The Wilderdog team shares some of their favorite hiking trails - along with the pros, cons, and some awesome pro-tips should you decide to hike them too! Wherever you hike, don't forget to pack enough food, water, and of course, all the essential Wilderdog gear. Happy Trails!
Yates Mountain via Prairie View Trail
Location: Alberta, Canada
Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,293 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pros
- Great views of Barrier Lake
- Really dog friendly
- Can hike it in the winter
Con
- The trail can get quite busy, especially on weekends, and limited parking
Pro Tips
- Head down to the lake after to cool off
- One of the best hikes in the area for sunrise or sunset!
- If you want to make the hike easier just go up to the viewpoint, if you’re looking to make the hike longer, extend it into Jewell Pass loop
Gore Lake
Location: Vail, Colorado
Distance: 12.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,867 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Pro
- Don't forget to look back every now and then once you get above treeline - the 360* views are amazing.
Con
- It is a long, steep climb - wear good hiking shoes with support & traction
Pro Tip
- Make sure you're ready for a refreshing dip in the alpine lake!
- Start early
- Bring lots of water and snacks for you and your pup
Lofty Lake Loop Trail
Location: Kamas, Utah
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 958 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pro
- You pass about 8 different mountain lakes throughout to help keep you and your dogs cool.
Con
- The bugs can get aggressive...
Pro Tip
- Bring an inflatable paddleboard and a cooler to any of the early lakes to hangout, and don't forget bug spray!
Scout Falls
Location: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah
Distance: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 883 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pro
- The hike is short, but you can go a little bit further to summit one of the peaks in Utah Valley, Mt. Timpanogos.
Con
- This trail can get quite busy in the spring, summer, and fall, and on weekends. Go weekdays if you can!
Pro Tip
- If you want a short hike but want some views besides the fall go up about another half mile to the meadows right above the falls.
Chester Lake Trail
Location: Alberta, Canada
Distance: 5.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,420 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pros
- This trail is breathtaking in the summer, and open in the winter as well for cross country skiing & snowshoeing.
- A lil alpine dip at the lake at the top on a summer day is ideal for fluffy dogs like Rundle.
- This is a hike i’ve been doing since i was a kid (so family friendly as well!)
Con
- It has been closed for erosion control, so just check to make sure it's open when you want to go!
Pro Tip
- If you hike up another 15 minutes, you can see the "elephant rocks"! These are huge rock formations that are described as looking like a herd of elephants from different angles & they are a must see!
Grassy Ridge Bald via Appalachian Trail
Location: Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,079 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pros
- Great first backpacking trail for beginners, perfect for an overnight out and back trip
- Great wildflower bloom every summer
- The trail is well-marked because it’s along the Appalachian Trail
- 360° views at multiple spots along the trail!
Cons
- It can get crowded during weekends and popular times to hike - start early to snag a spot during peak backpacking season!
- No water source along the trail so be sure to pack plenty of water for you and your pups
Pro Tip
- Most people only hike to the first bald (Roan High Knob) and take photos then leave, so pro tip - keep hiking past them and you’ll get better views with less people!
Golden Ears Summit Trail
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Distance: 13.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,561 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Pro
- This hike is one of my favourites. It has absolutely stunning views of the valley and beautiful sunsets and sunrises on a clear day.
Cons
- BUGS! Make sure to bring your bug spray.
- Very busy on the weekend - try and start early if you can... there are a limited number of wooden tent pads near the emergency shelter!
Pro Tip
- Avoid weekends if possible!
- Be prepared for snow (bring crampons and poles) if earlier in the season and don't forget about your backcountry camping permit!
- Be aware of your dog's abilities - there is a ladder section that I had to carry Ollie down so it might be challenging for bigger dogs!
Ruth Lake
Location: Kamas, Utah
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 262 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Pro
- Easy and short hike if you want something quick, but also connected to surrounding lakes if you want to extend your hike.
Con
- Can get very busy on the weekends and holidays.
Pro Tip
- In the summer, make sure to bring bug spray and try to go on a week day or early morning.
