Smoke has lightened, somewhat

If you've been reluctant to head to the Gila lately, it might be time to reconsider.  The Gila National Forest is a pretty big place, and while the Whitewater-Baldy complex fire is huge, it is now 87% contained and the smoke in the area has abated quite a bit.  The Gila Cliff Dwellings are once again open for visitors and there are lots of trails in the southern and eastern sections of the Gila that are open and waiting for visitors.  Check here, for current news related to trails, the fire and conditions in the forest.

The dogs and I went out for a nice, short, evening hike with our Lab buddies last week, and everyone had a great time.  Keep in mind however, that temps have been pretty high here and plenty of water needs to be packed along for dogs if you are not hiking along running streambeds.

Another thing to consider, related to dogs, is their feet.  The trails can get pretty hot in the daytime sun, so if you are bringing a dog along, it might be wise to stick to the shadier trails. Dogs can burn their pads, if you aren't careful.  Really, you'll be more comfortable on the shady trails too, so it's a win/win.

EMT Gel

Our last hike was a little rough on my Sue's paws, and it brought to mind a product that no doggy first aid kit should be without, EMT gel.  They also make a spray. This stuff is great for wound care.  It's both soothing and helps to prevent infections. Unfortunately, mine was in the car at home and not in my pack.

San Francisco Hot Springs and River Trail

Memorial Day saw us taking a very memorable hike along the San Francisco Hot Springs/River trail.  The hike to the springs is a very rocky, rugged, ankle twister of a trek dropping 2.1 miles  down into the river canyon, but once at the stream bed life becomes easy an beautiful.

Surprisingly, for a holiday weekend there was only one other car at the trailhead, so we pretty much had the trail to ourselves.  We let the other visitors enjoy the hot springs while we hiked downstream into one of the most beautiful riparian river canyons it has been my pleasure to hike. The dogs enjoyed a day filled with lizard chasing and swimming, but we were all a little sore footed by the end of the day.

Google Map of location