Does your dog get excited when you put on your sneakers? Have the two of you been pounding the same old pavement like neighborhood beat cops? If so, maybe it’s time to venture out and give hiking a try.
I’m just your average recreational hiker who likes bringing along my trusty Portuguese Water Dog, Abby. We enjoy day hikes and like to spend weekends scouting out dog-friendly trails in the East Bay Regional Parks. By sharing what we have learned, maybe I can encourage you to give hiking with your canine companion a try.
The basic difference between a walk and a hike is that the latter requires a bit more planning. Especially if you’re going to a new location, you need to make sure to do your homework. First off, make sure your chosen destination is dog friendly, then print out a trail map and plot your hike. East Bay Regional Parks trails come in all varieties – from beginner (flat) to advanced (steep incline), and with over 1,000 miles to choose from you’ll be able to customize your own hike. Remember to pick a hike that’s within your dog’s and your own exercise comfort zone. Finally, pack your supplies and head out for some fun with your furry friend.
What to Bring
I prefer to wear trail-runner sneakers or hiking boots. Regular street sneakers don’t necessarily have enough tread to stabilize you on a slippery dirt hill. I learned this lesson early on when I couldn’t get traction as Abby pulled me a little too quickly down some trails, resulting in skinned body parts and lots of dirt on my rear. She forgets sometimes that she has the advantage with four paws as opposed to my two feet.
Bring plenty of water for you and your dog and don’t forget a collapsible bowl. Pack a few snacks to keep up your energy, along with such essentials as sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, bug spray, tissues, cell phone, and poop pick up bags. And, of course, don’t forget your map!
Some Personal Picks
Below are a few of our favorite parks, which we frequent regularly since they are close to our home. We still have not explored all of the trails available in these parks.
- Black Diamond Mines, Antioch
Great for hiking, nature, and history buffs. We enjoy the hike up to Rose Hill Cemetery and viewing the headstones. This park also offers phenomenal views of the Delta and Mount Diablo, depending on which trails you take, so don’t forget to bring your camera. - Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Park, San Ramon
This is our exercise workout. Although the park is officially located in San Ramon, we pop into the park through one of the staging areas in Alamo. We generally hike a seven-mile loop, which leaves both Abby and me pleasantly exhausted for several hours afterwards. Water is critical, and it’s wise to start early since it can get hot in the afternoon. This park also offers a picture perfect skyline of Walnut Creek and beyond. - Sunol, Sunol
A friend introduced us to this park, mentioning the beautiful scenery. Our hike there did not disappoint and we will certainly be visiting more this summer.
Benefits for Body and Soul
If your current exercise plan is working, kudos to you, but if you want to log some miles with your dog in beautiful terrain, one of the 65 parks operated by the East Bay Regional Parks District will fit the bill. There is more to hiking than exercise, though. Off you start down the trail and then things get magical. The woes and worries of civilization start to fade as you begin to connect with nature. You start to notice the vegetation and the critters that inhabit the area. The sound of traffic is replaced by the breeze blowing in the trees and the twitter of birds. (Go ahead, send out a tweet about the twitter on your cell phone.)
It’s hard to believe that you’re in a park surrounded by a giant metro area. It’s a calming experience – and, I promise you, your dog will not complain.
Taking Care
Remember to watch out for rattlesnakes, ticks, poison oak, and foxtails. I prefer to hitch Abby hitched to my waist so my hands are free when hiking. There are wild and domestic inhabitants you might encounter, as well as people and ranchers, and you want to be sure your dog is under control at all times.
East Bay Regional Park District
Start your hiking adventure by visiting www.ebparks.org, where you will find lots of pertinent details about local parks. The website also provides park rules and advice for hiking with your dog (www.ebparks.org/node/69). Consider supporting the park system by purchasing an individual annual membership for $65, which covers parking, one annual dog pass, plus some other membership benefits.
Here’s an example that demonstrates why this is so important. Abby has absolutely no interest in cows, deer, or horses. Usually, the most she does is give them a casual glance. One time we ran into some grazing cattle while hiking and, since there were some calves in the herd, we steered wide and clear. We weren’t too close and I was in between Abby and the cows, but one momma cow thought Abby was too close and charged. I yelled at the big cow to stop and we had a small confrontation before she calmed down, letting us depart unharmed. Abby, of course, was oblivious to the whole situation. The point of the story is that you should be cautious when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and understand how to avoid potential danger.
As always, please practice responsible pet ownership when hiking. Have your dog under control at all times. Respect wildlife and plants by staying on the trails, and don’t forget to pick up after your dog. Practice the motto “Leave no Trace” and pack out whatever you take in. You can even earn good karma points by picking up garbage left behind by others.
Follow these suggestions and you will likely have an awesome hike. Late spring and early summer provide perfect hiking weather, so don’t hesitate. Do a little planning, grab your pup, and head for the hills.
Happy hiking!
Liz Cherene and Abby are always up for new adventures. Liz currently works in the telephony applications field and is a freelance writer on the side. Feel free to contact her at liz.cherene@sbcglobal.net.
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