One of the few places you and your dog can go for a sail. And fish! You’ll want to spend the day, the night, or the weekend at Del Valle Regional Park, with 5,000 acres, a five-mile-long lake, a full range of activities, and a big welcome mat for canine family members. It’s another world from the daily grind, with peaceful views of rolling, oak-dotted hills as far as the eye can see.
Dogs are allowed on leash in the picnic and most other developed areas; they are also welcome on most rental boats. There are miles and miles of trails to explore off leash; a great place to start is the designated dog run, which starts at the cow gate just past the boat launch area. An easy, tree-lined path winds above the lake, offering numerous opportunities to head down to the beach and pick out a spot for a picnic or a bit of water fetch. The fishing, from boat and shore, is excellent, which you and/or Skipper may find thrilling. (To take advantage of this, you will need a California fishing license, and also an EBRPD Daily Fishing Access Permit, which you can buy on site.)
Downtown Livermore has lots of places to pick up a picnic lunch, and you’ll be passing wineries large and small on your way out of town.
Tip: Keep a leash handy at all times even in off-leash areas, for everyone’s safety, and be sure to carry plenty of water.
Del Valle is home to rattlesnakes, so be cautious when walking your dog off leash, particularly in the summer months.
The park is popular with equestrians, so be prepared to meet horses on the trail, and always observe good trail etiquette.
