[pct-l] Are dogs alowed on the trail?

[brick@fastpack.com (Brick Robbins)]

At 10:23 AM 5/30/02, Reynolds, WT  and DavidW6585@cs.com wrote:
>Dogs are not legal on much of the PCT.

Dogs are only prohibited in a small part of the PCT: The National Parks and a few of the CA state parks. Castella state park even has a "dog trail" though so you are OK there.

Several of the "scoff-law" dog-owning-thru-hikers at the ADZ were discussing ways to get through Yosemite and other parks with their dogs, mainly by hiking at night. These are probably the same folks that are "scoff-laws" for not using bear cans and sleeping with their food. I got the term "scoff-law" from Tom: he kind of likes it <g>.

> Further, many posters have indicated the difficulty for dogs on the PCT.

I have seen happy thru hiker dogs and I have heard of dogs that went home - usually from paw problems.  The trail IS difficult for dogs and humans. I would guess that the chances of a dog making it are a little better than a human, but some dogs will push themselves too hard to try to please their masters. My last hiking dog wasn't that stupid/loyal and made it very clear when she had hiked enough in one day. Pay attention to your dog and be a good master - you'll know what to do.

Most of the "don't take your dog" advice comes from armchair hikers who have never taken their dogs on a long hike. I'm always leery of folks giving me advice that is not based on experience.

>It was suggested that I take our dog to possibly prevent against cougars ... 

I agree with Tom, this is NOT a good reason to bring a dog. You are much more likely to be hit by a car than attacked by cougar.

>and also to get her in better shape.

The trail is hard enough for a fit dog. Bringing an unfit dog and trying to get her "in better shape" on the trail is probably not a good idea.

All IMHO, YMMV

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Brick Robbins                       mailto:brick@fastpack.com