Pet Friendly Walks and Hikes

For this month’s blog, we welcome guest blogger Andrea Christelle of Sedona Philosophy!

Sometimes you just have to take the dog with you. That’s the way I felt 15 years ago when my good friend was getting married at Sam A. Baker State Park in Missouri. It wasn’t that I had to take my dog to the wedding. I didn’t have a dog. I found a lost dog at the wedding, and he needed a home!

At the park, all of the cabins and campsites were filled up with friends new and old. It was a weekend of outdoor immersion, before the wedding party and a sizable entourage headed off to Burning Man. It was a wonderfully chaotic mix of people and parties, but eventually, it became clear that amidst the merry madness, there was a dog without an owner. 

A black lab mutt with the sweetest disposition kept sidling up to people looking for affection. And food. When I heard the rumor that this dog had been left behind, and that the park managers were planning to take it to the pound I was really upset. That could not happen. Not to this kind creature. I made a decision and a proclamation. I would take the dog back to New Orleans. 

I hadn’t had a pet since I was a kid, so I didn’t know that you can’t just put a dog on a plane like a suitcase. Animals need shots, and papers, and more than just carriers. But once I made it clear that the dog would have a home, others stepped up to the plate. 

The newlyweds decided to expand their family right away. They adopted this lovable dog, which remained a loyal companion for all of its days. They named him Sam A. Baker, to commemorate the place they found the pup and tied the knot. 

Like a lot of things in my life, making sure that the dog had a home didn’t turn out the way I thought it would, but it probably turned out for the best. In this case, the best thing was Sam staying with Kelly and Michael.   

We know that many of you are choosing El Portal Sedona Hotel not only for its charm and elegance but also because it is pet friendly. Now you can take a guided hike that is pet friendly too. As of January 2022, Sedona Philosophy can take you on a walking or hiking tour, and your furry friends are welcome to come along. One of our guides even volunteers for the Humane Society, so he is used to taking dogs of all types on the trails.

To the left is Kent Baldner, one of Sedona Philosophy guides who will be taking out El Portal Sedona Hotel guests and their dogs, and he volunteers at Humane Society of Sedona.

Sedona Philosophy hikes are enriching and rewarding outings where you learn a little about Sedona and a lot about yourself. Sedona is the perfect place to reflect on the wonder of the world and the meaning of life. On your next visit to beautiful El Portal, take a tour with Sedona Philosophy, and bring your pet along for every step of the adventure.

By Andrea Christelle, Sedona Philosophy

Here is a guide to help pet owners keep their pets safe this winter season!

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet friendly boutique hotel, located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, activities, and more. It is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, with only 12 rooms, and no pet fees!

 4 Amazing Sedona Hikes in Two Days

This is uncommon for us to do, but Larry Preston is not only an excellent writer but an avid hiker as well. Please enjoy this guest blog post of Larry’s, we certainly did!

This was my second trip to Sedona. The first one was over Memorial Day, and it was so crowded that I went home almost as soon as I got there.

This time was different. I brought Pixel the Wonder Cat along, as she rather enjoys riding in the Jeep and sniffing out a new place. I also booked a room at El Portal, and this place is wonderful. I would put it in my list of top hotels ever. And they aren’t even paying me to say that.Was it crowded again? Yes, but not as bad. I also planned it out this time so I could go nowhere that was crowded.

As a first for me, I booked a guided tour for my first hike on Saturday morning. When I saw the option to book with Sedona Philosophy Experience, I assumed it was about experiencing Sedona. Nope. It’s actually a hike with a guide who shares their love of philosophy with you.

What a great surprise that was. Matt Goodwin, my tour guide, was extremely knowledgeable about Sedona, Arizona’s history, and of course, Philosophy. It made for the most interesting hike I may have ever been on.

When I was a kid, I wanted to build a go-kart. I found a man not too far from my house that was willing to help me weld it. Sadly, I cannot recall his name, and I am sure he is long gone. This guy was a welder by day but a philosophy lover at night. So as he was welding, he told me all about Plato, Socrates, Dante, and John Locke.
I studied a bit more of it in college and had read many books on my own. But Matt clearly has dug into it at a whole other level, making for a fascinating 2.5-hour hike and conversation.

The highlight of the hike is the House of Apache Fire, Built by Helen and Jack Frye, who, in the early 1940s, caught sight of the land during a flyover. Jack was the president of TWA Airlines, and Helen was his artist wife. By 1947, construction began for the home on what the Fryes dubbed the Smoke Trail Ranch—some 700 acres of red-rock country land with the creek running through it.

The house is not being used now and is surrounded by a barb-wire fence. That’s sad because you can see it was truly an amazing place with perhaps some of the best views in the world. Certainly in Sedona. This place struck me because it was about the same time (1948) that my grandparents, Herb and Millie Borah, built a gorgeous log cabin on Lake of the Woods in Minnesota. Both places, at the time, were about as remote as one could get, yet both couples preferred to be there and far from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities of the time.

Helen was clearly a larger-than-life character with multiple husbands and homes. She is certainly a Sedona legend.

Dining out in Sedona was tricky: The nicer places have strict dress codes and are booked far in advance.

As always, it is tough to get reservations for a party of one. The one place I did get into (who shall remain nameless) has mediocre food and awful service. When you go to eat by yourself, too many places have a tendency to stick you at the worst table and then pretty much forget about you until you club them over the head for more water, the check, or to find out why every table around me got their order before me.

Be sure to book your meals ahead of time.

Sunset in Sedona

As the sun got close to going down, I headed over to Margs draw for hiking a little, but more so to take in the sunset – where I got some of my favorite photos ever.

Day Two

I got up early and headed to the Adobe Jack trail. About 4 miles, mostly in the shade. Great little hike, but you are in town so you’ll walk buy a lot of houses and hear some traffic noise in parts.

I spent the rest of the afternoon shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village – where I checked almost every store but bought nothing. There is some very nice high-end art there, but the vast majority of it is tourist trinkets.

Next up, I drove the Canyon almost all the way to Flagstaff, stopping at several points for the view.

I then hoofed it in the other direction all the way to the Jerome Ghost Town. Unfortunately, Jerome was anything but a ghost town – it was packed!  After looking for twenty minutes, I could not find a parking spot. So I headed back and walked through all the tourist shops in Sedona. Then it was back to the hotel, gather up the cat and head home.

All in all, Sedona is an amazing place… but it’s also so crowded that it’s tough to enjoy it. So the next time I head north, I will make sure I go in the off-season. That should do it.

Thanks, Larry for the great blog.
If you would like to see more of his photos, you can visit him on Instagram @larrypreston.

All photos copyright by Larry Preston, and used here with permission of Larry Preston.
#sedona #arizona #sedonaphilosophy #elportalsedonahotel
#sedonahikes #sedonahikingtrails #hikingguide

Wide Open Spaces for You to Discover

The amazing fall weather makes Sedona a perfect outdoor playground with plenty to do, explore, discover! Visitors and locals alike can experience so many outdoor activities, including but not limited to:

• hiking
• biking
• adventure tours
• wine tours
• state parks & historical sites
• golfing
• festivals – ours are outdoor!
• climbing
• fishing
• and more!

At El Portal Sedona Hotel we are dedicated to providing an extraordinary lodging experience for our guests and their pets in unpretentious luxury. We are a AAA Four Diamond Hotel with personalized concierge services for the Sedona area, we will help you with any tours, hikes – all things to do in Sedona!

“We stayed two nights with our elderly dogs in the beautiful Garden Court Room…with an enclosed outside patio for the comfort of the doggies, which we all appreciated. … Soothing to the body and the soul, and we recommend this hotel whole-heartedly.” (Tripadvisor review).

Remember, pets stay free and receive a welcome basket with a blanket, treats, and waste bags.

Call now 1.800.313.0017 or book online – there’s room to roam here!

Fall – and the Weather is Perfect in Sedona

Fall Weather = The Best Weather

There’s nothing like a hike along the gorgeous trails in Sedona during autumn…The leaves are just beginning to change, there’s a hint of a chill in the morning and the warmth of the sun is perfect in the afternoon.
The golfing is fantastic too. Championship courses, par 3s, we have it all. The Sedona Golf Resort is considered one of the world’s most unforgettable golf experiences​, ​where each hole provides a unique adventure. Something to add to your bucket list – definitely!

Off-road adventures, jeep tours, and more take you out to the red rocks for excursions sure to turn up the thrill factor! Not your cup of tea? Take a wine tour, book a spa retreat (many of our spas have outdoor facilities), do a little retail therapy in our eclectic shops and galleries, the options are endless.

The unmistakable pull of Sedona means it’s time for relaxation in the fresh mountain air. Check-in at El Portal Sedona Hotel, it is so quiet and peaceful you’ll forget you’re in the middle of town. Stroll down the lane to Tlaquepaque and enjoy the quaint “village” feel, enjoy the restaurants and artisans, then return to El Portal for ​”happy hour” in our idyllic courtyard!

Sedona Weather + Sedona Discoveries + El Portal Sedona Hotel = Perfection 
1.800.313.0017 or Online Reservations

Hike the Mystical Red Rocks of Sedona

Nestled amongst crimson canyon walls is one of the most beautiful places on earth – Sedona Arizona. Known for our 400+ hiking trails, Sedona is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of wide-open spaces! So come, visit Sedona, and stay with us at El Portal Sedona Hotel.

Our hiking trails are open and are truly breathtaking! From beginner to expert – there is a trail for everyone; and Steve and staff can help you choose the perfect trail for you and yours! A few of our favorites… (listed from easy to difficult) Margs Draw, Fay Canyon, Deadman’s Pass, West Fork Trail, Airport Loop, Boynton Canyon, Broken Arrow Trail, Doe Mountain Trail, Devil’s Bridge, Wilson Mountain Trail, Cathedral Rock, and Bear Mountain Trails.

Sedona’s trails offer solitude, serenity, and an opportunity to explore the unspoiled beauty of the countryside (please practice “Leave No Trace” principles). There are amazing ruins, pictographs, and petroglyphs to see and learn about as well, not to mention the intense spiritual vibes and high concentration of vortexes (sites that are believed to strongly emit energy that promotes healing and meditation)! It’s not about to hike or not, it’s about how many you can hike!

El Portal Sedona Hotel – call for your room 1.800.313.0017, or book online!

Vacation in Sedona!

The most frequent comment from our guests when they leave is “there is so much more to do and see in Sedona than we thought and a night or two just isn’t enough!” So when you take a trip to Sedona, book for at least two or more nights.

You ask what is there to do? Well, here are just a few of the things to do when you visit Sedona:

Grand Canyon National Park – The Grand Canyon is an easy day trip from Sedona, just over 90 minutes. If you leave around 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning you can see all the great views, doing some shopping for mementos, and still, be back in Sedona by 6:00 pm.

Hike Sedona – Hiking in Sedona is what it’s all about! With over 100 trails in the area; from easy to difficult, along (even through) water, with elevation change, canyon, and mountain trails, there is definitely a trail for you.  

West Fork Trail of Oak Creek Canyon – This trail is touted as one of the best trails in Arizona and one of the top 10 trails in the United States. It is only 6 miles round trip, rated easy-moderate, pet friendly, and has spectacular views.

Jeep Tours of Sedona – Taking a jeep tour of the Sedona countryside is exhilarating, fun and breath-taking! The area has a number of jeep tour companies, with tours from 1 hour to a full day.

Golfing in Sedona – There are a variety of gorgeous golf courses in and around the Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon area, each one unique, challenging, and fair – plus the views are amazing! With plenty of options to choose from, whether you are interested in a championship course or a relaxing par 3, it is all right here.  At elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level, Northern Arizona presents golfers with a completely different set of challenges, landscapes, and price points. And with our concierge services, we can book you a tee time or two!

Arizona State Parks  – There are a number of state parks to visit in the area; Fort Verde State Historic Park, Dead Horse Ranch, Slide Rock, Red Rock, Homolovi, Jerome, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, and Verde River Greenway State Natural Area to name a few.   
Vortex/Spiritual Tours – Sedona is a place of profound peace and spiritual renewal. Spiritual gurus worldwide are drawn to the area’s mystical vortexes, which are sites of enhanced energy that facilitate meditation, prayer, reflection, and healing of the body and mind. The Sedona area is unique because it contains all of the different types of vortexes and tours aplenty. There are numerous spiritual retreats, healing experiences, and psychic readings to choose from for a life-changing experience, rejuvenation of the spirit.

Dining in Sedona – You will find excellent restaurants in Sedona and the Verde Valley. Coffee shops, fine and family dining, pet friendly and casual dining; Mexican, American, Italian, French, Latin, Asian, BBQ, bistros, pubs, and more! From breakfast to dessert, and everything in between!

The Sedona Spa Experience – There are a variety of day spas, spas with fitness centers, and alternative wellness and healing centers. In our magical Sedona desert setting, be transported to a space of pure tranquility and limitless well-being.

Other things to consider when planning your trip to Sedona are helicopter rides, hot air balloon excursions, rafting the Colorado River, shopping, kayaking, wine tours, Indian Ruins, museums, theatre events, and more!

El Portal Sedona Hotel – pet friendly, family friendly, romance, solo, groups … Book now 1.800.313.0017.

No Matter the Time, This is the Place, Sedona Arizona

We hope you are keeping healthy and safe! Here at El Portal Sedona Hotel, we are taking various measures, many of them ahead of time, to offer people the greatest degree of protection. We re-evaluate these measures every day to adjust to the latest circumstances. We are closely monitoring the developing situation and are ready to make any sacrifice necessary to get through this period together.

We also continue to serve you, our guests. We are open and hope you will come and stay with us at El Portal.

• As we are a small hotel we have fewer guests staying with us; this means more space for social distancing and social engagement.
• Use our new contact-free curbside check-in, take your packet and go straight to your room, then check out by phone!
• Suites 3-8 have private outdoor entrances – you are in your own private room immediately!
• We have plenty of space for all to relax and unwind, read a book, or have a glass of wine around the fire pit.
• Many of our suites have private patios or balconies.
• With just 12 rooms spaced out around an open-air courtyard, many with their own patio or balcony, it is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• And remember, we are pet friendly – there are no pet fees here.
• Sedona is open. At this time all trails and parks are still open with fresh air and wide-open spaces for all.
• Shops are open and restaurants are doing takeout and delivery.
• For more information visit the Sedona Chamber of Commerce for travel advisory

Hike solo or with a loved one. Read that book you’ve been putting off. Take a hot, relaxing whirlpool tub – you know you want to. No matter the time, this is the place to be, El Portal Sedona Hotel.

Sincerely,
Steve & Connie Segner

 

Four-Legged Friends Welcome! Discover the Beauty of Pet-Friendly Sedona with the Whole Family

Nestled in the heart of Arizona, the small city of Sedona is a must-see destination offering breathtaking natural beauty, a plethora of outdoor activities, a thriving arts-and-culture scene, and much more. While Sedona is sure to captivate human visitors, the city also has a reputation for being proudly pet-friendly, ensuring that a trip to Sedona will be an incredible experience for all members of the family.

Outdoor Adventures with Pets

Renowned for its stunning red rock formations, Sedona is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The area boasts a wide variety of hiking trails, with options suitable for all skill levels. Many of these trails are pet-friendly, allowing visitors to explore the enchanting landscapes alongside their four-legged friends. For example, popular options like West Fork Trail, Margs Draw, and Bell Rock Pathway offer easy-to-moderate treks that provide human and canine hikers alike with a close-up view of Sedona’s iconic scenery. Leashed dogs are also welcome at Slide Rock State Park, a refreshing destination that is named for a natural, smooth-bottomed “water slide” in Oak Creek.

In West Sedona, visitors will find a more low-key outdoor experience to enjoy with their pets: an amazing new dog park with breathtaking vistas of the red rocks. The park features separate areas for large dogs, small dogs, and senior dogs, as well as an expansive, completely fenced natural area—perfect for safely hiking off-leash!

For those who would prefer to explore Sedona by vehicle, jeep tours—which carry passengers to off-the-beaten-path destinations not accessible by most cars—offer the ideal balance of comfort and ruggedness. Many local jeep tour companies allow well-behaved pets to accompany their owners on these exciting excursions.

While Sedona’s landscape can be mesmerizing, it is always important to make safety a priority when exploring the outdoors—particularly when pets are involved. For example, be sure that pets have access to adequate food and water, consider carrying a first-aid kit, and remain vigilant about hazardous terrain and other animals that could pose a threat. Taking proper precautions will ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure for both humans and pets.

Exploring Sedona’s Arts and Culture Scene

After a long day on the trails, visitors and their furry companions can enjoy a relaxing stroll through Uptown Sedona. As the heart of Sedona’s vibrant artistic community, Uptown is teeming with galleries, boutiques, and a diverse selection of restaurants with cuisines for every palate. Many of these restaurants offer pet-friendly patios.

In the nearby Historic Arts District, visitors will find a bounty of additional shopping and dining options at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, which was built to reflect the charm of a traditional Mexican village. Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany their humans as they meander along Tlaquepaque’s magical cobblestone paths.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Sedona

When traveling with pets, finding a hotel that truly welcomes them—rather than merely accepting them—is the key to an enjoyable trip. El Portal Sedona Hotel, a twelve-suite luxury boutique inn located just steps from Tlaquepaque, proudly welcomes guests and their pets. As Sedona’s original pet-friendly hotel, El Portal never charges pet fees and is committed to providing personalized concierge service for all guests, both human and animal alike.

Upon arrival, pets will receive a welcome basket that includes a blanket, treats, and waste bags. Throughout their stay, pets can enjoy over 1,000 square feet of dog-friendly patio spaces, while their owners admire the hotel’s unique architecture and décor, which has been described by Sunset Magazine as having a “rustic elegance that beautifully captures the romance of the Southwest.” El Portal – a AAA Four Diamond Hotel – has also received acclaim specifically for its love of pets. For instance, Dogster Magazine has named El Portal the second most dog-friendly hotel in the country, and USA Today and 10Best.com ranked it number one in the “Best Pet-Friendly Hotel” category.

To learn more about what El Portal and Sedona have to offer guests and their pets, please visit https://elportalsedona.com/.

 

The Dos and Don’ts of Hiking with Your Dog

At El Portal Sedona Hotel, we rarely do this – have a guest blogger. But this is so up our alley, we just had to have Jen of Your Dog Advisor be our guest. We write about pet-friendly, family friendly, rules of hiking, but not about hiking with your dog, so we hope you enjoy this, and maybe even glean a thing or two from it…

6 Tips for Hiking With Your Dog

Learning from your mistakes is important, but being proactive is better– especially for the sake of your pet. We will cover the do’s and don’ts of hiking with your dog, as well as some important information you need to know before hitting the trail with your furry friend to keep you legal and both of you safe.

Watch Your Dog Carefully While You Hike

With a few exceptions that we will discuss later, most dogs will outperform you in conditions you wouldn’t bear with less preparation and no gear. Your dog is tough, and they know it. Unfortunately, this toughness can get your dog in some serious trouble.

You must understand that your dog can do no more than bark, stare, and possibly paw at you for its needs. It is up to you, the owner, to keep track, take note, and read your dog and its condition. It is also up to you to be prepared for both yourself and your dog as a lack of preparation can lead to some serious problems.

This was made evident one hot Idaho summer as my husband, our Blue Heeler Pointer mix, and I set out on a round-trip hike that blew past the planned distance and traversed a face in constant exposure to the sun with no shade to be found. Though we kept the three of us well hydrated, we could feel the heat taking its toll and realized we would soon run out of water. Dehydration was quickly setting in as we be-lined our way towards the trailhead.

The simple mistake of not planning our trail properly and not bringing enough water resulted in a situation that could have ended a lot worse than it did. Do your due diligence and double-check. A few pounds more water is better than a few pounds less and a bad scenario.

It is also good to pack enough food for you and your dog. Let the extra weight in your pack remind you that your dog’s life is in your hands. And always remember that if you are tight on space in your pack, water will always be more important than food. Though it can be uncomfortable, running out of food is not nearly as crucial as running out of water; as your dog can function and even thrive while in a temporarily fasted state.

Consider Your Dogs Age When Planning Your Hike

Although your pup is tough, some dogs may have exhausted that toughness in the earlier years of their lives. Old dogs need to be looked after with a keen eye when hiking. Hip dysplasia, arthritis, joint and muscle injury, and other medical problems are far more prominent in an elderly canine, especially for those that are predisposed to certain health complications.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring your senior pup out on the trail with you. Exercise and the outdoors are two of the best things for a dog who is long in the tooth. Being a dog parent means finding the line between overworking old joints, and pushing your pup to stay strong. As previously stated, watch your dog like a hawk.

Oftentimes, issues can go unnoticed as your dog will power right through fueled by the love of the trail. By walking behind your pet and letting them live their best life on the trail, you can gauge their comfort level by their speed and frequency of stopping. You should also be on the lookout for uneven stepping patterns and any limps that may occur indicating a condition that should be looked at.

Keep your granddog trotting on through the years. Find hikes that do not have too much incline and decline and are on stable grounds. Boulder hopping, shale scrambles, and steep root sections should be substituted for nice loam walks to the lake, one with good stream stops along the way are the best!

You should also lighten the load of your dog’s pack, should they have one, or just bear the load yourself. This keeps your dog moving naturally and keeps excess weight off the joints. Just keep a keen eye and encourage your dog, making for the happiest of their elder years. Let them have the satisfaction of being out front and guiding you along. Like they say in the islands of Malaysia, “You happy, me happy!”

Make Sure Your Dog is Trained and Well-Tempered

You’re going to want to consider the behavior and personality of your pet. If your dog is aggressive around other dogs or people, it is especially important that you select your location wisely. Many folks have dogs that are rescues and are undergoing a change in their lives. However, many of these dogs never fully break their old habits and can be very jumpy with the potential for aggression.

These dogs need the therapy of hiking, but it can be a challenge. Find hikes and locations that are out and away from people and other animals. Have adequate solitude for these dogs to get in their zone and exhaust some energy and tension. Feed them a new purpose as they trek on without the possibility of any harm being inflicted.

Note that a dangerous and violent dog that has not yet been mastered enough to be under reasonable control should not be taken out into public. If you are wary of conflict breaking out between your dog and another person or dog, take many precautions to ensure you hike alone in a location unvisited by common day hikers. All dogs deserve a chance, but it takes diligence to prevent possible physical and legal dilemmas.

Know the Laws of the Lands

The canine is a beautiful creature that commands a connection with nature and a chance to live out instinctual purpose. Though your dog lives only by the laws of nature and physics, you, the owner, live in a world of order and regulation.

I’ve got some rough news, many lands that are legal for you may not always be legal for your dog. If you are planning your dream hike through one of the wonders of the world with your pup, you may have to reschedule.

National parks offer some of the most epic hikes one can find, as they preserve incredible lands and protect them from industrialization, overcrowding, and the imbalanced influx of species that can become disruptive. Unfortunately, the common house dog can pose a threat to this pristine balance found in national parks.

Hiking trails found in the national parks are off-limits to dogs. The only exceptions are for those participating in thru-hikes like the Pacific Crest Trail that intertwine with the Parks. Don’t scrap the whole trip to the park just yet. Car campsites and day-use areas are perfectly fine to bring your dog as long as the parks’ leash requirements are met (a leash no longer than 6ft, unless otherwise posted). This lets you and yours enjoy some of the most beautiful environments while not disrupting the natural order. Just don’t plan on getting in any day hikes as leaving your dog in the car and at camp can be a real issue.

Outside National Parks

With National Park treks out of the hiking scope, there is still a nearly infinite amount of exploring to be done alongside your dog. The majority of dog-friendly hikes will probably be found at your local state parks and national forests. Here, dogs are usually welcomed and will likely get the chance to encounter other peak-bound pups.

Here in Washington state, I often use the Washington Trails Association website to find dog-friendly trails. There are many other sites like this one that apply in different states, just do a quick Google search and you will find information about trails in your area and the laws that surround them. These sites give you great information about the difficulty of the hike, distance, GPS directions, and pictures. Some sites even include up-to-date trail reports from real people who have been hiking the trail recently!

Luckily, most state parks allow you to bring your dog on the trail, but leash laws vary state by state;  Arizona – leash required – 6-foot max leash.

Pack the Right Gear in Your Pack and Your Dog’s

As the previous tale indicates, when hiking with a dog it is so crucial to be prepared. As self-sufficient as dogs can be, they really depend on you to keep them safe, fed, and hydrated. You should make sure you have the gear you need with you for the extent of time you will be out, and plan for errors.

Along with supplying yourselves with plenty of water and a healthy choice of edible energy, you want to bring some sort of drinking apparatus for your pet. You can find some really cool collapsable ones at R.E.I., but you can also roll the edges of a plastic sandwich bag to make a nice bowl for your dog that weighs virtually nothing. Just keep a few in your pack or your dog’s pack. Besides, any lightweight backpacker knows just how incredible the zip-lock can be for a number of outdoor living situations.

A healthy, fit, and spry juvenile or adult dog is capable of wearing their own pack. However, if you chose to rig your dog with one of these radical tactical vests, there is some key things that should be done on your part.

First of all, make sure your dog is capable of carrying weight. We already mentioned that old dogs and those with medical limitations may have some trouble with this. A younger athlete of a dog will fair much better carrying loads like their own bottle of water.

If you feel comfortable with a pack on your dog, the next step you need to take is sizing your dog accordingly. Although websites can help you gauge pack sizes by your dog’s age, breed, height and length, there is no better way to size your dog than trying packs on.

Packs are a great way to get a little load off your back by having your buddy build some muscle. But you must be careful; packs should never be overloaded. Always weigh the total weight of your dog’s pack when it is fully loaded, and ensure that it never exceeds 15% of your dog’s total weight. Also, ensure it is properly fastened and not over tightened as this can lead to excess pressure on your dog’s chest and ribs. Finally, never use a heavyweight pack that will cause your dog to become hot in high temperatures.

Other items useful for your trail dog may be a set of shoes. Although it may seem comical to some, dog shoes can really save your puppy’s paws if they are tasked to climb up shale with you and can offer protection from burns on hot sand or cement as well as mittens if you hike across a lot of ice.

You should also be sure to include in either your dog’s pack or yours, poop bag, glowstick or collar lamp for night treks, and a lightweight leash with a carabiner to make clipping up easy and is endlessly useful if your dog is a runner off-leash.

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

No one ever wants to think about their babies getting hurt, and even less, do people plan on what to do in the case that does actually happen. As resilient as dogs can be, they are still susceptible to getting injured. In the last 2 years I have had to take my own dog to the vet three times from hiking injuries; trust me, folks, it happens much easier than you would think.

There are ways to prevent injuries from happening, such as making sure that your dog doesn’t jump down to or on to anything sharp, keeping them a safe distance from drops and ledges, and training them to not overstep their boundaries by establishing call commands that halt them. Now, what do you do when or if an injury does occur on the trail? In addition to the items you should pack with you, you should pack a few rolls of bandages, some isopropyl alcohol, and a few sticks found on the trail. Here are a few steps to take if an injury happens:

1. Don’t panic
2. Assess the damage
3. Treat the injury as best as you can from where you are
4. If at all possible, carry your dog
5. Treat as best as you can from your vehicle
6. Take them to the vet if necessary

You’ve done your research, found your trail, packed all the supplies, and planned for the worst– you’re ready! Now it’s time for the most important step out of them all, enjoying the sights, sounds, and overwhelming beauty of nature alongside your furry best friend.

Getting out into nature is so important in order to decompress from our sometimes stressful, monotonous lives, and bringing your pet is a great way to unwind, bond, and enjoy the beauty this world has to offer. Happy hiking to you and your best friend!

At El Portal Sedona Hotel, Sedona’s pet-friendliest hotel, we want to thank Jen at Your Dog Advisor
for these insightful and helpful tips!

El Portal Sedona Hotel 1.800.313.0017

Off the Beaten Track: Hiking the Unusual in Sedona

With its diverse selection of hiking trails, Sedona, Arizona is a mecca for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area’s strikingly beautiful landscape is etched with trails of varying difficulty that allow hikers to experience the red rock vistas and magnetic sense of peace for which Sedona is internationally renowned. However, with the more well-known trails often attracting crowds, adventurous hikers may consider taking the paths less traveled by seeking out Sedona’s “hidden gem” hiking trails.

The following hikes offer solitude, serenity, and an opportunity to explore the unspoiled beauty of the Sedona area:

Sacred Mountain

Located southeast of Sedona, near the V Bar V Heritage Site – one of the largest and best-preserved petroglyph sites in the Verde Valley – Sacred Mountain offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ancient Sinagua people, who lived in the area from approximately 500 to 1400 AD. The trail leading to the summit of Sacred Mountain, which is actually a butte, is about one mile round trip and is a relatively easy hike, with an elevation gain of only 170 feet.

Upon reaching the top, hikers will enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the Verde Valley and surrounding mountains. But what makes Sacred Mountain unique are the remains of a 50 to 60 room pueblo on the butte’s large, flat top. Sinagua families once lived amongst the structure’s three blocks of approximately 20 rooms each and entertained themselves on a ball court located at the butte’s southeast base. Although the ball court has deteriorated over the centuries and is therefore difficult to identify, it is believed to be the last of such courts built in the Verde Valley. Hikers may also notice a substantial amount of pottery shards jutting out of the earth. In addition, archaeologists have identified agricultural remains around Sacred Mountain, which indicate that the Sinagua people cultivated the area intensively.

Lost Canyon

For visitors interested in archaeology and the history of the region, Lost Canyon Trail offers a slightly more strenuous and thrilling adventure than Sacred Mountain. Although not officially recognized by the Forest Service, the trail—which is two and a half miles round trip and features a 500-foot elevation gain—is used frequently enough that hikers should be able to follow it with ease. However, at some points along the trail, there are loose rocks and sheer drop-offs, so this hike may not be the best for children or anyone with a fear of heights. The trail begins at the same point as the western Brins Mesa trailhead, and after completing Lost Canyon, ambitious hikers have the option of continuing on toward the famous Devil’s Bridge. The parking area for Lost Canyon Trail is located on the rugged Forest Service Road (FR) 152, so it is recommended that visitors access it in a high-clearance vehicle.

Lost Canyon Trail leads to two sites of unusually well-preserved Sinagua ruins nestled into alcoves, which the ancient inhabitants undoubtedly used to shield themselves from the elements. On the alcoves’ rock walls, visitors will notice pictographs painted by the ancient peoples; painted pictographs are distinguishable from petroglyphs, which are carved into the rock. In addition to these amazing ruins, the Lost Canyon Trail features spectacular vistas of Sedona’s red rocks and verdant valleys.

El Portal Sedona Hotel

After exploring Sedona’s hiking trails and enchanting sites, visitors may continue the Sedona experience in the city’s vibrant Uptown area, which is packed with stellar restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Located mere minutes from Uptown, El Portal Sedona Hotel offers guests and their pets a unique and unforgettable lodging experience. When staying in one of El Portal’s twelve distinctively designed suites, guests will experience unpretentious luxury and personalized concierge services, including guidance on the best local hikes. El Portal is one of only five hotels in Sedona to have received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. At this pet friendly hotel, there are no fees for pets.

Contact Information:
El Portal Sedona Hotel
95 Portal Lane
Sedona, AZ 86336
1.800.313.017
info@elportalsedona.com
www.elportalsedona.com 
Innkeeper: Steve Segner