Dog-Friendly Truckee

There’s only one family member more excited than you for a vacation to the mountains and that’s your furry four-legged sidekick. Truckee doesn’t just like dogs, it's in love with them. With a little bit of planning, you and your canine will have the best trip ever. And we’re here to help ensure that’s exactly what happens.

Dog-Friendly Lodging

Be it a home away from home to living in the dog bed of luxury, Truckee covers the entire spectrum of dog-friendly lodging options.

Spoil your doggo with a stay at Truckee’s dog-friendly hotels, lodges, and inns. To browse and book Truckee pet-friendly lodging, select "Pets Welcome" under the Popular Features & Amenities filter in the Truckee booking engine.

If a dog-friendly hotel room is booked in advance at Gravity Haus, you’ll find the room setup with their own in-room doggie bed, bowl, and treats! Stay at Best Western Plus Truckee-Tahoe and be a wagging tail away from the Truckee River Legacy Trail, a dog-friendly scenic paved path with river access. The dog friendly rooms are close to the private back parking lot allowing for quick easy potty trips. Pet guests are also welcome at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee not too far from Northstar Resort as well as Springhill Suites which is located easily off of I-80. And find many more dog-friendly Truckee hotel options.

And then there are a host of Truckee dog-friendly mountain homes that accept all dogs of shapes and sizes with backyards or grassy areas nearby. With plenty of space, booking a vacation rental will feel just like home. Regardless if you stay in a hotel or a cottage, you’ll be near a trailhead that allows you and your friend to easily get some fresh air.

Dog-Friendly Hikes

Explore a different trail every day in Truckee. The majority of the area surrounding Truckee is managed by the Tahoe National Forest, which means your dog is welcome to just about any of the trails. Depending on how much time you have, there are quick jaunts to full-day excursions to pick from. Enjoy a hike or ride together at Sawtooth Trails, Donner Rim Trail, or the Emigrant Trail. Donner Memorial State Park welcomes dogs on leash. If you want to mix a little doggie paddle with your hike, consider hitting up the Pacific Crest Trail between Sugar Bowl and Boreal.

Truckee also has 26+ miles of scenic paved trails for a dog walk, run, or hike, all of which invite your pup to tag along! These dog-friendly trails have poop bag stations and trash receptacles along the way to help keep the trail clean. As a bonus, over 20 miles of Truckee's paved trails are plowed in winter and free of snow.

Looking for more easy hikes with beautiful scenery? Start with these seven dog-friendly hikes. Beautiful year-round, especially for fall colors!

Leave No Poop! Pet waste contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can harm Truckee’s rivers and lakes. Please remember to clean up after your pet. Pick up dog waste and dispose of poop bags in the trash.

Leap Into Summer At A Dog-Friendly Beach

Nothing beats a dip in a lake for your pup. Spend time together on Donner Lakes 37 public piers and take a leap in to cool off, just minutes from downtown Truckee. Many of the reservoirs near Truckee such as Prosser and Boca have miles of shoreline giving you the space and room to play fetch on the shoreline. Heading to Tahoe for the afternoon? On the north shore, Patton Beach is known to be one of the most popular dog beaches. Dogs are allowed under strict voice command or leash on the East end of the beach. For more dog friendly beaches and for any other occasion - Take A Dip Into The Best Beaches In Truckee & North Lake Tahoe.

Dog-Friendly Winter Outings

Winter in Truckee offers just as many dog-friendly options as summer but with snow! Many of the same trails in the Tahoe National Forest that are accessible via hiking boots in summer are accessible on a pair of skis or snowshoes in winter. Or just head up to Donner Summit Sno-Park to let your pup frolic in the snow.

On the days when you don’t feel like lugging the snowshoes or touring gear, there are plenty of snow-free paved trails that are plowed all winter long for fresh air and stretching the legs. A personal favorite of both locals and visitors is the Truckee River Legacy Trail. The sound of the water rushing by. The cold nip in the air. Banks and river rocks covered in their winter best. What more could you and your companion ask for?

Brews And Your Pup

Enjoy the warm sun and a refreshing frosty pint on one of our many dog-friendly patios. As the summer weather arrives, many of our breweries open their arms to Fido and allow them all to join in on the fun on their outdoor patios such as Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House, and Fifty Fifty Brewing. Even have an al fresco lunch at Moody’s or Jax at the Tracks.

Must Stop Shops for Dog Lovers

If you like heading out into the great outdoors with your pup, you must stop at Wild and Ruff. The store is filled with products designed by the owner with feedback from Search and Rescue teams for the outdoor loving, adventuring dog owner. Forgot their kibble or lost their toy in the woods? Don’t worry. Pet Station in Truckee is a full service pet store that offers a variety of pet supplies at competitive prices. Plus, their knowledgeable staff will help you find whatever you need from their large selection of food, supplies, and more. And as always, Mountain Hardware and Sports is your one stop shop for all things in Truckee including dog gear such as travel bowls and dog collars. Finally, if your furry family member enjoyed playing in the forest or dipping themselves in the Truckee River a bit too much, there are a variety of dog groomers that can help clean them up.

When Fido Can't Join

While Truckee is a dog-friendly town, there are certain times they can’t join. No problem… we’ve got you covered! Give your furry family members the royal treatment with a stay at the Truckee Tahoe Pet Lodge. Or have your pup enjoy socializing with a small group of likeminded tail wagging friends at the Donner Truckee Vet Hospital boarding or doggie daycare. Truckee is home to an array of pet sitting services for your pooch so they can have as much fun as you.

The dog-friendly aerial tram at Palisades Tahoe with Lake Tahoe and summer wildflowers in the background.

Featured Experience

Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram

Taking the tram in summer is for the dogs. As skiing finishes at Palisades Tahoe, the iconic aerial tram allows you and your pup to hop on. Depending on how good you feel, you have the option to take the tram to High Camp (8,200’) and explore the trails and enjoy a meal at the restaurant at the top. Or you can ascend up the 3 mile long Shirley Lake Trail. It's a 3-hour hike with a rest stop at the popular dog-friendly swimming hole, Shirley Lake.

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