This winter has been unseasonably chilly. For a while there, we were at least 20° below normal. Whine. Seriously, in comparison to the rest of the country, we’re doing just fine. So on one of those clear, cold Sundays in mid-February, Dave, Dota and I bundled up and took a drive past Carefree to the Seven Springs recreation area in Tonto National Forest. This site and nearby campground was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. The higher elevation (3,500ft.), shade and flowing water make it a popular respite during summer months. The area is also known for some of the most abundant winter birding in Maricopa County. Unfortunately, it is also known for flash floods and wash outs during the rainy season.

Getting there was almost as fun as the hike itself. Forest Road 24 turned to gravel about 9 miles in and became quite narrow, featuring plenty of blind curves and steep cliffs. The perfect location for a car commercial. We were in nowhere land—one could get lost around here and never be found. Along the way, sportsmen could be seen taking aim at some makeshift targets. The Wild West.

We piled out of the Jeep into a fairly empty parking area. There were numerous trails to take from this location, but our plan was to take a leisurely hike down by the creek (CaveCreek #4). 

Lush and green. Cave creek is home to sycamores, cottonwoods and willows. Prickly pear and Juniper covered the hillside. We also saw little cactus“condos” growing out of the rock trailside.

We followed the well-maintained trail until it kind of ended. A lengthy discussion of how to cross the creek ensued. We entertained thoughts of moving logs, repositioning rocks, as well as adding to existing rock piles—with no intention of even trying it out. Semantics. Getting wet that day was not part of the plan.

With that in mind, we turned and took a detour to the road above. There, we spotted numerous  javelina and raccoon tracks. It wasn’t until we got to a locked gate that we realized we were on private property. Whoops.

By the time we headed home, it was pretty darn cold outside. Dave said it felt like it was going to snow. Little did we know…