Piestewa Peak: Freedom Trail

Park at the last parking area on the left side of the road (you’ll know you reached the right parking lot because it’s a dead-end). There is a large, covered picnic area, near the trailhead, and bathrooms across the way. You should note, that dogs are not allowed on the Summit trail (which you would have driven passed in order to get to the Freedom trailhead), and about 3 and 1/3 miles up the Freedom trail, you MUST turn around, as the two trails will intersect here. You can get a fine if you continue, so be forewarned.

            Here’s an excerpt from the City of Phoenix website:

            The Freedom and nature trails start and traverse together for about 1/2 mile. At the intersection of 302, 304 and 1A, the Freedom trail turns left and follows the same alignment as the Perl Charles #1A trail for slightly more than a mile. The Freedom trail then breaks away from the Perl Charles and follows a series of switchbacks up the northwest side of Piestewa Peak to meet the Summit Trail to Summit Trailhead, then follow the trail on the north side of the ravine back to the trailhead at Apache area parking lot.

 

 

The trail is challenging enough that 3 and 1/3 miles will definitely give you and your dog a good workout. I have seen a few people trail running with their dogs here, and keep in mind, their dogs were off leash. So, be prepared for that.

The nature trail provides a little insight of the flora and fauna that you will encounter on the trail. Morgaine stopped to read a few plaques. 

Once you finishes the nature trail, there are a few benches to take a little respite. Morgaine, took the opportunity for a photo shoot.

 Keep going and the views get better and better

Something about the overcast sky, with the sunlight dancing in between the grey shroud made the experience even more breathtaking.

 

I would rate this trail as moderate to difficult. If you and your dog are in good shape and pace yourselves, it will make for a great day.

*Warning: There is a TON of prickly pear and jumping cholla cactus that often overlap onto the trails. I even had to pick a few jumping cholla spines out of Morgaine’s paw. If you have doggie hiking boots, this would be a great place to use them.*

Chamomile Tea Eye Wash

(Credit: iStockphoto)

It’s always a good idea to keep your dog's eyes clear of debris. I like to give Morgaine an eyewash after we hike so that I can remove any dirt that may have gathered in her eyes throughout the day.

One of the best ways to do this is by making a cup of chamomile tea.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• One Organic Chamomile tea bag
• One cup of filtered water
• Cotton balls

Directions:

• Boil a cup of water
• Pour the water into a cup with the Chamomile tea bag
• Let the tea steep for fifteen minutes.
• Let the tea cool down to room temperature (be REALLY careful to make sure the tea is brought down to room temperature)
• Soak a cotton ball in the tea and gently squeeze the solution into you dog’s eyes. You can gently wipe away and grim that has gathered in the corners or under the eye.
• That’s it! All done. Just watch your dog and make sure they don’t try to roll around and undo all your hard work!

Thorpe Dog Park Flagstaff, AZ

Now, I don’t usually write about dog parks, but this one is worth mentioning. Tucked in the corner of Thorpe Park, this enclosed area is massive, giving your pet room to run.

          Unlike most dog parks that create a clearing, leaving the landscape void of trees, this park is in the forest. Overhead, ravens were landing on the snow-covered branches and surveying the scene down below. I’m sure they had a bit of entertainment as Morgaine and I dove into the snow banks.

This was Morgaine’s first time seeing snow, and the Bark Park was the best place I could have ever imagined to introduce her to it.  When we arrived, there were a few families in the Park but all were very attentive to their pets and everyone was incredibly nice. She was making friends and one little boy in particular, seemed to be falling for the majestic Morgaine.

Yet, Morgaine had other plans, she wanted to explore.

It didn’t take long for Morgaine to realized that she looooooooves the snow! With plenty of room to romp through the fresh blanket, she let it rip!