By Heidi Dahms Foster
When avid hiker Danielle Ott started a group of outdoors-loving women who began hiking in the Prescott area in March 2021, she probably had no idea how large the organization, or their friendships, would become.
Trail sisters of Prescott has grown into a family of friends who love the outdoors. Many of them hike with their dogs, and if they don’t bring a dog, hose who have dogs are more than willing to share them. The dogs, of course, are more than willing to soak up the love from anyone who can spare an ear scratch or kind word.
Four of the women sat down in April to share their Trail Sisters experiences, their dog stories, and why they enjoy this group so much.
Pilar Hemry, while owned by a little dog named Gizmo, doesn’t bring her to hike. But she loves the dogs and knows each by name. Pilar approves membership requests and helps with social media posts. She’s an enthusiastic motivator for the Trail Sisters.
A group of admins runs the organization, and sets up hikes, which are geared for all levels of experience and physical abilities. Everyone is invited, however, and encouraged to set up and coordinate their own hikes.
Maureen Wild hikes with Daisy, her aussie, husky, terrier mix. This energetic talker loves to lead the pack. Daisy is eager to greet everyone, and as soon as she and Maureen arrive at the latest hiking venue, Daisy begins her husky howl.
“She lets everyone know it’s time to get on the trail,” Maureen said. “If we’re behind in the pack she’ll weave back and forth until we’re in front. But if we’re ahead, she’ll stop to make sure the pack is there.”
Daisy came from United Animal Friends, adopted after Maureen fell in love with her photo online. Among her listed talents was that she loved to yodel.
“She does yodel when she is totally excited,” Maureen said. “When she sees friends, she sings her ‘heart song!’ She’s an ‘only child’ but she loves it, and when she sees other dogs she loves them, too. She gets all the attention, but she also loves her time with friends.”
Julie Snyder’s hiking partner is Gavin, a yellow Labrador. Gavin is the boyfriend of the pack. He’s known for his expressive eyes with his built-in eyeliner.
Julie said Gavin generally runs “sweep,” making sure no one is left behind. He’s pretty mellow, until he sees water! Recently during a hike at Granite Gardens, he meandered to the end of the trail, and then turned into a puppy complete with zoomies when he saw a creek.
Gavin goes on 95 percent of the hikes with Julie, and if she leaves without him, she has some explaining to do when she returns!
Gavin was a rescue who originally was in service dog training. He was a bit too skittish, however, so was up for adoption. The trainer approached Julie because she knew Julie was looking for a dog.
Gavin was uncomfortable around men, and Julie wasn’t sure he’d fit in with her husband and son. Happily, it all worked out, and Julie said Trail Sisters came along at just the right time to help Gavin gain confidence around all kinds of people and other dogs. He is now relaxed on the trails (and excited about water!) and a “total pack animal,” Julie said.
Debbie Campbell hikes with Scarlett O’Heeler, a queensland heeler rescue.
Scarlett is known for her enthusiastic hugs, complete with slurpy kisses and a furiously wiggling butt. She came from a cattle dog rescue. Cattle dogs are known for their energy and prey drive, so Debbie wasn’t sure how she would fit in with her other dog, a 27-lb. heeler with disabilities.
“Who knows what she had been through before we got her,” Debbie said, “I needed her not to barrel into our disabled dog. But Scarlett was very respectful of her.”
When the hiking backpack comes out, Scarlett is in, 100 percent! All the dogs know when a hike is afoot.
“Gavin doesn’t get excited if I’m going to Walmart (just when we’re going hiking),” Julie said.
Trail Sisters is indeed a sisterhood for members. They enjoy marveling at the natural beauty of the Central Arizona area, and look out for each other on the trails, making hiking safe for all.
Maureen once had a fall on the trail, and everyone pitched in to help. Someone corralled Daisy, who was upset that her mistress was injured, and others helped the shaken (but OK) Maureen up. “It was heartwarming,” Maureen said. “Everyone had my back.”
Each of the hikers is aware that wildlife can be an issue on the trails. All the dogs are on leash, and some have had rattlesnake-aversion training. One of those is the always out-front Daisy.
Wildlife is one of the attractions of the hikes. Hikers have seen pelicans, bald eagles, and many other birds, along with other wild critters on the trails. They always enjoy, and always respect, the wildlife.
Pilar, along with other social media savvy members, enjoys posting photos of the hikes. It’s a great way to share their experiences with those who are not able to be on every hike.
Some of the most distant hikes have included Sedona and Williams, Cave Creek, and the Wood Chute Wilderness. Some fun challenges might include hiking 365 miles in a year or participating in 100 hikes.
Outdoors people by nature, the Trail Sisters of Prescott also engage in other sports that get them outside, such as kayaking and even disc golf.
Whatever their hiking choices, and dog owners or simply dog lovers, the Trail Sisters of Prescott have enjoyed making true friendships by just having the courage to show up on a hike for the first time where they don’t know anyone.
Those who do will find plenty of friendly women, and friendly dogs who are eager to get to know them and share some great outdoor experiences.
Find more information and/or join them on Facebook at trailsistersofprescott. For the gentlemen: trailbrothersofprescottaz. For Moms & families: trailmamasprescott.
