Hiking in Las Vegas with Dogs
With summer starting to loosen it’s grip on our weather, many residents of Las Vegas will begin looking to step outside and start getting active again. What better time than to try something new with your dog. Las Vegas residents are blessed with wonderful hiking spots that can provide a unique experience for first time hiker, as well as challenge even the most trail-savvy outdoor enthusiast.
Getting started in hiking with your dog is not a daunting task by any means. No experience is necessary. Just a desire to try something new. Hikes can be something as simple as walking your dog around the block to the local park, or can be as daunting as an overnight camp-out in the wilderness of the mountains. Whatever avenue you choose there are a few key points to keep in mind to ensure your hiking experience is fun, memorable and most importantly safe.
- Plan Ahead. Know your route, or hike with someone that knows the route. Take a map of the area you’re hiking, and possibly use a GPS to assist with navigation. Which ever aid you use, be sure you know where you’re going, and how long it should take. If you’re planning a hike through areas with elevation changes, remember it’s a lot easier to hike on the flat ground than on hilly terrain. Plan your time accordingly.
- Be prepared. Remember that even in the fall, the temperatures of the Las Vegas areas can dehydrate people and dogs quickly. Plan for about a quart of water per body, per hour. This may seem like a lot, but better to have more than needed then not enough. Also, food may be necessary if you plan to hike for more than an hour. Trail-mix, energy-bars or even a peanut butter sandwich can provide much appreciated calories during a long hike. Wear sturdy soled shoes that are comfortable, particularly if you are hiking on rugged terrain. You may consider boots for your dog as well. Ruff Wear produces dog boots that are easy to fit, and hold up fairly well with normal use. Wear a hat and sunscreen if you’re sensitive to the sun. Remember even 60 degrees temperatures can result in a lot of sun exposure. At high altitudes, the sun is even more intense. White-coated dogs are also sensitive to sun exposure, so plan to protect your pooch too.
- Always have a safety strategy. Hike in groups of two or more people. Notify someone of your hiking itinerary including where you are hiking, the route you’re taking as well as the expected return time. Cellular phone service may not reach into certain wilderness areas, so it’s not always ideal to rely on your cell phone for safety.
- Follow trail etiquette. Always abide by the rules of the park, recreation area or conservation area you are hiking in. Most spot require dogs to be leashed. Some hiking areas on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) will allow dogs off leash, provided they are under control. Always clean up after your dog. It’s best to always practice a low-impact approach to hiking. This means minimize your impact on the natural environment by following some simple steps:
- Pack out all trash and waste (including dog waste)
- Minimize physical impact on trails and terrain by staying on trails. Hiking off the established trail can increase the effect of erosion as well as creating new trails can confuse and disorient other hikers, potentially leading to safety issues.
Follow the simple mantra of: Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Where to hike in the Las Vegas area:
There are numerous fantastic spots around the Las Vegas valley to hike with your dog throughout the year. During the late fall and summer months, hiking in the Valley can be incredible. Spring time yields unique desert wildflowers blooming and bird migrations. During the summer months, it’s usually too hot to hike comfortably in the Vegas valley, which is why many hiker turn to the Spring Mountains National Recreation area (aka Mount Charleston). Temperatures in the Mount Charleston region are often 20 – 30 degrees cooler than the valley during the summer months. In winter, the mountains are blessed with abundant snow which make for very unique winter hikes.
Some of the popular hiking spots in the Las Vegas area are:
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Desert National Wildlife Range
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Valley of Fire State Park
Great hiking areas around town for leisurely strolls:
Desert Wetlands Park
Sunset Park
Lone Mountain
Frenchman Mountain
Resources:
There are numerous hiking resources available specific to the Las Vegas area. There are hiking groups on the web that organize hikes regularly, as well as books and magazines that can provide insight into hiking in the Las Vegas area. “Best Hikes with Dogs: Las Vegas and Beyond” by Kimberly Lewis & Paula Jacoby-Garrett is a great book that has tons of information on hikes around Las Vegas, as well as considerations to take when hiking with your dog. Published by The Mountaineers Books
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