Hikers safe following 800-foot fall from mountainside, 3-day rescue effort near Idyllwild
Riverside County Sheriff deputies and firefighters completed a three-day effort this week to rescue a man and woman who plummeted 800 feet off the side of a cliff while hiking near Idyllwild, authorities said.
It’s nearly summer in California: high-elevation trails are almost entirely clear of snow, last-minute cancellation hiking permits are being released on Recreation.gov daily, and overnight camping isn’t unbearable for Californians not used to the cold.
Warmer, dryer weather also means it’s the perfect time to share our favorite hiking trails with the Maxs and Bellas in our lives. Hiking with dogs is a fun way to bond with pets, but it doesn’t come risk-free.
Whether you’re hiking in the Hollywood hills or up Mount Whitney, it’s important to know the dos and don’ts of hiking with pets in California as a responsible pet parent.
I have hiked all over California with my chihuahua and have developed hiking tips firsthand that will help keep you and your pup out of harm’s way this summer.
Easy California summer hiking trails with pets
Here are some of my favorite California hiking trails with pets in the summer:
- Huntington Beach Trail, Huntington Beach- 13.1 miles
- Ice House Canyon Saddle, Mt. Baldy- 7.2 miles
- Tahquitz Peak, Idyllwild- 8.6 miles
- Blue Lake, Bishop- 5.9 miles
- June Lake Loop, June Lake- 4.8 miles
- Presidio Loop Trail, San Francisco- 5.9 miles
- Tahoe East Shore Trail, Lake Tahoe- 5.2 miles
- Ney Springs and Faery Falls, Mt. Shasta- 1.4 miles
Use summer hiking booties
Warmer air temperatures also mean warmer trail temperatures. Dog booties are a great option for hiking with pets in the late summer when temperatures are historically hotter than at other times of the year. Booties protect paws from scorching temperatures, allowing dogs to hike further and more comfortably.
Booties can be purchased at most pet stores, both in person and online. Chewy has a wide selection of dog shoes, lightweight paw protectors, waterproof dog boots, specific hot pavement booties, and insulated shoes for cooler weather.
Hike during cloudy days
Overcast days are among the best for hiking in California in the summer. Cloudy days cool the overall temperature a few degrees, which is ideal for bigger or older hiking dogs.
Hiking during a summer rain may even be a good option for dogs that are prone to overheating. Dog rain jackets can be purchased online if getting wet is an issue for your pet.
Invest in doggie sunscreen
Did you know that dogs can get skin cancer? According to the American Kennel Club, white or light-colored dogs are especially prone to skin cancer, making it more important than ever to protect them from harmful UV rays.
Doggie sunscreen can be purchased online or in some pet stores like Petco. It is recommended that thinner, more susceptible areas like the ears and belly be protected with sunscreen when hiking with dogs on exposed trails.
Bring double the water and extra dog treats
A good rule of thumb is to turn around once you are down to one-half of your hiking food and water supply. When hiking with pets, you will want to pack double the amount of food and water to keep both humans and animals healthy, especially in the summer.
Dog backpacks can be purchased online for bigger dogs to carry their own food and water.
Choose steady trails
Trails with steep inclines aren’t the best to hike with a dog during the summer months. Instead, choose trails with a gradual incline if finishing the hike is your end goal. Otherwise, be prepared to turn around at the first signs that your pet is too tired to continue.
Beach hikes and walking paths have very little elevation gain and are ideal trails to hike during the summer with pets.
Pack an emergency dog sling
Dog slings are useful in cases of emergency. They are sold in extra-large sizes and help transport your big dog down the mountain or out of the forest should they get hurt or fall too tired to continue.
RUFFWEAR sells a dog evacuation kit that retails for $120, and emergency slings start at $28 on Amazon.com.
Start early or go for a sunset hike
Start summer hikes early to beat the heat, especially if the trail is exposed. Otherwise, plan on a sunset hike for the most enjoyable weather. Hiking either before 10 a.m. or around 6 p.m. is the coolest time to do so in California from July to September.
Starting a hike early also beats the crazy California crowds and ensures you will snag a parking spot.
Be cautious of wildlife
Summer is rattlesnake season in California. Black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes are also popular California natives frequently seen on trails.
Many pet parents choose to hike with their dogs off-leash, but it is a good idea to keep your pet on a leash to minimize wildlife encounters.
Know your dog’s limits
Check in with your dog to monitor energy levels throughout the hike. A good way to tell if your pet is tired is their position on the trail. A dog hiking behind the leash holder is typically a sign of exhaustion, while dogs leading the pack or actively hounding a scent are signs of energy.
The mountain peak or scenic viewpoint isn’t going anywhere. If your pet is tired, it is highly recommended to turn around.
Consider an SOS device
From backcountry camping to neighborhood walking paths, SOS devices are handy for any California hiking trail. Some devices, like the Garmin InReach, allow users to use an offline map, send messages off the grid, and summon a search and rescue team in the event of an emergency.
SPOT is another popular SOS device in the outdoors. They are more affordable and just as effective as the Inreach. An SOS device may just save both you and your pets’ lives.
McKenna is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com.
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