Top public and private dog hiking trails in Castro Valley, California

The Gulch Lake

The ultimate dog escape! A certified organic ranch and dreamy lake surrounded by rolling hills! Your dogs can experience wild foul, fish and cattle or spend their time time swimming away at the lake! There is a picnic table (not in the best shape, but can fit about 4 people) for your stuff and a great combination of sun and shade surrounding the lake! We recently added a 1.2 mile trail around our property. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Accessing our lake requires a bit of a walk through uneven terrain with cow holes, which may be challenging for some. If you have difficulty walking on rough ground, this Sniffspot may not be the best fit. While there is a path, it is not perfectly smooth, and less active visitors may find it hard to navigate. Cows do roam freely in the same field. They are harmless, but please be sure to close all gates securely when entering or leaving the area. We recommend ignoring the cows—they’ll leave you alone if you do the same. Our house is the only house on the right side of the road. Please do not stop/disturb the first houses on the left side of the driveway. Keep coming down our driveway and park near the light blue green house on the right. If you’re wondering if we test for toxic blue green algae, the answer is yes! The test was negative! Please see our pictures for confirmation of a negative test! Test performed on 6/1/25

40 acres of private hiking trails

We are a 40 acre private family run horse ranch. We boast 2.3 miles of private trail systems perfect for those tired of the dangers of loose uncontrolled dogs in our public spaces. Take a private hike on foot, or save your legs and add on an ATV fun run adventure. Either way You, and your dog are sure to have a blast! Follow us on Instagram: Urbancowgirlranchdogs to check out some dogs enjoying their adventures ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xmVI86C6dj62uhUuAIiMWauDXmNYOtY3u28DkpGdA5Q/edit?usp=sharing

Redwood Place Dog Park

Redwood Place Dog Park in Sunnyvale, California, is an unfenced park located at 1 AMD Pl. It offers amenities such as dog drinking water, tables, an indoor restroom, and a trail for dogs to enjoy. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, visit sunnyvale.ca.gov or email rec@sunnyvale.ca.gov.

Park hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 7 days per Week

10 Acres of "Sniffari" Heaven: Private Farm & Orchard Retreat

Escape the city noise and give your dog 10 acres of fully fenced, secure freedom! Tired of the same old walk around the block? Our farm offers a massive landscape for your pup to explore. From hiking the hills for stunning mountain views to wandering through fruit orchards and our seasonal creek, it’s the ultimate sensory adventure. The Farm Experience Your dog can see and smell our resident farm animals (including horses!) from the safety of their enclosed pastures. It’s a wonderful socialization opportunity for curious pups who want to experience the sights and sounds of country life. Our "Good Neighbor" Policy To ensure a peaceful environment for our resident animals, our neighbors, and other guests, we require all visitors to adhere to the following: • Respect the Residents: Our farm animals live here. This space is not suitable for dogs with high predatory drive or those who will obsessively bark at, charge, or "fence-fight" with the livestock. • The "One Warning" Rule: If a dog is unable to settle and continues to harass the animals or disrupt the peace of the farm, we reserve the right to end the session early to ensure everyone’s safety. Guests who leave on their own will be fully refunded. If we have to intervene there will be no refund. • Safety Zone: If your dog is a "vocal" explorer or unsure of livestock, please utilize our smaller enclosed dog park area. It’s perfect for off-leash fun with an extra layer of security. • Leave No Trace: Please pick up after your pup. Why Choose Us? • Fully Private: No surprise off-leash dogs. Just you, your pup, and the mountains. • Diverse Terrain: Trails, hills, and flat play areas. • Extended Care: Ask about our Doggy Daycare and Overnight Boarding services!