Exploring Utica and Union: A Perfect Day Trip with Dogs

Utica & Union Reservoirs are 2 small picturesque reservoirs near Bear Valley, CA. They are located on Spicer Reservoir Road off Highway 4. The reservoirs can be popular in the summer for kayaking, paddle boarding, camping, dispersed camping, and backpacking but in the off season the area was pretty peaceful and quiet.

Union Reservoir

We hiked around both reservoirs, found some fresh bear poop, saw a few deer, and Luna enjoyed swimming in both reservoirs.

Cold swim at Union Reservoir

Reactive Note-Linus did not come on this trip but it would’ve been a great day for him. Even though it was a weekend, a September Saturday, we only saw a few other dogs-one dog getting out of a kayak, and a couple leashed dogs at one of the campgrounds. On the hike along Union Reservoir to Elephant Rock and beyond, we only saw a couple other hikers, and no dogs. So Linus definitely would’ve enjoyed this trip.

Other Tips-In the winter, Spicer Road is Spicer SNO-PARK, a great area to snowshoe and cross country ski. Luna and Linus love it too. More on that when we get some snow in the mountains.

Packing List-This was a day trip so our packing list was light. Water, towels-to dry Luna off and also for her to lay on in the car, and food for dinner. We bring Steve’s Real Food Freeze Dried Raw Nuggets combined with some Portland Pet Food meal mixers on all our camping, road and day trips. Both Luna and Linus have sensitive stomachs, so these foods are easy to pack, and also easy on their stomachs.

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