But before you head into the wilds with your dog, it’s important to choose your trail carefully, carry a GPS tracker, know your pets (and your own) limitations, and let others know exactly where you’re going and when you plan to return.
Hiking with dogs requires only slightly more planning. Rules and regulations vary according to trail-head and park areas, so be sure to contact your local forest service before taking your pets along. Start slowly and work into more intense trail heads or you may find yourself carrying an exhausted dog out in your backpack.
There’s a hike for whatever part of the country you’re in and whatever skill level you’re working around, but these are a few of our favorite day hikes around the country.
[note style=”5″ type=”warning” icon=”yes”]Your dog should never carry a pack that is more than 20% of his weight, but tasking your pet with a job is great way to tire them a little faster.[/note] [heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Southwest: First Water Trail near Apache Junction, Arizona[/heading]Only thirty minutes from Phoenix lies a mountain rife with legends and maybe even gold. We start off with my hometown because it’s an area I know and love. You may think it’s too hot to hike in the desert, but think again – Arizona has some of the most hauntingly beautiful country in the world and October is a perfect time to go out and see it all. The wildflowers and cacti are just beginning to think about flowering and the wildlife you don’t want are heading into hibernation.
A word of warning – the Superstitions may appear simple to navigate. It is not. There are thousands of slot canyons and dangerous cliffs. You can get turned around so fast it will make your head spin. It’s very important that you stay on the well-marked trails.
It’s a good idea to get your dog snake-trained, but it’s not necessary. Just stay alert and keep your dog on a leash at all times – there are simply too many things that can hurt your pets.
[box style=”soft” title=”Trail Tip:” box_color=”#006666″ radius=”9″]Most trail hikes within national forests require a park pass. You can pick yours up at any outdoor shop, the ranger station or by leaving payment in box at the site.[/box]We strongly recommend a set of hiking boots (like these Summit Trex from Ruffwear)
[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Pacific Northwest: Eagle Creek near Portland, Oregon[/heading]
Only 45 minutes from Portland, Eagle Creek is a well-marked trail that stays busy most weekends. Your payoff includes spawning salmon in late fall and lush, and cool, rich foliage all summer.
You’ll traverse 12.5 miles round-trip and you’ll gain 1,200 feet in elevation, but the scenery profiles six major waterfalls, old growth forests and is a perfect introduction to the diverse Oregon climate.
[load_module id=”579″] [box style=”soft” title=”Tip:” box_color=”#006666″ radius=”9″]Check the state park website for off-leash day hikes, on-leash day hikes and regional trails. Washington trails Association is a great place to start for dog options.[/box]Looking for Salmon on the Columbia River? This is the place to go. In fact, they even have a Salmon Cam!
[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]East Coast: Shenandoah National Park, Luray VA[/heading]
A billion years ago, the Blue Ridge Mountains rose from the earth and were higher than the Rockies, becoming one of the first mountain ranges in our history.
Time has weathered this ridge and has created one of the most beautiful hiking ranges in the world. With sweeping views of mountains and scenic meadows of wildflowers, Shenandoah offers a hike for every level of experience.
- Water: Bring water for you and your pet (one gallon for you, 3 liters for each dog). Dogs should not drink from unknown sources due to the danger of invisible parasites. Carry bouillon cubes or a small packet of dehydrated goat’s milk to encourage your pet to drink.
- Reflective Leash and Collar or Harness/Pack: Your pet should always be wearing a collar and proper ID tags. Make sure your dog is never mistaken as a threat by making sure they are wearing reflective gear. Keep dogs on a leash at all times.
- Bowls: Bring along a collapsible bowl for your dog’s water and food. They are lightweight and easy to clean on the hike.
- Picture ID: Be sure you have a recent picture of your pet in case the unthinkable happens.
- Poop baggies: Make sure you can (and do) clean up after your pet.
- K-9 First Aid Kit: Be sure you have gauze (enough to wrap an injured paw), flex-tape, and antibiotic cream.
- Natural Pest Control: Be sure you keep your pet protected from mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other pests. There are many natural pest control sprays that will deter them from your pet (and you). Never use a spray intended for a human on a dog.
[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]West Coast: Solstice Canyon, CA[/heading]
If you’re cruising the coastline and find yourself near Malibu, take the path less traveled with a detour into Solstice Canyon. You’ll find the trailhead off the Pacific Coast Highway near Corral Canyon Park.
Your reward for locating this hidden jewel is a lush waterfall and giant boulders to climb on. Other highlights include the oldest “still-standing” stone building in Malibu, a small creek, shaded hiking and the ruins of a mansion. This 6.9 mile hike is well-marked and dog-friendly, but keep an eye out for the occasional snake.
[load_module id=”581″] [box style=”soft” title=”Tip:” box_color=”#006666″ radius=”9″]Consider having your dog snake-trained and/or vaccinated if you frequent areas with high rattlesnake populations.[/box] [box title=”Trail Etiquette” box_color=”#996633″]- Keep It Clean: The only waste in a forest should be from woodland creatures. Be sure to pick up after your pet as they can pass along diseases to the wildlife and destroy local fauna.
- Respect Wildlife: Never allow your dog to chase a squirrel or bird.
- Protect Vegetation: Remember, the higher you travel, the more delicate the vegetation. It can take only seconds for your pet to destroy a flower that took months to grow.
- Keep Dogs on Leash: Your dog should always be on leash so as not to frighten other hikers, chase wildlife, or become endangered.
- Yield to Horses & Hikers: If you meet a horse or another hiker on the trail, it’s courteous to step off the trail with your dog and allow others to pass by unmolested.
Follow the Rules: Be respectful of our forests so we can continue to bring our pets with us on hikes.