| when? | Saturday, February 7, 2009 |
| where? | Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area |
| the hike |
We start out from the parking lot down 2 miles of dirt road until
we reach the Spur Cross Trailhead, crossing over a creek bed four
times of which three may have running water.
From the Trailhead sign we will go right up the dirt road
approximately 30 feet to catch the Cottonwood Trail.
We will traverse this trail for about two miles and along the
way will see a rare crested saguaro.
After we pass through a weighted gate we will be turning left
onto the Skull Mesa Trail until we reach the top of Skull Mesa
for panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the cities of
Cave Creek and Carefree below us. Here we will
have lunch before heading back the same way we came. For More Information: Cave Creek Ranger District, 40202 Cave Creek Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85262. Phone: 480-595-3300 |
| distance | 12 miles |
| time | 6-8 hours |
| EC | +-2500' elevation change |
| elevations | 2325' (Trailhead) to 4426' (Skull Mesa) |
| on trail | 100% — Spur Cross Road, Cottonwood Trail, Skull Mesa Trail |
| rating | "B" Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed | no |
| cost | $3 per person at Spur Cross Ranch. Also, riders should share the cost of gas. The club will allow voluntary contributions of $5/non-member. |
| weather | Cave Creek |
| meet | 7:00 AM in the
Deer Valley Park & Ride lot on the SW corner of I-17 &
Bell Road. The lot is right next to the freeway. 33° 38.307' N, 112° 7.024' W [NAD27] |
| drive |
I-17 North to Cave Creek Road East to Spur Cross Road to Trailhead
parking lot. Maps are available online: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Dept. |
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| updated July 30, 2011 | © Copyright 2011, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |