Hiking with your dog in the Pyrenees

Lovers of wide open spaces and the outdoors will be delighted to learn that your dog can accompany you on your hikes in the Pyrenees. While not all sites are accessible to our canine friends, the mountains offer numerous opportunities for owners to bring their dogs along for a hike in the Pyrenees. Come with us, we'll see you soon!

Hiking with your dog in the parks and reserves of the Pyrenees

Even though the beautiful landscaped trails are very tempting in the Pyrenees National Park, it is absolutely forbidden to walk your dog there, even on a leash. There are several reasons for this, as your pet's presence can cause stress to the park's animal inhabitants, disturb the local wildlife, and sometimes carry parasites and diseases dangerous to the flora and fauna of the Pyrenees National Park. Be warned, the fine is hefty, amounting to €350, if you do not respect the ban at the entrance. Other Pyrenees National Parks and reserves are more lenient, such as:

• The Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park,
• The Catalan Regional Natural Park,
• The Aulon Regional Nature Reserve,
• The Pibeste-Aoulhet Massif Regional Nature Reserve.

Don't hesitate to check before you go, the rules can change from year to year.

Hiking with your dog along the lakes of the Pyrenees

The Pyrenees offer magnificent landscapes, but imagine the green colors blending with the blue of the lakes against a backdrop of mountains? There you are, and your dog too, since he can accompany you on a hike by the lakes of the Pyrenees.

At Hautacam:

• Lake Isabe ;
• Lake Ourrec.

In Gavarnie:

• Lake Bastampe;
• Gloriette Lake.

In Cauterets:

• Lake Ilhéou;
• Lake Estom.

Other hikes with a dog in the Pyrenees are accessible such as Lake Estaing in the Azun Valley, Lake Ayous in the Ossau Valley or Lake Ansabère in the Aspe Valley.

Hiking with your dog among the peaks and passes of the Pyrenees

If you enjoy climbing and are ready to take your companion to conquer the mountains, here are some hikes in the Pyrenees that are suitable for your four-legged friend :

• The Cabaliros peak to reach the most beautiful viewpoint in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
• The Bergons peak with a magnificent 360° view from the summit.
• The peak of the stairs with a lovely panorama over Soule and Lower Navarre.
• The Riou pass east of Cauterets.

Don't stop there, with your dog you can also hike on the Soum de Grum or on the Holzarte footbridge !

Hiking with your dog in the Pyrenees: some tips before you go

What a joy it is to explore the trails with your beloved pet and share wonderful moments together. Even if you're tempted to take them hiking in the Pyrenees, it's important to have a well-prepared dog, accustomed to long walks and sustained exertion. Also, consider your dog's age ; before taking them on long treks, they should have finished growing and reached physical maturity to avoid injury. Once there, remember that you are responsible for your four-legged companion. Make sure they stay hydrated and take breaks if they seem tired. Don't forget poop bags ! Even in the mountains, it's unpleasant to step in uncollected dog waste.

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