The Road Less Traveled …

Lake Pleasant, Arizona

By Kathryn Turney

Rest and relaxation were on my mind after being invited to camp at Lake Pleasant with my daughter. The drive was beautiful (I chose the back roads), but I arrived after dark due leaving too late. After a few cell phone calls to get directions, I was guided to a dirt parking lot area, where there were RVs and tents set up. The scene was inviting, with campfires blazing and people laughing. My journey, however, was far from over.

My instructions to find the camp seemed simple. Follow the road beyond the parking lot for 1.5 miles and I would “run directly into their campsite”. After journeying less than a mile, I called her and asked her to come and guide me. Our journey turned into 5 miles of offroading that made third world roads look well maintained. I laughed all the way, thinking that my husband would lose his mind at the ups, downs, switchbacks and rough road I was traversing.

We reached our destination, with campfire blazing and spirits high. I immediately set up the tent and joined everyone at the campfire. It wasn’t long before I grew tired and decided to go snuggle in my sleeping bag. I was rudely awakened by a persistent noise around 6:00 AM. Still in a groggy half sleep, I reached to shut off my alarm clock before realizing there wasn’t one. The sound was coming from outside my tent. I peeked out and came face to face with a burro, which just stared at me and calmly turned around and left the campsite, having accomplished his mission.

It was my first chance to look around and I noticed we were camping on a dry area of the lake. The area was littered with some cool finds, such as sunglasses, a ring and a small shovel. It was a treasure hunter’s paradise! The scenery was beautiful and serene (if you discount the wake-up call). Hiking is abundant and the herds of burro (descendants of those left behind by miners years ago) are fascinating.

For those readers who desire a little less adventure in this pristine area, campsites, boat launching ramps, and a full service marina are some of the amenities available.

For more information visit: www.maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant