Debbi Preston was inspired to write 48 Dog-Friendly Trails when she began hiking in California with the intention of finding places to exercise her dog. When the snow came to the mountains, the hiking opportunities dwindled, so she began investigating places to hike at lower elevations, which would allow her to continue hiking year-round. What resulted was this guide to hiking trails for all skill levels.

48 Dog-Friendly Trails is organized month-by-month, beginning in January. Preston chose this format to help encourage New Year's resolutions and also to increase the difficulty of the trails as the guide progresses in the hope that hikers will build their endurance and be able to tackle more formidable hikes in later months.
Although Preston lists trails for intermediate and experienced hikers, every month has at least one hike suitable for those with physical limitations. She also provides suggestions for modifying hikes to make an easier outing for those less able. "My hope is to get everyone out into nature, get exercise, but still be able to enjoy the outing based on one's capability," she says.
Another unique aspect to 48 Dog-Friendly Trails is the attention Preston pays to the cycles of nature, providing a true year-round hiking experience. She factors in weather conditions, crowd size and features of the hike such as wildflowers and waterfalls. Each month of the year features four hikes suitable to that specific month.
Most important, all of the trails Preston lists are dog friendly, combining places for off-leash running possibilities with those having leash requirements. Each hike takes one day or less, is easily reached from the Sacramento, California area, and most of the hikes are free to all users. Hikes are ranked in difficulty, with "1" being the easiest and "5" the most difficult. There is only one trail in the guide rated a "5": the hike to the top of Mount Tallac, which is 4.7 miles and takes the hiker 3,300 feet in elevation with sections of very steep, slippery loose rocks. "By October, ideally you will be ready to attempt the hike to the top of Mt. Tallac," Preston says.
48 Dog-Friendly Trails lists suggestions for restaurants, historical sites, wineries, shopping and bakeries near the hiking sites. The index indicates which trails are child-friendly, feature waterfalls, fall colors, wildflowers, offer swimming, gold panning or fishing opportunities. The index also marks the more physically accessible hikes, as well as the ones with a fee. This guide is truly a must-have for anyone living in or planning to visit the California foothills or Sierra Nevada Mountains.