It’s a bluebird day, and your bag is packed for an exciting adventure hiking with your beloved pet!

For many, the adventure lies a short drive to tranquil outdoors, an experience several seek throughout the year. You can choose adventures from trails including the Buchanan Pass Trail, Hermit Park, Indian Peaks, Lake Estes, Lily Mountain, Hidden Treasure, Golden Gate, and many more across the area.  

All are home to wildlife—the moose, elk, deer, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, ermine, coyote, wolf, squirrels, chipmunks, rattle snakes, eagles, hawks, ticks, butterflies, and many who go unseen. It is fun to sit quietly with your pet, and use all your senses, taking in each moment by their side.

As a traveler, it is good to keep in mind proper pet etiquette, and remembering to leave no trace. In many wilderness areas, pets must be leashed for your safety, your pet’s safety, other hikers’ safety, and wildlife safety. Yes, safety is a common theme in the wilderness. 

A six-foot leash is recommended in several areas to keep your pet close, while other areas offer you “voice control” as long as your pet does not “harass wildlife or hikers.”

Personally, having my pets leashed and near me is more relaxing, since then I do not need to worry about them chasing or getting chased by wildlife. Or accidentally following their noses, placing paws down an old mine, or losing their footing cliffside, or getting lost.

There have been several canine rescues where pets have accidentally fallen into precarious situations, and I cannot tally the number of lost pet posters I’ve seen over the years. I like to avoid those situations altogether, happily leashing my pups.

Included in my backpack (along with my own personal items) are pet snacks, treats, and plenty of water. There’s also a first aid kit for myself and my pet. I am always planning for the unexpected, which is key for a successful adventure.

I even include super glue in my first aid kit, a sharp knife, and an air horn to scare off wildlife or in case of an emergency. One year, hiking with my Talisker boy, he stepped into a ball of fishing line that tightened around his leg every time he tried to move, rendering him immobile. I was thankful for my sharp knife, cutting him safely free and removing the fishing line trap from the tree. 

I recommend looking into pet-carrying harnesses and slings just in case your pet becomes injured while hiking and needs to be carried out. My pets wear safety harnesses with a handle, so I can easily guide them along the trail or pull them out of a sticky situation. Fortunately, I have not had to!

If cold weather threatens, I bring booties and dog coats in case the temperature drops while we are hiking. If it is hot, I am constantly checking the ground temperature with my hand to ensure they are not burning their paws. I also keep an eye on their tongues, as a purple tongue can be an indicator they are overheated, dehydrated, or have low oxygen levels.

If I have to leave them in the car, I stay aware of how long I am gone. As cold or heat can present critical situations for our pets. I don’t leave them in the car for extended periods, and always with a full bowl of water.

When heading out, especially on a solo adventure, always let a friend or relative know where you’re going just in case the unexpected happens. Check the weather ahead of time to see if there’s a storm brewing, and pack accordingly. Or change your hiking plans if the weather looks questionable. With so many trails to choose from, instead of heading into the mountains, a fun hike can be enjoyed on the plains.

I hope this information is helpful for your upcoming adventures, and that you continue to create memorable moments with your pet in the great outdoors.