Features

Gear to outfit your dog with for your next hiking adventure (and dog-friendly hikes!)

Image
Weekly‘s Outdoor Issue cover dog Spoon models some super sweet gear to consider for your next pooch-accompanied hike.

Few activities invigorate you more than a brisk hike. And guess what? Dogs want in on the action. They’re exploring, sniffing, scratching, digging creatures, after all. If you’re worried about their warmth or their feet (or their ability to pitch in carrying beers for a victory toast), these gear options get the job done while looking great. And with so many dog-friendly hiking spots in Southern Nevada, it’s time to grab the leash and prepare for some serious canine bonding time.

Ruffwear Climate Changer Hey, it gets cold in Southern Nevada, too! This 87 percent recycled fleece is the perfect way to give your pet extra comfort—and a little sense of style. $60

Ruffwear Grip Trex Even the easiest of hikes can feature some rough terrain, and the Nevada sun makes certain areas feel like the surface of a stove. These are built for durability and mobility in all sorts of weather. $70

REI Ultra Dog Pack Have your pet earn his dinner with these rugged “saddle bags” (we prefer “fanny packs”). The lightweight compression system keeps the load close to the body, and water repellent zippers help seal out the elements. One thing we know about dogs—they love it when you give them tasks. $75

The Nite Ize Nite Dawg LED Collar features a light visible up to 1,000 feet in the dark, as well as a flashing mode.

Nite Ize Nite Dawg LED Collar Even in nighttime hiking situations there’s no need to worry about where your dog is. This collar features a light visible up to 1,000 feet in the dark, and for a little campfire party—flashing mode! $17

And now, some ideal dog-friendly hikes for showing off that gear!

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area—not only is this the most visually spectacular hiking in Southern Nevada, it’s perfect for dogs, with abundant trails and endless areas to explore. Forget your baggies for cleanup? No problem—they’re available in the campground area and at the Scenic Drive fee station.

Echo Canyon-Fossil Ridge Loop—This hike starts on Blue Diamond Hill, across from the main part of Red Rock Canyon. Park along SR 159, just outside the entrance to the horseback-riding area, and follow the road. From there, you have several options, but if you take the trail farthest to the right, you and your pet will enjoy a scenic hike, with plenty of places to rest and rehydrate. Best of all, it winds back to where you started.

Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail—Head to Lake Mead and get ready to enjoy some great views of the lake and Hoover Dam. The tunnels, created for the construction of Hoover Dam, have had their tracks removed, leaving a great place to walk—or run—your dog. It’s a great time to bond with you pet at nearly any time of year. Access it near either the Alan Bible Visitor Center or the Hoover Dam parking garage.

Pittman Wash Trail—Don’t want to leave Henderson to find a great walk for you and Fido? You don’t have to. The Pittman Wash features a trail winding through residential areas and under roads. There are many access points, including the Pecos Legacy Park at 2505 Paseo Verde Pkwy., Silver Springs Park at 1950 Silver Springs Pkwy., and Arroyo Grande Sports Complex at 298 Arroyo Grande Blvd.

Bluffs Trail—This trail along Lakeshore Drive in the Lake Mead Recreational Area isn’t long (just about a mile), but it’s a perfect spot for dog-lovers, with a well-maintained area overlooking the lake. Great views and plenty of places to relax. Don’t be surprised if you see other dogs on this hike.

Tags: Featured
Share
Photo of Ken Miller

Ken Miller

Ken Miller is the editor of Las Vegas Magazine, having previously served as associate editor at Las Vegas Weekly, assistant ...

Get more Ken Miller
Top of Story