| when | December 30, 2023 Saturday | ||
| Trip Report : December 28, 2013 | |||
| Trip Report : March 28, 2009 | |||
| Trip Report : December 31, 1999 | |||
| where | Cave Creek Recreation Area, Tonto National Forest | ||
| the hike |
Join me on this loop hike located in the Upland Phase of the Sonoran Desert starting at the
Seven Springs Recreational Area and featuring riparian areas with sycamore, cottonwood, willow, ash
and hackberry trees. The trail begins on Cave Cree Trail #4 at an elevation of apx 3,300 ft that parallels
Bronco Creek and intersects Cottonwood Trail #247. The trail continues to climb until we come to the
intersection of Cottonwood Trail #247 and the Cottonwood Trail #246 where we will turn right. This
relatively unused trail of moderate difficulty runs the last 7.5 miles along an old cowboy trail, passes
several springs (Quien Sabe), Skunk Tank, and offers views of Skunk Ridge and Skull Mesa. The last two
miles of the trail were once part of an old mining road where sections of a road can be seen heading up
to an abandoned mine. We will reach the high point of the trail at 4,080 feet that intersects the Cave
Creek Trail #4 on our downward climb and our lunch spot. On the Skunk Tank section of Trail #4 we will
head past two crested saguaros, and lots of cottonwood mesquite juniper and palo verde trees in
addition to chollas, barrel cactus, and many other shrubs and grasses. Depending on the level of rain
and time of the year beautiful pools of water can also be seen. We will head back to our cars. Dinner
afterwards in Cave Creek for those interested.
This hike is described in Footloose from Phoenix, by Ted Tenny, pages 46-51. |
||
| distance | 10 - 11 miles | ||
| time | 5-7 hours | ||
| EC | +-2,000' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 3,300' (Cave Creek crossing) to 4,100' | ||
| starting at |
|
||
| on trail | 100% — Cave Creek #4, Cottonwood #247, Skunk Tank #246 | ||
| rating | "B+"
This trail is somewhat difficult because a large portion of the trail has eroded. You need
sturdy books and must have sure footing and balance. Rate yourself as a hiker. |
||
| dogs allowed | no | ||
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
||
| weather | Cave Creek | ||
| leader |
You must email the leader to confirm. |
||
| meet |
7:45 AM in the
McDonald’s carefree off I -17 at 3140 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086.. |
||
| drive |
From the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit and go 13 miles north on Pima to
Cave Creek Road (aka FR 24 and Seven Springs Road) past Seven Springs Recreational Area to the Cave
Creek trailhead on the left located between MCDOT mile marker 12 and 13. Roads are paved up to the
last 10 miles which are maintained dirt/gravel, passable by passenger cars when dry. Two minor creek
crossings are required. Do Not attempt after heavy rains.
From the parking lot, Take Carefree Hwy east to T-junction, go rigth (south) to Westland Rd. (first light) Left turn onto Westland Rd. contine to Pima Rd and left turn to go north on Pima. Take a right (east) on Cave Creek Road. At 4.1 miles you reach Bartlett Dam Road. Go straight, following the sign to Seven Springs Road. At 6.9 miles you pass the Sears Kay Ruins. The pavement ends at 8.6 miles. High clearance vehicles are not needed. You pass the Bronco Trailhead at 11.6 miles and the road is now marked Forest Road 24. At 15.4 miles you pass a private ranch. At 15.7 miles you pass the Seven Springs Campground and the Cave Creek Trailhead is on your left at 16 miles. During wet weather, a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Don’t go when the washes are flowing. |
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| maps | Todd’s Desert Hiking Guide, click on “Guide”. |
| Schedule of Events | Arizona Trailblazers Home Page |
| updated December 5, 2023 | © Copyright 2023, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |