Stay on trail.

  • Hands forming the shape of a heart.
    Be kind.

    Treat others how you want to be treated.

  • Hands holding a heart shaped globe.
    Be respectful.

    Respect others, property, the outdoors and nature.

  • The sun and clouds forming a heart shape.
    Be positive.

    Help use create positive experiences that others will remember.


Code of Conduct.
Hiking with Dogs and Utah Outdoors

Generally speaking, well behaved dogs are allowed on our hike unless the hike description indicates otherwise. Be aware though that dog owners in our group are responsible for knowing and following all applicable local laws regarding hiking with their dogs, failure to abide by these rules may result in disciplinary action as it can negatively impact our group's reputation.

If you are unsure how your dog will handle group situations, or the presence of multiple dogs in the group, we recommend testing their behavior in a smaller group before you bring them to one of our hikes.

If your dog has had any known aggression towards any human or other dogs, please leave them at home when you join our hikes.

A well behaved dog.
Well Behaved Dogs

We want to be able to leave this to the dog owners discretion and hope that we will not be put in a situation where our group's leaders need to decide which dogs can or cannot attend our hikes. Generally we recommend using the below criteria to define what a well behaved dog is.

  • Most Importantly
    • Will your dog negatively impact the experience of others in the group?
    • Has your dog been aggressive towards other dogs or people in the past?

If you answered "yes" to either of the above questions, then you should attend the hike without your dog.

  • Additional Considerations
    • Does your dog come when called?
    • Does your dog stay on the trail?
    • Does your dog jump on people?
    • Does your dog bark at strangers?

Depending on how you answered the above questions, your might want to keep your dog on a leash during our hike to make sure that your dog remains well behaved.

A dog running.
Act with Urgency

If your dog creates any situation that negatively impacts others on the trail, it is our expectation that you will act with urgency and regain control of your dog. Depending on the situation, this could mean calling your dog back to you or it could mean putting it back on a leash for the remainder of the hike. Failure to follow this rule can result in disciplinary action or removal from the group.

A puppy biting a hand.
Dog Bites

If your dog bites or harms any individual or another dog on the trail, it is our requirement that your share your full name, address, telephone number and insurance information (homeowners or renters insurance typically covers dog bites) with the event leader AND the individual who was harmed or the owner of the dog that was harmed. If your dog bites and breaks the skin of any individual we require that this be reported to animal control so that it can go through an appropriate rabies quarantine as required by Utah law.

A dog on a leash.
Dog Leashes

While we generally leave it up to dog owners to determine whether or not their dogs should be leashed, we do require that you keep dogs leashed where legally required. Additionally we will require you to keep your dog leashed if it is reactive or has poor recall.

For situations where a leash is required, we ask that you use a 6 foot, non-retractable leash at all times. Retractable leashes can contribute to problems on the trail and they can possibly be dangerous.

Retractable leashes can:

  • Cause injuries to both people and dogs, this includes rope burns and cuts.
  • Interfere with your ability to keep your dog under control as they can create the need to pull your dog back in.
  • Make your dog appear aggressive towards other dogs when they see your dog pulling towards them but do not see the leash.
  • Reinforce pulling instead of walking nicely by your side.

We recommend the use of this leash:

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A dog drinking water.
Take Care of Your Dog

Bring enough water and food to meet your dogs requirements for the hike and carry an appropriate leash at all times. We also recommend carrying a firt aid kit for your dog. Please do not rely on group leaders and other hikers to take care of your dog.

Safety Lights

Our group often leads sunset and evening hikes where it is safe to assume that we will likely be hiking in the dark. We recommend that all dogs joining us on these hikes have collar lights so that you can more easily keep track of them.

Water Bowls

Dogs need water while hiking, having a water bowl makes it easier to let them drink while on the trail. This is one area where we do not compromise, failure to bring an appropriate amount of water along for your dog can be considered abuse.

Dog Packs

Having your dog wear a pack while hiking can provide multiple benefits.

  • A pack with a handle can help you better control your dog during trail encounters.
  • Many dogs like having a job to do, carrying a pack can make them feel like they are helping. This can result in better behavior and a happier dog.
  • Having your dog carry its own gear lightens your load.
  • It can provide a better workout for your dog and help them build muscle.
First-Aid Kit

Accidents happen, be prepared! We recommend carrying a first-aid kit at all times while hiking. If you are a dog owner, select one that has supplies specifically for taking care of your dog.

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Contact us.

Contact Utah Outdoors

Thank you for reaching out, we will get back to you as soon as possible. We take all reports of misconduct seriously and do our best to make the group a safe and enjoyable space.