Emerald Cove

 

Emerald Cove

Emerald Cove, Willow Beach, AZ 86445

    Who amongst us has not fallen victim to the article or pin about some really cool, secluded gem that is an absolute must see, only to arrive and realize it's an overrated tourist trap? *Raises hand*

*Raises both hands*

    One of the goals of my little blog here is to give people a heads up about what to actually expect when you go to these places. Today, we cover Emerald Cove. 

    Let me start with this: the trip itself is so worth it. But just the trip!

    You park on Willow beach, which I'll discuss in another blog. From there, it's a little less than a mile and a half paddle each way. And it. Is. Gorgeous. 

    The beach itself is tiny and crowded most days, but it's not hard to get through with just your kayak or paddleboard and gear. Then there are plenty of gorgeous views and beaches along the way that are only accessible by water craft, be that a kayak, canoe, or occasionally the very determined pool floatie. 

    However, when you get to the cove itself, you'll be bombarded with tour groups of novice kayakers, all in line to get a selfie of themselves and the other 15 other kayakers packed into the small alcove of rough waters. 

    It truly is at least a 45 minute wait if you don't paddle out at some ungodly hour, if you ever get the chance. The groups line up, and on that part of the river, the choppy waters topple clients all the time, adding to the wait. 

Light crowd today, though it doesn't make much difference on the wait. 

It really is a very shallow cave that you have to elbow people to get into. It's not that great, guys. The water is gorgeous all over the river, you don't have to get into Emerald Cove.