Arizona National Scenic Trail

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The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a complete non-motorized path for hikers and mountain bikers, stretching 800 diverse miles across Arizona from Mexico to Utah. More information at aztrail.org.

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Passages 43 - 33 minus the GC with a dog (kaijus.us)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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The original was posted on /r/arizonatrail by /u/NoEntrepreneur39 at 2023-06-23 05:33:46+00:00.

Might get some shit for this but I’m trying to do UT to flag with my dog next summer. My dog (cattle dog) is stoked! My main concern is water. We are trying to find all the good stash spots this summer to prepare. We will probably break it up into 2 trips. UT to GC north rim and then south rim to flag.

Looking for advice for hiking these sections with a pup. If water is too much of a problem then I may break it into day hikes but I prefer to do it in backpacking style. Willing to spend a bunch of time this summer to find water stash spots to drop off in advance for our trip.

Also, planning on bringing multiple water filters and whatever is needed to keep my dog hydrated on trail. Thinking 4 days to north rim and 5 days to flag in separate trips. If you know any good stash spots I can drive to beforehand to stash water or have done these sections with a dog I’d be psyched to get some advice! TIA

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The_Stargazer at 2023-06-23 17:12:48+00:00 ID: jp8ucyf

It's never a good idea to hike with a dog in the summer in Arizona. Many times the ground and rocks are so hot they will burn the pads on your dogs feet so they will be unable to walk.

As a volunteer SAR rescuer I've been on many rescues for humans who got themselves in trouble because they went hiking with their dog in the summer.

And even if you obey the leash laws and keep your dog on leash the entire time, dogs are seen as prey to mountain lions, who if hungry, are not deterred by the presence of a human.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

NoEntrepreneur39 (OP) at 2023-06-25 04:23:15+00:00 ID: jpfi4as

Thanks for the reply! I’m not worried about predators (once again cattle dog). More worried about bark scorpions but he has bootties and he is hard AF.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The_Stargazer at 2023-06-25 21:32:05+00:00 ID: jpiin5r

Small reality check... Mountain Lions are in a completely different class of apex predator from what cattle dogs were bred to defend against (wolves, foxes, etc..)

Curious, do you live in Arizona? Because you seem to be concentrating on the "wrong" risks.

Ex: things like rattlesnakes will be a much bigger threat to your dog than scorpions.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

NoEntrepreneur39 (OP) at 2023-07-05 04:49:06+00:00 ID: jqpya95

Sorry for the late reply and I don’t mean to be snarky. Yes we live in AZ in Mojave county. My dog has had rattle snake aversion training and also rattle snake vaccine. He will get aversion training again next spring.

We hike every morning before it gets hot as long as it’s not too hot. Also former SAR member here and I’m a WFR. My dog is my best friend and he loves hiking. I’m not too worried about the Utah to flag sections. Just trying to stash water.

As far as mtn lions go, yes I agree. They (cattle dogs) weren’t bred to mess with mtn lions. They were bred to alert me when there is danger, and the can sense those things I can’t. So when he alerts me I know what to recognize. He will be on a leash and sleeping in a tent with me. I know the risks and I am willing to take them. Just trying to have a good time with my dog

Will send photos next spring 😝

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

sbhikes at 2023-06-23 14:27:43+00:00 ID: jp8608r

Summer seems like it could be a bit hot. I would do it late Spring. I found that there was a lot of water available and that it was well-spaced. The AZT Association has information about water here: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

NoEntrepreneur39 (OP) at 2023-06-25 04:23:44+00:00 ID: jpfi61z

Thanks for the reply!