Hiking with Your Dog: Series 002

Mar 1, 2012 by DailyPuppyCharm

Introducing our newest series of posts, Hiking with Your Dog to encourage both the dog and owner(s), perhaps even a friend or two to get out and take a hike! But before you run off to the nearest trail (where dogs are allowed) please follow these safety precautions because there is nothing better than a well-behaved dog and prepared owner on the trail.

1) Your dog should be trained to walk well and quietly on a leash.

2) You should be able to control your dog if any circumstances arise.

3) Pick-up after your dog’s poop and dispose of it properly.

4) Bring water for both you and your dog.

5) Plan ahead! Do your research or ask park officials if pets are allowed, if it’s an on-leash or off-leash trail and if trail conditions are suitable.

Lost Man Trail Loop (Aspen, CO)
This hike, in the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness where leash laws apply, offers you and your canine companion three options, depending on your and your dog’s hiking abilities, stamina, available time, and weather. The first option is a short hike to Linkins Lake, situated above timberline and just below the summit of Independence Pass. The second option is to continue along Lost Man Creek to Independence Lake, another gorgeous alpine lake, but one offering more solitude than Linkins Lake. If the weather and your and your dog’s stamina hold, you may want to consider option three. It continues to the saddle above Independence Lake, the highest point on this trail, for superb views of the Continental Divide and the Roaring Fork River valley. Then complete a half loop back to Lost Man Campground.

Frosty Mountain Trail (Amicalola, GA)
Frosty Mountain is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, a short distance from Amicalola Falls State Park. To hike this loop in a counterclockwise direction, start at the Amicalola Falls visitor center and follow the blue-blazed Approach Trail for 1.1 miles to the top of Amicalola Falls near Amicalola Lodge.

Pyramid and Ball Lakes Trail (Bonners Ferry, ID)
Although the Selkirks have certainly seen an increase in visitors over the years, these mountains remain wild. A handful of grizzly bears roam the crest, and the last herd of caribou south of the Canadian border call this range home. The presence of grizzlies may be of concern to you and your dog. However, you are more of a threat to the grizzlies than they are to you. Grizzly sightings are rare. Keep your canine companion under strict control. With care, there’s still plenty of room to roam for you, your dog, and all the wild critters in this special corner of Idaho.

Boy Scout Canyon (Boulder City, NV)
Boy Scout Canyon is one of the reasons why hiking in Lake Mead National Recreation Area can be so wonderful. Few people know about this trail, so it is just the place to get away from it all. It offers beautiful wildflowers in the springtime, pictographs, challenging climbing areas for both you and your dog, and a variety of surroundings. Please note that this hike should only be attempted if your dog is in good physical condition and has tough paw pads. Doggie booties are highly recommended. Under foot and paw: Sand, gravel, large boulders.

To read our previous post, go here.