your adventure!

For an unfurgettable, dog-friendly outing in east Santa Clara Valley, you can't go wrong with the Joseph D. Grant County Park!