I recall leaving my tent on a hot summer day in the Southern Colony Lakes Basin and making my coffee. I sat with a steaming cup in my hands and looked up at the Crestones. I had arrived the previous evening and was getting ready to climb Humboldt Peak the following morning. The silence was broken by a loud bark, and a big lab jumped into my lap. We were both splashed in the face with hot coffee.
I heard a voice from the trail below my campsite, about 80 feet away, saying, “Oh hey man, he’s friendly!” I gently reminded him that dogs in this Wilderness area should be leashed and under control as I walked the dog back to his owners. He claimed that his son was well-trained because he had just entered my site to pursue a squirrel. I returned to my campsite to prepare breakfast, and over the course of the next few hours, three more stray dogs entered my campground. Each time I mentioned the rule, their owners excused themselves. One owner became outright hostile.
I don’t think it’s because they don’t care why so many owners disobey the leash laws. They seem to be unaware of the effects that leashed dogs have. Let’s explore a few of the effects.
Unleashed dogs can harm wildlife & impact the environment
The second biggest reason to leash your dog is environmental protection. Studies show that dogs can harm wildlife and cause long-term herd reduction by frightening animals, especially mothers and young. Even if they aren’t injured, repeated chases and stress can cause eventual mortality. The folks at the CFI personally testify to the damage from dogs they see. Dogs also have a tendency to urinate and defecate when off-trail, where owners cannot or will not go to clean up after them. On heavily trafficked areas, like most 14er routes, this causes havoc on water quality we depend on. Leashing your dog ensures they do not chase wildlife, and lets you clean up after them to prevent pollution.
Leashing your dog keeps it safe.
The best justification for tethering your dog is for its own safety. Your pet could be hurt or killed by wildlife such as moose, bears, raccoons, porcupines, mountain lions, and others. If it consumes water from mountain sources, it could get sick from parasites or a disease. Each year, pets that are not on a leash are lost while hiking or climbing with their owners. Mountains are hazardous areas, and animals can easily fall or get lost there. First and foremost, using a leash will help keep your dog safe.
Even a perfect unleashed dog weakens trail norms.
The person who defends themselves by stating that their dog “is very well-trained and listens to me even with wildlife or other people” is a constant Even if they’re right, these people don’t comprehend the harm that flagrantly breaking the law causes to other people. People who are afraid of getting in trouble for littering or camping inappropriately don’t abide by the leave no trace and trail etiquette rules. However, it happens very infrequently. Instead, the majority of us abide by the laws because we observe others doing so and out of a fear of being found out if we openly break them. They uphold the standards we refer to as norms, which (for the most part) keep the backcountry tidy and polite.
People notice you when you hike up trails with your unleashed dog by your side and realize you’re breaking the law. They believe that they are also exempt from following the law and may let their dog run free. However their dog isn’t trained well like yours. chases wildlife and gets into fights with other dogs. You’re the indirect cause of these impacts. Even the perfect unleashed dog weakens trail norms.
FAQ
Can dogs hike a 14er?
The unmatched views and scenery that these treks offer make for the ideal backdrop for creating priceless memories with your dog during Colorado’s 14er season. Whatever your favorite part of the hike is, it’s understandable why more people are using these trails every year.
Can dogs hike Longs Peak?
Dogs have historically had difficulty climbing Longs Peak and privately owned Culebra Peak, mostly because of red tape. Rocky Mountain National Park, which includes Longs, forbids pets on its trails, and Culebra Ranch has undergone several ownership changes in the recent years.
Can a dog go on a 10 mile hike?
An average-sized dog in good shape should be able to easily complete a 5–10 mile hike, according to Pawsitively Intrepid. He can probably increase that total to 20 or more miles in a day after receiving the proper conditioning.
Can dogs hike Mount Elbert?
Dogs are permitted on all of the trails leading to the top of Mount Elbert, but not all dogs would enjoy the adventure.