Tamarack Lodge, a classic log skier’s retreat dating to 1924, has a cozy lobby where guests gather in the evenings, an acclaimed restaurant and comfy cabins where uprights are allowed to stay overnight with their four-legged masters.
At the classy Westin Monache, canine visitors are treated with miniature “Heavenly Beds,” food and water bowls, and lots of recommendations for dog-friendly places to go and things to do in the area. At Edelweiss Lodge, spayed or neutered dogs are welcomed with a basket containing treats, bowls for food and water, pick-up bags, sheets to protect furniture and temporary local tags. Prefer a vacation home rental? Beautiful Snowcreek Resort offers many pet-friendly choices.
Regardless of where you hang your leash, the Mammoth Lakes area is a leaf-peeper’s paradise webbed with dog-friendly national forest trails that you’re welcome to explore leash-free. Leash laws are in effect at Devil’s Postpile National Monument, but don’t let that stop you from exploring this awesome formation of polygonal basalt columns and 100-foot-high Rainbow Falls during the mid-June to mid-October season.
Another sure bet for knock-your-socks-off color is crystal-clear Convict Lake, an achingly beautiful cirque of blue rimmed by aspens and surrounded by towering granite peaks that make it one of the most photographed fall color spots in the Eastern Sierra. You can walk the mostly-flat perimeter trail with Rover any time, but if you book a pet-friendly cabin at Convict Lake Resort, you’ll wake up to find yourself in a pink-and-gold wonderland.
Other places you don’t want to miss include McGee Creek Canyon, where the color during peak season gets intense about a mile from the road; and Hot Creek, a thermal stream with pools popular—if not necessarily safe—for soaking. Fido can look, but don’t let him get into hot water.
Photo: Dog With a View – Jenn Gleckman (CC)
