Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Spur Cross Trail Day Hike
when Saturday, March 19, 2016
  Trip Report : April 13, 2013
  Trip Report : February 2, 2008
where Cave Creek
the hike Join us for this spring flower expedition in the scenic Spur Cross Conservation Area. Here’s the itinerary:
  1. The hike will begin heading north on the Spur Cross Spur trail until we reach the Matate trail junction.
  2. From there we’ll head south on the Matate trail, which leads through a riparian area paralleling Cave Creek.
  3. After that we’ll again take the Spur Cross trail, but west this time, until we reach the Elephant Mountain trail junction.
  4. On the Elephant Mountain trail we’ll head north and then east, passing Indian ruins as we go.
  5. We’ll then finish southbound on the Turtuga trail before taking the Spur Cross trail back to the trailhead.
     This will be an "express" hike. The pace will be normal but, by starting and finishing directly at the trailehead, and by skipping any extended lunch break, we’ll try to finish by about noon.
    The village of Cave Creek offers a plethora of interesting and unique restaurants.
    A trail map is available.
Required:
•  Sturdy hiking boots
•  At least 3 liters of water
•  Rain poncho
•  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Recommended:
•  Lunch or snacks
•  Camera
distance 10 miles
time 5-6 hours
EC +-1000' elevation change
elevations 2,327 (Trailhead) to 2468 (high point). There are lots of dips and uphills in between.
type 10-mile lollipop figure-eight
starting at
Spur Cross Trailhead 33° 53' 15" N,  111° 57' 15" W W  [NAD27]
on trail 100% — Spur Cross, Elephant Mountain, and Metate trails
rating "B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed no
cost $3 per person entrance fee payable at the trailhead.
When car-pooling, pay your share of the cost of gas.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member.
weather Cave Creek
meet 7:00 AM at the Spur Cross trailhead.
drive    Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is located about 35 miles north of central Phoenix.
  1. From the east valley, take AZ 101 north to Tatum, exit northbound, and follow Tatum to Care Creek Road.
  2. From the west, take AZ 101 east to Cave Creek Road and then continue northbound on Cave Creek.
  3. Once you’re on Cave Creek Road, continue past Carefree Highway and then continue northbound about 2.5 miles to Spur Cross Road.
  4. Turn left onto Spur Cross Road and continue north.
  5. After three miles the paved road turns to all-weather graded (gravel). However, neither high-clearance nor four wheel drive is required.
  6. Continue 1.5 miles on the graded road, past the green house, through the tall gateposts, and on past the horse corrals.
  7. The signed public parking area will be on the right.

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updated March 4, 2016 © Copyright 2016, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.