Italianos Trail Hike in Taos Ski Valley

Jasper & Peter

Italianos Trail is one of my favorite hikes in Taos. Located on State Highway 150 on the way to the Taos Ski Valley, this trail is one of  the most beautiful in Taos County. It is, in my opinion, one of the least difficult although there are numerous water crossings. The streams have water trails made with large rocks and logs and, providing you wear waterproof shoes and the snow melt is not too high (rarely happens), the crossings are pretty easy.

This hike is 3.6 miles long and increases in elevation from 8,704 to 11,387 feet. Click here for a map of Italianos Trail.

We have had a ton of rain in Taos this year which has resulted in lush green foliage and the most wildflowers I have ever seen on the trail. We hiked last week and I found myself snapping photo after photo of the beauty. A series of flowers, each with a bee, were some of my favorites.

This is a perfect hike for families, dogs (on leash) and less than expert hikers because the elevation changes gradually. Just please prepare properly with appropriate footwear, water, snacks,sunscreen, rain gear and snowshoes & jackets in winter.  But, right now in summer, the trail is breathtaking. Just remember, if you are not used to our elevation, take it easy. You are starting at 8700 feet. It may take a while to catch your breath.

Photo bomb from Jasper!

For additional information and photos, check out this in-depth article about hiking Italianos Trail from the Taos News.

My best,
diane
July 29th, 2015

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Can You Help Stray Hearts?

Stray Hearts is our wonderful animal shelter for the town and county of Taos. They do such amazing work. I am now a volunteer dog walker and have my own "project" dog. (I am a volunteer animal advocate). That means I work with dogs that need a bit of help before they are ready to be adopted. My new love, Whitney:

Stray Hearts Animal Shelter

2 hrs · 

Stray Hearts Wish List

The shelter can always use donations of the following items:

Paper towels

Canned dog & cat food

Milkbones

Cat treats

Towels

Blankets

Bleach Wipes

Laundry Soap (fragrance free/sensitive skin is best but we take it all!)

Antibacterial Dish Soap

Bleach

Assorted sizes of collars 

Leashes

Easy Walk harnesses

A HOME FOR EVERY ANIMAL

I plan to tell you all about Stray Hearts during the course of the next few months. In the interim, can you help?  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

My best,
diane
November 21, 2014

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A Spring Hike- The Elliott Barker Trail

We decided to take Mosey on a hike last week. Mose is our beloved golden retriever who was diagnosed last December with cancer. In January the Radiologist gave him a prognosis of one to two months. The Oncologist said  "Who knows? He has a slow growing tumor. It could be months or even...if we are really lucky...a year or two." Six months in he is doing ok. The only symptom is heavy panting when he is a little bit winded due to the mass that surrounds his heart, lungs and esophagus. So we took it really easy the first few months...scared he was going to die any minute. Now we are taking more of a "bucket list" mentality. Making smart choices but finding activities that he loves and modifying to make it as easy as possible. Hiking is an example.

Mosey has always loved to go on hikes with us...but he just cannot do anything strenuous any more. So when we read about the Elliot Barker Trail in the Taos News a few weeks ago we knew we found a winner. As described by the paper:

"Climbing high above the Moreno Valley, the Elliott Barker Trail offers spectacular views of Angel Fire and Wheeler Peak. This system of trails was built through the cooperation of a citizen group from Angel Fire and the Carson National Forest. Connecting old logging roads and animal paths, the trails provide hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities through the ponderosa pine and aspen forest.

There are a variety of choices from the trailhead, which is located at approximately 8,500 feet, at the bottom of Palo Flechado Pass on US 64. For a short hike and a good picnic spot, continue from the trailhead straight ahead across the meadow and through the opening in the wooden fence. A small pond is visible just ahead."

Meadow? Short Hike? Picnic Spot?  Sold.  We went...We enjoyed...Mosey found the pond and two seconds later was happily swimming with a huge smile on his face. What a perfect day.

This is a beautiful hike. Late May delivered grass, wildflowers and warm temperatures. One day we will complete the entire hike (approximately 5 miles) to see more of the beautiful views. The article states:

"To continue higher, turn right and climb into the forest. There are aspen trees leafing in this section and signs of elk. Views of Angel Fire and the Moreno Valley open to your left and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial is visible in the valley. Back over your shoulder are views of the Wheeler Peak ridge to the north. After a total of three miles from the start, the trail crosses the Bull Springs Meadows at 9,500 feet."

To read the complete article which includes the trail's history click here. And, whether you live here or plan to visit check out this beautiful hike. I sent these photos to my parents and my Dad said "Pine trees? Grass? Lots of green? This is not what I think of when I think of New Mexico. I think sage."  Well we do have lots of sage but this is Taos too. Everywhere you look it is beautiful. Hiking around Taos is the perfect way to enjoy the varied terrain.  Come and see for yourself.

DIRECTIONS

The trailhead is located 19.6 miles east on Kit Carson (US 64) from Taos Plaza. Go over Palo Flechado Pass. At the bottom of the hill and after mile marker 274, turn right into the trailhead. To start out from the top of the pass, park near the Palo Flechado historic sign and cross the highway to enter the trail area.

My best,
diane
May 30 , 2014

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Dog Friendly Taos

Hiking the area around the John Dunn Bridge

Sometimes it seems like everyone in Taos has a dog...or dogs. And what a terrific place for them. Hiking, swimming in rivers, lakes and streams, walks in Kit Carson Park; we even have a cross country skiing area (Enchanted Forest XC) with dog trails:

"Enchanted Forest presents an area especially for our four footed friends. 5k of trails, smooth groomed for easier skiing and varying from 6 to 12 feet. The dog trails meander through a large meadow and circle through the trees back to the parking area. Most dogs leave the trail to "take a break" but if your pooch makes some "brown klister" in the trail, a stick and a flick helps keep the trails clean.

The dog trails are open to both skiers and snowshoers with their pet pals, no track is set because of the wear from paws and snowshoes. Leashes are required in the parking area and dogs must be in at least voice command on the dog trails. If your dog cannot "play nice" under voice command a leash will be required.

Dog trails are provided as a service of the Enchanted Forest for guests who want to ski or snowshoe with their dogs. Please respect the posted rules for the use of the dog trail system for the continued enjoyment of all our guests.

You are not required to have a dog to use trails. The dog trails are fun for all skiers and snowshoers."

We have many dog friendly shops, hotels and galleries and you will see both locals and tourists walking their dogs. In warmer months there are numerous restaurants with very dog friendly patios . Some of my favorites include:

The Alley Cantina - On the Plaza in Taos, New Mexico

GUTIZ! - Latin-French Fusion in Taos, NM

Martyrs Steakhouse

Adobe Bar | Best Bars in Taos | Live Music | Taos Inn

El Gamal

Yes, most Taos dogs have a pretty amazing life. Sadly, there are some members of our community who take the "just a dog" approach. Dogs that are mistreated, neglected, abandoned, left outside in freezing or very hot weather. Dogs that are ignored, not given attention or love. Happily Taos has numerous educational and support programs to help. My favorite is our local Humane Society called Stray Hearts.

"The Humane Society of Taos, Inc dba: Stray Hearts Animal Shelter is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission statement:  Stray Hearts Animal Shelter of Taos is wholly dedicated to interim compassionate and humane care and rehabilitation for lost and abandoned animals, upholding their rights for such, protecting animals from abuse and neglect and exploitation, and placing them into responsible and loving homes. We are committed to animal population control and public education to ensure long-term positive management of animal populations in our area."

Stray Hearts is focused primarily on finding homes for the dogs and cats in the shelter. They also focus on education regarding the humane treatment of animals, animal health, training and spaying & neutering. There are numerous fundraisers held throughout the year to ensure the financial viability of this amazing organization. In 2013 they raised $40k in a one day radio-a-thon and earned enough at the 4th annual Dog Day of Summer Concert to pay for a part time veterinarian at the shelter.  Stray Hearts receives a lot of support from volunteers who man the office, back of house, walk dogs, foster animals, work at the adopt-a-thons held every weekend during the farmers' market season and many other tasks.

Snow day in Kit Carson Park

In addition to Stray Hearts, the following non-profits are to be commended for the help they provide to animals in Taos County:

Four Corners Animal League Taos New Mexico

Equine Spirit Sanctuary Taos New Mexico

Taos Feral Feline Friends

I am writing about Taos dogs in this post because my beloved 10 1/2 yr old golden, Mosey, seen in most of the pictures here, was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in December. I have been focusing most of my time and energy exploring ways to extend his life as long as I can while keeping his quality of life high. I recently started a new blog MoseyLove! Support & Resources For Fighting Pet Cancer in Northern New Mexico.

The website is still in its infancy but I plan to chronicle my journey with Mose's cancer sharing what I learn regarding cures, treatment, prevention, diet, holistic options and resources for Northern New Mexicans going through the same situation. My ultimate goal is to start a non-profit which raises funds for low income New Mexicans unable to afford treatment. I was shocked at the cost of surgery, radiation, chemo, anti-cancer drugs etc. I am so fortunate to have purchased insurance with a cancer rider when Mose was a puppy. I have joined a number of canine cancer support groups on Facebook and it breaks my heart every time I read about someone who has to make the choice to forgo treatment because of financial concerns. Who knows? maybe one day my nonprofit will be listed with the ones I discussed above.

1 in 3 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. Would you like to get involved with helping me form my organization? If so, please contact me via the MoseyLove! site. I would really appreciate your ideas and suggestions.

My best,
diane
1.27.2014

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We now have a twitter account @dianeintaos. Please follow and I will follow back!  I would love to get to know you on Facebook, Twitter and through your comments on this blog.