DESERT GROTTO
A hike on the Blue-Wash Camp Creek Falls route leads to a stony grotto where water spills over a sheer slickrock wall year-round.
Getting There: North (Cave Creek Road) Trailhead: From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Princess Drive/Pima Road exit 36 and go 13 miles north on Pima to Cave Creek Road (aka Seven Springs Road/FR 24). Follow Cave Creek 6.5 miles to the gravel lot on the left just past the “Blue Wash No. 1” sign. Trail beings near the cottonwood trees across from the parking place.
South (Bartlett Dam Road) Trailhead: From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Princess/Pima exit 36 and go 13 miles north on Pima Road to Cave Creek Road (aka Seven Springs Road and FR 24). Follow Cave Creek Road 4.1 miles to Bartlett Dam Road, turn right and continue 2.8 miles to the trailhead on the left.
Length: 8 miles round trip
Rating: moderate
Kid Friendly: NO
Pet Friendly: NO
Elevation: 2,640-3,200 feet
Best Season: October-April
Photo credit Mare Czinar/PHOENIX
