Pet Safety

How your pet impacts your Timp hike

  • 3 dogs were killed by mountain goats on Timp in 2023
  • You need to bring water for your dog
  • There are few reliable water sources and none after the 1st 5 miles
  • The trail is narrow, rocky, and shaley especially past the saddle
  • Your pets count on YOU to keep them safe
  • Think about your pet's health & safety before bringing them to hike Timp

Risks for Your Pet:

Dehydration
icon shows an animated dog that is red, has a drop of sweat and has its tongue sticking out
Exhaustion
Icon shows a dog that is tired with a sad mouth
Mountain Goats
Image shows an animated goat
Paw Pad Injuries
image shows a dog with a paw wrapped in a bandage
Falling Off Narrow Trail
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Other Wildlife Encounters
Animated moose, Rocky Mountain goat, big horn sheep, and mountain lion

These are just some of the main risks for your pet.

Please check the sources at the bottom of the page for more detailed information about safely hiking with your dog.

Screen cap of KSL article about goats and dogs

Dog & mountain goat encounters can be deadly

  • Sadly, in summer 2023, 3 dogs were killed by mountain goats on Timp
  • All 3 dogs were unleashed and approached, chased, or harassed the mountain goats 
  • Leash your dog to keep your dog and wildlife safe
  • According to Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources, it is against the law for dogs to chase or harass hoofed wildlife
  • Ruby, a TERT member's dog, was gored by a mountain goat at the Emerald Lake shelter when they both rounded a blind corner at the same time. She survived but it shows how real the risk is.
Watch or Read the News Story
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Bring water and a dish to drink out of for your dog

  • Plan to bring at least 2 liters of water just for your dog
  • There are no reliable water sources for pets on the Timpooneke Trail above 2 miles from trailhead
  • Waterfalls and streams may be running on the Aspen Grove side, but they can be scarce past July
  • Past Emerald Lake, there is no water
  • Dehydration is a serious risk for your dog on this 14+ mile hike
Narrow and rocky trail

Is your dog in shape for this strenuous hike?

Stewart Falls (Aspen Grove)
Horsetail Falls (Alpine, Utah)
Silver Lake Trail (American Fork Canyon)
Image Shows a woman walking with a dog on a leash in a forest

Be considerate of other trail users

  • Please leash your dogs - for their safety, the safety of other trail users, and the safety of wildlife.
  • Leave no trace - pack out dog poop. Dogs are not part of the Timp ecosystem so their poop is not "natural."
A male moose sits in the middle of the trail

Moose view dogs as their enemies

  • Keep your dog leashed - to protect your pet and the moose
  • Never let your dog chase or harass moose or other wild animals
Learn more about moose

Sources

Learn more at the links below

Back to Safe Hiking Tips