Pt. Reyes National Seashore

An easy to get to low elevation option available year round. Temperate coastal climates, whale watching, birding, and beaches.

Southern sierra

Rugged peaks, giant sequoias, emerald lakes and granite galore, the Southern Sierra is an iconic mountain experience. It doesn't hurt that highway 395 is lined with hot springs, either. 

Coastal range

From the bucket list "Lost Coast" to the under appreciated granite slabs and crystalline creeks of the Trinity Alps, the coastal range is low elevation and unprecedented in its grandeur. 

Sierra Nevada

A close option for residents of the Bay Area and the Sacramento valley, the Mokolumne, Desolation, and Emigrant Wilderness, along with Tahoe National Forest, provide easily accessed well maintained trails to high elevation lakes, meadows, wildflowers and snow capped peaks. 

Build your own adventure

For the adventurous with a little more time, A Girl and Her Dog can customize your dream destination backpacking trip. From Grand Canyon to Mount Rainier, contact us to discuss your next challenge. 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

While we are open to trips from one night to many, we've found that for a first time backpacker, two nights is the perfect length of time for most folks to experience the healing power of granite. It gives you ample time to soak ankles in a cool creek, read a book by a lake, or explore the area by day hike. Below is a sample itinerary to give you an idea. Feel free to contact A Girl and Her Dog with any questions. 

Day 1: 

AM: Meet at pre-determined location and caravan to trailhead.  At trailhead, review gear, aspects of packing, expectations, and pack fitting. Hike to destination with plenty of water, snack, and lunch breaks, and a few good photo ops. 

PM: Set up camp, discuss Leave No Trace Principles, enjoy dinner, possibly a fire and s'mores, and stargaze as the sun sets. 

Day 2: 

AM:  Leisurely morning with coffee and breakfast.

Day:  Choice of....

          - day hike to surrounding lakes, view points, or peaks  

          - relaxing day reading a book by a lake

          - breaking camp and continuing on to camp at a different lake

PM:   Dinner and stargazing/ camp setup if relocating

Day 3: 

AM:   Leisurely morning lakeside with coffee and breakfast. 

          Optional departure after breakfast, or short day hike, then break camp, head back to trailhead. 

Afternoon/PM: Depart trailhead for home. 

A Note on Dogs: 

We love them. We have them. We named our company after one of them- dogs just make the world a better place. Dogs in the backcountry are a privilege, and are only allowed if they are under voice command or stay on a leash, have some "street sense" (i.e. won't jump into a raging creek at the first opportunity or disappear after a squirrel) and are friendly with other dogs. It is recommended to leave your pupper at home for your first backpacking trip for a few reasons. First, many dogs are not in trail shape; the trail can be hot and hard on the tender footed who aren't daily hikers, and difficult for those four leggeds who are of the couch potato variety. Second, having an added responsibility when you are new to backpacking can take away from your pleasurable, relaxing experience. 

If you think your pup meets the criteria, and you would still like to try to bring him or her, please contact us prior to your trip.