Event Contact Name Steven Coutinho
Event Contact Email [email protected]
Moderate hike along a Cave Creek riparian trail
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is part of Maricopa County’s Regional Park System. The conservation area is very scenic, encompassing 2,184 acres of diverse, rugged upland Sonoran desert. It contains numerous archeological sites, portions of Cave Creek and the remnants of early mining and ranching occupation. Several floral communities present in the conservation area provide a rich habitat for a diverse assemblage of wildlife.
We will stay close to Cave Creek to take advantage of the nearby water and shade from the trees in this riparian area. Starting from the Entry Kiosk we will walk to the NE on the Metate-Towhee loop (2.1 mi), with possible extensions onto the Fairy Duster loop (0.6 mi) and continuing a bit further along the Metate Trail to the Corral. After return to the kiosk we will walk to the SW on the Dragonfly loop (1.0 mi), aka ‘Jewel of the Creek’ Preserve. Depending on weather conditions, we can extend our walk along portions of the Spur Cross and Boca Grande trails.
For reference to the above mentioned trails, check the park map here: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/spur-cross-11×17-mi-b_w.pdf or the detail in the photo below.
Note that there is a $10 vehicle entrance fee ($5 for walk-ins), to be paid at the kiosk.