Dogs on a Long Hike?

Dogs are not allowed on much of the PCT.

Patrick,

Take your dog whenever you can on a long hike. They make the best hiking partners. I have had my own dog on the PCT and have never been told he could not be out there with me. Just be mind full of the other hikers you might encounter on the trail and practice good etiquette by leashing your dog.

Charles

I know for sure that Sequoia National Park does not allow dogs in the backcountry. Sequoia National Forest and Inyo National Forest does though. You could be asked to leave Sequoia National Park if caught with a dog and I believe Kings Canyon abide by the same rules and would not be surprised if same for Yosemite National Park.

I've seen several dogs on the southern portion of the PCT. It can be hot out there, so be prepared. My experience has been that small dogs that love to walk can do OK if you are careful. Larger dogs tend to suffer more from heat and all day walking. I saw several owners struggling with large dogs on long hikes and all eventually sent them home.

Dogs are OK for the first 700 miles, but are restricted in the Sierra. There are fewer restrictions north of Lake Tahoe.