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Spur Cross Trail Day Hike Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area February 2, 2008 by Debbie M.

Picture-perfect weather greeted us at Spur Cross.

Fifteen trailblazing troopers set out to brave the flowing waters of Cave Creek at Spur Cross Ranch.     Spur Cross is the latest addition to the Maricopa County’s Regional Park System and contains a plethora of diverse desert plants and wildlife. Former ranching and mining in the area provide numerous historical remnants; the area also boasts archaeological sites as well as evidence of early Native American life.     After taking a group picture, the hikers set off from the parking lot promptly at 9:00 AM with the promise of a beautiful, sunny, but cool day.     The area had experienced recent heavy rains and the creek was still flowing. The group had barely begun hiking before encountering several creek crossings.

Now what was this cactus up to?

Oh, carry me off to Spur Cross Ranch!

Although boulders were poking up through the flowing water, several boulders were spaced far enough apart to present a challenge. Various techniques were implemented in getting to the other side! Some chose to forge ahead, splashing through the cold water, getting feet and pants soaked. Others hiked downstream in search of bigger and better (and drier) rocks. Still others relied on good old-fashioned chivalry: being ferried over, piggy-back style. What a bunch of troopers!

With everyone safely across, the group hiked up the Spur Cross Trail, choosing the easier of the two paths: climbing the western portion of the Tortuga Trail up to the Elephant Mountain trail, then reversing back down Tortuga.     Recent rains had left the desert a rich green in color; the area was alive with ocotillo, prickly pear, cholla, and saguaro cactus. The trail was muddy in places with the path gouged out by the recent runoff.

Hikers climb up from the streambed.

We made it to the Elephant Mountain Trail junction.

At the junction of Spur Cross and Tortuga Trails, the hikers set off north on the Metate Trail.     The trail is an easy two mile loop with little elevation change. Another creek crossing presented itself and once again, the hikers’ creativity surfaced in getting to the other side.     All made it across safely — some a little wetter than others. It was worth it as there was lots to see on this trail!

The Spur Cross ranch remains are visible along the trail — it was interesting to speculate what the different ruins actually were at one time. The foundation of an old ranch house proved to be the perfect snack spot for the group — in spite of an old ’No Trespassing/No Shooting’ sign propped up under a tree.     Although no dates were discovered among the remains, the Spur Cross emblem was found imprinted into the cement foundation.

The foundation provides a perfect snack spot.

Didn’t you know this was private land?

Even the concrete gets branded.

After lunch, the group continued along the Metate Trail, with several hikers deciding to return to the parking lot.     Giant saguaros lined the path, each with its own twisted personality. The origin of the trail’s name became apparent when an actual metate (the rocks used by Native Americans to grind corn) was discovered at the base of a huge saguaro.

Eileen finds the site of a ranch building.

Was it to provide wildlife with drinking water?

Javalina tracks were abundant in the mud along the trail.     There was much speculation as to the purpose of a man-made cistern discovered filled with water — was it to provide wildlife with drinking water or perhaps to water the nearby ironwood trees planted by a local hiking club?

Debbie and Ray celebrate the end of an exhilarating hike.

The Metate Trail reverses itself at the edge of the park boundaries. At this point, a few hikers walked into the Tonto National Forest to the flowing creek to get a better view. There is a trail that leads north into the forest up to the corrals. Several hikers plan on returning to explore the area when the creek subsides a bit.     The hikers continued along the Metate Trail back to the parking lot to join up with the others.

We covered 6.2 miles in just under 4 hours.     Cowboys and cowgirls alike had worked up quite an appetite and so the majority of the group decided some sustenance was in order.     The Buffalo Chip in downtown Cave Creek offered authentic western-style dining, drinks, and dancing.     A good time was had by all.

The Buffalo Chip in downtown Cave Creek.

Photos courtesy of Debbie M. and Eileen R.

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Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club, Phoenix, Arizona For comments regarding this site contact . updated February 5, 2008