I always find myself "planning" magical moments when that's not actually what happens. Turns out roads get closed, temperatures can rise, and a natural desert oasis can get annoyingly crowded even with parking reservations (that turn out to be a few more miles away from the trail head than you think). Haha. Yes my awesomely planned getaway started a little rough! But I'm so thankful for the wonderful husband I have that rolls his eyes and tells me "so what?" and also for optimistic friends who are always fun to be around.
We chose the hike less travelled so we could be in the shade and hike along the creek but we kind of ended up climbing on the side of cliff while I snapped pictures. My calves are paying for it now. It really was beautiful though, and I've never seen water in AZ that isn't brown/green but such a pretty aqua color! I purposely stayed in the back so I could stare and take more pictures.
When we actually got to the famous waterfall we felt a little uncomfortable since it was crowded with everyone who seemed to know each other and not even a place to put our stuff. We stopped for a minute to rest and eat then headed back to find a part in the creek we could swim all to ourselves! I could not believe the amount of fish just chilling out and nibbling at my feet! Not going to lie, I had to find a stick and shoo them away because they were freaking me out. It was the best part of the hike to finally cool off and enjoy the creek and a much smaller waterfall all to ourselves. Although being in nature and out of cell service range, it was so nice to get back in the car, blast the a/c and inhale some good ole sonic.
I thought I would include some tips since we had no idea what to expect and would have loved if someone could give me some REAL advice.
1.Use google maps since they will tell you directions to your actual parking place that you need to reserve. Make sure you know where you are driving.
2. Plan ahead! We bought permits 3 weeks in advanced and got the parking spot that was the furthest away, making most of the hike on a boring dirt road in the straight sun. Try to get parking at the trailhead if possible because it will save you a lot of time.
3. Check to make sure your car is up for the trip. There is a long 14 mile dirt road to the parking lots and it's not made for small cars. Try and drive in a truck or suv for a faster, safer trip!
4. Make sure you are prepared. Pack more water than you need. My little camelback was out when I got to the waterfall and I had to share on the way back. Also wear some good running shoes; hiking shoes aren't necessary. Pack some water shoes if you can. It's not a straight path to the waterfall.
5. Bring snack or pack a lunch to eat. If you hike the trail along the creek you will be hungry!
6. Bring a camera whether it's your phone or a GoPro because it's gorgeous!
7. If you are unsure of where you are going don't be afraid to ask questions. There will be two places to check in with your reservation permit and parking pass. There will be people who know the trails well to let you know where to go.
We were planning Disneyland and Universal trips on the way there and more hiking trips on the way back. I've been bit by the travel bug and I've been dying to leave the state since graduation day! That's all Tyler has been talking about since his accounting class was done (and he passed! Yayyyyy!). I'm loving this and soaking it all in until real life hits me in a few weeks!
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