We've just spent 5 nights at the Pichaco State Recreation Area, a remote (read: no internet, no phone) desert area along the Colorado River on the border between California and Arizona. The road out is 18 unpaved miles of bumpy, jostling, narrow, barren desert road, broken up by some beautiful views of colorful cliffs and views of Picacho Peak and the Chocolate Mountains (really, they look like chocolate!). We arrived late, and pulled into the State campground as it was getting dark. The interior of the Chinook looked like a cyclone had hit it: books had scattered on the floor, the cat food basket had skittered across the "kitchen," and everything packed behind the passenger seat was spilled into the walkway. We found our way to site #35, and paid our fees ($20.00 a night, plus $5.00 for the tow car). We set everything to rights, and bedded down for the night.
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| The view from our campsite, the first night |
PICACHO STATE RECREATION AREA - DAY 1 PROPER
After the harsh (and dusty - did I mention it was really, really dusty?) ride out, we were delighted to find that the area offered a wonderful campground and many hiking opportunities, as well as some great trails for taking a 4-wheel drive vehicle. There is something amazing about being in the desert, and then cresting a ridge (on foot or in a vehicle) and seeing the mighty Colorado River. Wildlife is abundant here, and on our first hike we saw a snowy egret, and many "reminders" that the area is populated by wild burros.
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| Here's the river from the campground's boat dock |
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| A Snowy Egret |
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| A heart-shaped rock that Darell found on the Stamp Mill Trail |
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