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I'm looking to do a 1 to 2 night trip in mid October, just me and my old dog, so it needs to be a somewhat simple hike. I prefer the forrest to the desert and am hoping for something w/ both water and views. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Some of us will be in this area car camping/day hiking for the last week of Sept into the 1st week of October, but this area would be just as nice and meets all your requests for a 1-2nt backpack trip in mid-October (as long as you don't mind some colder night and early morning temps on our Mogollon Rim at 7500+ ft).

Drive up 1st day and backpack into here for 1st overnight (an endless amount of primitive backpack campsite areas)--> Upper Buck Spring Canyon.. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=15445

2nd day- Backpack further down canyon to historic Buck Spring Cabin area and connect with the east end TH Start for Barbershop TR#91 and then pick additional trail(s) from the Cabin Loop Trails offering http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=797 and just decide how far you want to continue for your 2nd night or decide to make an out and back with only one nights stay. You and your old dog will enjoy this area in October and if lucky you will also have an opportunity to enjoy some autumn Big Tooth maple colors.

Grasshopper's suggestion is a good one as it stays at high elevations in the "forest" and out of the "desert". It is likely that the way things are going, any early-mid October "desert" hike will still be 95-100 degrees. I would hope that you think of your safety and that of your canine pal before planning to push your limits.

Of course I could be wrong and the temps could cool down by then, which would be great!

Now, if you had said November (which isn't guaranteed as the weather is still unpredictable), I believe there are many forest to desert hikes you may enjoy!

If you are new, you may want to read over ck's excellent article of hiking with dogs:
http://www.hikearizona.com/article.php?ID=4

Depends where you are going, but have you ever heard an elk bugle ?

@Grasshopper - Thank you, that sounds like an excellent suggestion.

@Nonot - I am happy to stay in the forest particularly w/ my pooch. He is getting up there in years so I want this to be a trip that is easy on both of us... Thanks for the link to the acticle on hiking w/ dogs. It is appreciated.

@Nighthiker - yes I have heard an elk bugle. The last time was way out east near Hannagan Meadow. It was about 5 minutes after passing a moma bear w/ her 2 cubs. It made for a memorable trip ;)

@markg
If you might now be planning your 1-2 night backpack in mid-October to this previously recommended Upper Buck Spring Canyon area, the Big Tooth maples should be prime! Three of us hiked this area on Sat-10/2 and the maples were just starting to turn--> http://www.hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=12662 . Also, we have now identified a better/preferred TH Start and Parking location up FR161B for this posted HAZ hike description. Today under this HAZ hike description I will be posting the new GPS Driving Route details (as Option 1- Preferred) with A/R GPS Route "info notes". Just FYI..here is a pic of the new parking/TH Start location up FR161B--> http://www.hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=150221

Big lake area is in full color, along with Escudilla Wilderness Area. Just got home from there. But you better hurry fast to catch the leaves. Coyote creek area to three forks area near big lake would make a great hike where the heck you what to hike fun trip. just sleep in the fir trees, elk are making ton of noise up there.