Etiquette for hiking on the trails

It is a GREAT time of the year for hiking in Southern California! The rains have brought water to all of the local water falls and lakes and the cool weather is PERFECT for us dogs.  Mommy and I have been running and hiking on the trails a lot the last couple of weeks while everyone else was shopping for the holidays.  (mommy doesn’t like to shop!) We noticed a few people didn’t seem to know that there is a thing called “trail etiquette” so we thought that we would educate our readers….

1/ The hikers yield to bikers and horses and bikers yield to horses.  The biggest object always wins!

2/ Just as on the road in America–stay to the right and pass on the left.  If you have a big group and notice people coming up behind you–move to the right and let them pass. If you are the one passing, you can always let them know by saying “passing on the left”.

3/ Going UP is harder then coming DOWN so the people going up ALWAYS have the right of way. Sometimes they will stop to take a break and that is your sign to pass but they make the call.

4/ If your dog does not have good recall or doesn’t stay on the trail you may want to keep fido leashed.  First, it is safer as there are coyotes, snakes and mountain lions out there to worry about.  Also, you can get a fine for having your dog off leash so just be aware and you make the judgment call.

5/ Take what you bring–including your dogs poop!  Please do not leave any wrappers, plastic bottles, caps or anything on the trails.  If you do not want to carry your dogs poop–AT LEAST knock it off of the trail deep into the woods with a stick. Nobody wants to step in or over dog poop while they are hiking. If you do bag it up and leave it along the trail for the way back–remember to pick up the bag.

There is nothing better than enjoying nature and the fresh air and San Diego has a lot of amazing trails.  Leash Your Fitness leads organized monthly group hikes that come complete with stretching, information on the area and snacks for both you and your dog!  We hope that you join us soon, you can sign up on our website.