Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Dogs at the Portal

Are dogs allowed at the WP campground(s), backpackers CG or other? Also, what are the restrictions regarding dogs on trails in the MW area? Although I have no interest in bringing a canine friend on any of the MY trails I have read conflicting reports about having dogs on these trails.

I'd like to at least have the canine friend stay the night with me at the campground and from there I'll journey on without him (he'll be taken away by family for me) if heading up the hill.

I have not even made the decision to keep the dog in question but I'm weighing all the pros and cons of dog ownership and an active outdoors lifestyle. So far the abandoned pup in question is quite compatible when it comes to evening jogs and outings, he’s right there with me and has the best disposition of any dog I have ever owned. If you have a canine friend that joins you on hikes and backpacking adventures I'd like to hear the pros and cons.

Thanks,

Bryan

From the ReserveUSA web site it says the following that pets must be leashed:

Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance. Mt. Whitney hiking permits required. High bear activity; bear boxes will be provided and supplies must fit the size of the bear box- 18" high, 18" deep, and 50" long. Each site must comply with this or there will be a fine up to $150. No RV dump station. No filling of holding tanks from water hydrants. No refunds are given for bad weather. No motorhomes, trailers, buses, or campers are allowed in the parking lot. If people have these conveniences they must reserve a family unit. Showers are located nearby for a fee. Customer must check in with host upon arrival. Check in with host upon arrival. Pets must be leashed. Maximum of 2 vehicles per site. A fee of $5 for extra vehicles will be collected at the campground.

The rules are different in the USFS part of the trail (up to Trail Crest) than in the NPS part of the trail (beyond Trail Crest). At Trail Crest there is a sign that says "Pets and Firearms" prohibited.

Thank you for yor comments Fred.

-Bryan

Bryan C: My dog(s) have hiked and backpacked with me through the years and it is one thing that makes my trips so enjoyable. As long as your dog is well-behaved and minds your commands, most people don't mind seeing them, although you'll always encounter folks who dislike dogs on sight. Dogs aren't allowed on any part of the JMT, but we have taken ours on Paiute Pass, Mono Pass, Duck Pass, Fish Creek, Virginia Lakes area, etc. etc. About the only downside of having a dog on a backpacking trip is if they get injured, but it seems to me I see more people getting altitude sickness, etc. than a dog getting hurt. Make sure that if your dog has tender feet, to consider purchasing dog booties. My current dog has pads of steel and has regularly done day hikes of 20+ miles-and she loves it! The most important thing is to gauge your own dog's ability and enjoyment level, take to the mountains, and take a hike! P.S. Always be sure that you carry plenty of water for your pup, also. Or that there are enough creeks and lakes along the way.

Last summer, while hiking down the Main Trail, I ran into a Ranger who had his dog with him. I asked him about it, and he stated that he couldn't take him beyong Trail Crest, due to the restriction in the National Park.

On my first trip to Whitney in 1998 there was a lot of trail work going on...one of the workers, a young lady named Rosie (and she could swing a mean sledgehammer too, I might add) had a dog with her, some big dark brown breed that I failed to recognize. She said the dog stayed up there with her for a week or two at a time. It didn't appear that the dog's presence did anything to keep the marmots away....

Incidentally, with regard to the Trail Crest sign--does "Pets and firearms prohibited" mean you can't have both, but it's OK to have one or the other?