So many adventures, so little time to tell you about them! We’ve been busy getting outside and enjoying our awesome weather…finally. I have several adventures in the bag already, but I’ll start with a recent picnic we took at Bartlett Lake.
From North Phoenix, the drive is just over an hour one way. The address is: 20808 E. Bartlett Dam Road, Tonto 
National Forest, Rio Verde, AZ. We took Carefree Highway East to Cave Creek Road north and turned right on Bartlett Dam Road where we drove for about 13 miles until we came to the entrance for the lake.
We just missed the flowers. It was a chilly, cloudy day when we drove out. However, if you go soon, you will see tons of wildflowers as the temperatures warm up. The drive will be just as scenic as the destination itself. Take pictures!
The cost is $6 per vehicle and an additional $4 for boats. We sold ours some time ago, and we packed a lunch to enjoy the views from land. There are several day-use areas, but we prefer Rattlesnake Cove. Don’t let the name scare you. We have never seen a snake. It is located on the north side of the lake and boasts great views and sandy beaches.
Plenty of picnic tables with shade and human restrooms await you! They did a good job of layering the areas so more people could enjoy the views. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house! We had the place to ourself, but with spring break and summer coming, be prepared for crowds.
Mom was glad she wore layers and something over her ears. The sun was warm, but the wind was cold. Soon 
enough, it will just be hot, so we try not to complain about it. All the rain did bring us lots of wildflowers. That’s another blog.
We enjoyed Mom’s homemade macaroni salad and some chips. Of course, I always get my special jerky. Yum! The lake was quiet and calm. We sat admiring the views and then decided to take a little walk.
During another visit, we took the actual trail to hike around. It is a 4.5 mile out and back that follows the shore of the lake most of the way. Today, we opted to head over toward the boat ramp to see what we could find.
The trail was muddy, and we quickly learned the boat ramp on that north shore is closed for repairs. We didn’t get very far before turning around. We hadn’t come to hike, so we were fine with a short stretch for our legs.
We sure enjoy having Bartlett Lake relatively close. We hoped back in the car to head home as Mom still had some work to do. This was just a long lunch break. I got to eat yummy food and enjoy fresh air with views. A good time in my book.
Like I said, the drive will be spectacular now with wildflowers. Don’t miss them! Once the heat arrives, the flowers will wither and die. The desert is incredibly green and lush – soak it up while you can.
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
Ginger Stahl says
There’s a fun outdoor restaurant at Bartlett Lake that we’ve enjoyed in the past.
But… we miss the wildflowers that you enjoy on a hike. Fun reading!!