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It’s not difficult to spot Crystal Benton on Arizona hiking trails – she’s the one accompanied by Luna, a 4-year-old standard poodle sporting colorfully dyed poofs and poms. Benton grew up in Phoenix but left to join the military. Her final duty station at Luke Air Force Base landed her back in home territory and right next door to the new Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye.
The Avondale resident and her husband Chris enjoy frequent hikes on the park trails that run through the foothills of the White Tank Mountains. “I find the trails well-marked and great for families,” Benton says. “Our favorite – the Valley Vista Spur – is a short but steep trail leading to great views at the top.”
Even in the most beautiful outdoor locations, it’s usually Luna and her embellished locks that grab most of the attention. The dog’s a kid magnet, and she loves posing with hikers who ask to take her photo. As for the fur dye – it’s a totally safe product, Benton assures, that’s applied by a groomer who suggested the color would complement Luna’s tail-wagging ways and also make her easy to spot in the backcountry.
– Mare Czinar
IF YOU GO:
Turnbuckle Trail & Valley Vista
LENGTH: 4-mile loop
RATING: moderate-difficult (with summit spur)
ELEVATION: 1400’ – 2300’
GETTING THERE:
2600 N. Watson Road, Buckeye
From Interstate 10 in Buckeye, take the Watson Road exit and go 2 miles north to the park. Roads are paved or have sedan-friendly dirt.
INFO:
skylineregionalpark.com
NEXT MONTH:
We’re hiking out Wickenburg way to find a river that flows upside down and explore some of Arizona’s most impeccable horse country.
