Possible Pooch Ban on Cholla Trail

[joebartels]

For or against, here is your opportunity to get involved. While it is speaking of just one trail sometimes these type of things cascade.

Information about this proposed ban will be posted at trailheads. Parks and Rec officials also will hold a public hearing on Oct. 22.

A vote on the issue could happen in mid-November.

http://www.kpho.com/story/30113017/park ... king-trail

[RowdyandMe]

Maybe they figure banning dogs it will take care of all thrash off the trails. I will take the day off just to speak my mind and make a lot of dog hater enemies.

[AZLumberjack]

I will take the day off just to speak my mind and make a lot of dog hater enemies.

Don't get it wrong, they're not all 'dog haters'.... the reason for the proposal is the amount of dog poo along the trails. Too many dogie walkers aren't policing their pets the way they're supposed to. Last year I had six women enter First Water Trail with nine large dogs, when they came back, they weren't carrying a single baggie with em.

When I work the trailheads, I tell the dog owners to NOT bag the poo, but instead, make sure they remove it from the trail... this is Arizona and it will dry within 24 hours, in a bag, it's good for 24 years. This has helped to keep the trails free of the unsightly little baggies lying behind rocks and under brush alongside the trails.

[JasonCleghorn]

While I understand there are a few responsible dog owners, I would be in the camp of banning them from every trail everywhere. Not a fan. And I love dogs. A lot.

[RowdyandMe]

@Jason Cleghorn
Well I guess I will be seeing you at that meeting

[Tough_Boots]

I'm not against banning dogs on Cholla. Its too busy for dogs-- I would never take Lily on that trail. Does anyone actually complain that dogs are banned from Piestewa Peak?

City things have city rules.

[RowdyandMe]

While it is speaking of just one trail sometimes these type of things cascade.

While I have never taken Rowdy on Cholla and I never would. But I do worry about the cascading effect that could follow.

Can they banned service dogs from the trails?

[oceanzhang]

I've seen too many dogs get injured/needing rescue. Aside from bloody paws and broken nails, a lot of owners don't realize dogs can't cool off like humans. I've seen a dog die from the heat. It's not pretty. They suffer on the mountains in summer, under the sun. It's beyond comprehension why people hike with dogs in the afternoon in the summer here. Wear a garbage bag, then put a fur coat over it, and rely on your tongue to cool you off. I love hiking with my dog, and banning dogs on trails is a huge inconvenience, but if the inconvenience of 1,000 dog owners can save the life of 1 dog, then I'm all for the ban.

ps, I take my dog up Echo Canyon all the time. We park at the golf course at 3:30am, and run up in the dark. We're done before the parking lot opens up, and it's not too hot for dogs. I'm sure you can do something similar on the Cholla side too. So if you really want to hike with your dog, there are ways around it. And I highly recommend hiking shoes for the dogs.

[gummo]

Can they banned service dogs from the trails?

I doubt it. I'd be surprised if they could.

[Tough_Boots]

I take my dog up Echo Canyon all the time.

Sounds like you're not going to care about the ban anyways since dogs are banned in Echo Canyon

[oceanzhang]

@Tough_Boots
Exactly, that's why I try to finish before the parking lot opens ;)

But in theory, I do support the ban for the protection of the few dogs whose owners are unaware that they're forcing them to do things beyond their capabilities.

[nonot]

Your justification for violating the park dog rules are that you break the rules while violating the park hour rules?

Oh, how I long to be as important a person as you so that you can be so mighty that the rules don't apply.

[Tough_Boots]

@nonot

oh, come on... we all break the rules every now an then ;)

[oceanzhang]

Oh, how I long to be as important a person as you so that you can be so mighty that the rules don't apply.

Park hour rules say parking lot opens at sunrise. I respect those rules, and don't use the parking lot. Dog rule, not as much ;)

FWIW, they open the parking lot around 5:15 right now, a good hour before official sunrise. Rule breakers extraordinaire, but no harm no foul.

[chumley]

It's official. Dogs will be permanently banned beginning July 1 on the Cholla Trail. Echo Canyon Trail has banned dogs for several years.

Photo Credit: John9L

[Alston_Neal]

I'm betting there are going to be some happy landscapers. Leaf blowers suck at dog poo and plastic bags.

[SpiderLegs]

But will they enforce it? See people bringing dogs up Squaw Peak every time I do it.

[joebartels]

Absolutely, friendly too. They have a budget so they are not patrolling every trail at all times. Contact them if you note issues.

[Tough_Boots]

But will they enforce it? See people bringing dogs up Squaw Peak every time I do it.

Really? I've never once seen a dog on the Piestewa Summit trail-- only on the circumference trail where they are allowed.

[SpiderLegs]

But will they enforce it? See people bringing dogs up Squaw Peak every time I do it.

Really? I've never once seen a dog on the Piestewa Summit trail-- only on the circumference trail where they are allowed.

Did it a few months ago and a guy not only brought his dog, but allowed it to drop a biscuit in the middle of the trail. Then saw another couple that was on the circumference trail with their dog, but they kept going past the two signs that said "no dogs" once they got to the climb up the backside to the summit trail. I guess I just have a knack for picking the better days to hike or run up there.