Eat Well During the Crisis

Camp Creek Falls

Told by Kuma & Written by Lorraine Bossé-Smith

During the COVID-19 quarantine, many folks have had unusual schedules. My mom wasn’t able to teach fitness classes or provide in-person trainings, so we were out adventuring more. That has meant no rest days for me, but I’m not complaining one bit.

My mom’s friend recommended a new place, so off we went to explore.

We stayed on North Cave Creek Road and past the Bartlett Lake turnoff. About 3 miles beyond that marker, on our right was the Blue Wash trailhead parking lot that has access

With less pollution, you can see for miles.

Kuma strolls along the Blue Wash trail. (Photos by Lorraine Bossé-Smith)

to Camp Creek Falls. The address is: 43168, 42800 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Parking is free, but it fills up fast. I think only 12 or so vehicles can fit, so many people were parking along the road. We got there just as someone was leaving, so we got lucky. There are designated dirt areas to the side of the road that are safe for parking. Dogs are, of course, welcome, but on leash.

Before I get started, I want to share my disappointed in humans. We have never, ever seen so much dog poop on a trail in our entire lives. We have been adventuring in many states, and this was disgusting. Mom says a bunch of city folks weren’t working due to the virus and have zero respect for nature and others. Come on, people! Right is right, and picking up your dog’s poop is the right thing to do. Period. The trailhead does not have a garbage can, so you will have to pack it out. So what? How hard is that? Enough said.

Camp Creek Falls is part of an old mining community, and back in the day, off-road vehicles drove into the falls. Once again, humans disrespected nature, destroying terrain for others to enjoy, so they closed it. Now, the only way in is either a 12-mile in and out from the Tonto Forest or an easier route from the Blue Wash trailhead. This route is heavily trafficked because it is shorter, and we did see a ton of people—and poop. I already mentioned that, didn’t I?

From the parking lot, we crossed over the metal bar and followed the trail. We hiked down on the front part of this 1.3-mile trail to the falls. The views were spectacular! Dad said the pollution is gone due to less people driving. We could see for miles and miles! The wildflowers were still out and the grasses tall. Temperatures were perfect with a little cloud cover.

The trail becomes somewhat of a wash, and we followed it down until we came to a “Y.” To the left is the easier of two options. The right is slightly steeper, with more rocks, while the left is more of a road. Good thing, because it was like rush-hour traffic! Crazy. I did get to say hello to many of my kind—at least in passing. Most people were good about allowing space, but again, some city slickers were clueless. Those who feel like they want to get off the trail shouldn’t worry. All routes eventually lead to the creek.

I started to smell the water underneath us. The Blue Wash was dry on the surface and to the human eye, but my keen sense of smell knows the water is running underground. It is that wash that leads hikers to Camp Creek. The water was flowing, and I had a quick dip. Hikers know they’ve arrived to the creek when when they see the American flag. It is the site of an old mine, for what we don’t know.

Right before the creek is a left turn (look for the pile of rocks marking the trail) and we took that to the falls. We followed the creek

and stayed on the left side of it for about a quarter of a mile. The trail is narrow and rocky at this point. We came across boulders and heard the falls. We had to be careful on the rocks as they were slick and wet. Some might want a hiking pole to assist here. Very small dogs might need a lift to get up some of the rocks. Water runs almost all year long, and humans and dogs alike were enjoying the refreshing water.

We took some pictures, but in all honesty, it was too noisy for us. We headed back to the creek and found a quiet spot to have a snack. You see, being out in nature for us means soaking it up—the sounds, the sights and the smells. Some humans don’t know how to be alone and quiet. If we let it, nature will fill us up and renew our spirits.

Hiking back out means going uphill. It is steep but short. Again, if hikers stay on the wide road path, it will be easier. The trail that spins off to the left is narrow and steep, but it was quieter. This was a nice find, but I would recommend going on a weekday if possible due to weekend crowds. Because it is short and has the reward of water, I think this trail is good all year long. Enjoy! Kumaito (Kuma for short) is a multi-tan Shiba Inu, the oldest and purest from Japan. I personally was born in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, moved to Friendswood, Texas, and now call Phoenix home. I enjoy running or hiking almost every day with my mom, chasing rabbits out of my neighborhood, playing with toys, pestering my brother Edmond, eating and napping. Lorraine Bossé-Smith is the founder of the FIT Leader Formula. She shares Kuma’s adventures. She is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, business consultant, executive coach, behavioral-wellness expert and author of eight published books.

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