Easy decision to hike Bartlett Lake, really a reservoir, since we were getting sick and tired of rain. On our vacation. To get away from that same incessant occurrence back at home!!

Success! No rain, possibly a few clouds during the day, but lovely all the same. We had a bit of bird, good amount of wildflowers, and a great big water feature. It was even finally warm enough for our first lizard species of the vacation.

The lake/reservoir came about from damming the Verde River in 1939. The trail follows the shoreline of the lake with ups and downs as the topography dictates. Our boots logged another 5.25 miles and 709' elevation gain total on the hike.

Not only was it a pleasing day of hiking but we officially vote for having our RV waiting for us after being done. How great to have your living room, dining room, and every other room ready and waiting at the end of a dusty hike! Who wants a cool drink and/or freshly brewed cup of tea? We do!

Here's what we saw on the Palo Verde Trail #512, Bartlett Lake, Arizona.