SUMMER HIKING AT SPUR CROSS RANCH

SUMMER HIKING AT SPUR CROSS RANCH

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek

 

Photo of a 2010 flood in Cave Creek

The Jewel of the Creek could use a good flood.  So says Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area Ranger Kevin Smith. It's been four years since the last deluge purged the bumper crop of plants and invasive species like crawfish that have taken root in the hiatus. Although this opportunistic  thicket of willowy shoots and swaying cattails resembles a lush tropical jungle, the pressure it puts on water resources is not so healthy for the ecosystem.  Who knew? This is just one of the enlightening topics covered in Ranger Smith's 2.5-hour "Life Along the Creek" guided hikes.

A satisfying retreat for urban-centric and   destination hikers alike, the county park straddles an emerald gorge of riparian opulence along Cave Creek. Known as the Jewel of the Creek, this cloistered oasis in the desert is managed by Desert Foothills Land Trust and is on high rotation for ranger-led events, especially in summer when cooler, early morning air and cottonwood shade offers welcome relief for heat-weary hikers. Although the beauty of this place is obvious, the rare and fragile site holds many secrets. Guided hikes reveal features that the casual trekker may walk right by without noticing. Ranger Smith uses archival photos and a deep knowledge of the area's natural history to point out remnants of the area's gold-mining heritage, ecological concerns, edible legumes, indigenous animal species and plants with super survival strategies. 

The Jewel of the Creek

Although ranger-led hikes offer extra safety and opportunities to gain knowledge about the desert wilds surrounding Metro Phoenix, it's important to remember to bring ample water and wear sun protection--hat, light weight long sleeves, SPF 30+ and sturdy footwear.

How much water do you need to bring on a hike? John C. Lincoln Health Network* offers these hydration tips.  Before hitting the trails, drink 16-20 ounces of water and then consume 6-10 ounces of fluid every 10-20 minutes while walking. So, for a 2-hour, easy hike, you'll need a minimum of 36-60 ounces of fluid (that's 2 to 4, 16 oz. bottles). You'll need even more during the heat of the day and when on strenuous trails. When in doubt--bring more water than you think you'll need.  You can always hand off your extra to a poor, dehydrated soul who didn't bring enough.

Ranger Smith talks about area mining history

GETTING THERE: 44000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek

From the intersection of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road head north on Cave Creek Road about 2.5 miles to Spur Cross Road. Turn north for approximately 4.5 miles to the parking area.  The last 1.5 miles can be confusing; continue north on the graded dirt road past the green house, through the tall gateposts and on past the horse corrals to the signed parking area on the right.

FEE: $3 daily fee per person (exact change required)

FACILITIES: restrooms

The Jewel of the Creek

INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, 480-488-6601

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/

Desert Foothills Land Trust

http://www.dflt.org/

*John C. Lincoln Health Network

http://www.jcl.com/news/heatstroke-and-dehydration-prevention-and-treatment

Jewel of the Creek event Saturday, Nov. 17

DESERT DISCOVERY DAY AT JEWEL OF THE CREEK PRESERVE

Join representatives from the Arizona Archeological Society, AZ Audubon, Wild at Heart, Southwest Wildlife and Maricopa County Parks & Recreation for a day of interactive outdoor activities and learning.  Here's your opportunity to immerse yourself in Sonoran Desert eco-education and gain a better understanding of what makes Cave Creek's Jewel of the Creek area so precious. Registration is NOT required.  FREE snacks, too!

DATE: Saturday, Nov 17, 2012
TIME:  10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
INFO & MAPS:
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/EventsDetailPublishers.aspx?EventID=18779
http://www.dflt.org

HARRY I. DALTON-DRAGONFLY LOOPS

HARRY I. DALTON-DRAGONFLY LOOPS

Jewel of the Creek Preserve, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

Entering the Jewel of the Creek

Riparian area

Relaxing in cottonwood air conditioning

Cave Creek

Don’t you just hate it when the National Weather Service issues a “heat advisory” with an “expiration date” of a few days?  Seriously, folks, if you live in the Valley, you know the “alert” has an annual effective date of May 1^st through October 1^st.  Given that outdoor recreation in triple digit heat can be deadly, this can be problematic for hikers.  Although driving north to hike in the pines is one way to escape the inferno, there are some sweet summer trails right here in the Phoenix area-- but you’ll need to start early and find a trail with cool cottonwoods. Standing beneath a cottonwood tree on a sweltering summer morning is like being in an air-conditioned room.  The trees suck up moisture at night and exhale cool air during the day, creating shady respites from the heat.

The Dragonfly Trail, which opened in April 2009, was engineered to showcase the desert foothills and thriving riparian environment along the perennial pools of Cave Creek, where lots of cooling cottonwoods grow tall and wide.  We can thank the efforts of the Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) for securing the preservation of this delicate eco-system and for also raising the funds needed to plan for and build the trail.

NOTE: This hike describes only the 1-mile loop section of the Dragonfly Trail.  The entire route (part of the Maricopa Trail) is 2.6 miles in length and makes a great winter hike.

Another early morning summer destination brought to you by DFLT is New River Preserve (see separate blog entry).

LENGTHS: (including access road hike):

Harry Dalton Nature Loop: 0.75-mile

Dragonfly:  1.7 miles

RATING:  easy

ELEVATION: 2,400’ -2,200’

FEE: $3 daily fee per person (exact change is required at the self-serve permit kiosk)

DOGS:  please respect this fragile riparian preserve by keeping dogs on leash, and pack out all waste.

KIDS: excellent choice

HORSES: not allowed

GETTING THERE:

From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, exit at Cave Creek Road and drive 15 miles north to Spur Cross Ranch Road.  Here, you’ll turn left, then right, then left again through a tricky intersection to stay on Spur Cross Ranch Road.  Continue 4.2 miles north to the dirt parking area on the left just past the Spur Cross Stables (SCS) gateway.

INFO:

MAP: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/pdf/2011/spur-cross-8x11.pdf

MARICOPA COUNTY PARKS:

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/

DESERT FOOTHILLS LAND TRUST:

http://www.dflt.org/

MORE PHOTOS:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1644536852034.63693.1795269672&l=a09185c16d

DRAGONFLY TRAIL

DRAGONFLY TRAIL Jewel of the Creek Preserve It’s finally open! We learned of this new trail in Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area last winter when it was still under construction. The Dragonfly Trail, which opened in April 2009, was engineered to showcase the desert foothills and thriving riparian environment surrounding the “Jewel of the Creek” area of perrenial Cave Creek. This unexpected strip of lush creek-side willows, alders, walnut trees and cattails is hemmed in by rugged Upper Sonoran Desert terrain making for a breathtaking hybrid desert-wetland hike. While there, you’ll also wander through a mesquite bosque—the 5th rarest eco-system on earth. Although most hikers prefer to grab a map at the trailhead and head out on their own, the park ranger, Kevin Smith—who knows just about everything about the local flora, fauna, geology and human history of the area-- conducts regular guided tours for those who would like an educational experience. Check out the link below to find out when the next one is happening. We can thank the efforts of the Desert Foothills Land Trust for securing the preservation of this delicate eco-system and for also raising the funds needed to plan for and build the trail. Check out their Web site to learn more about this guardian of our beautiful Sonoran Desert and how YOU can help preserve this precious resource: http://www.dflt.org/ LENGTH: 4-mile loop (with optional connecting trails to add length if we like) RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 2,400 -2,150 feet FEE: $3 per person (exact change is required) GETTING THERE: Option 1: From I-17 go east on Carefree Highway (AZ 74) at exit 223. Continue on Carefree Highway for 9.7 miles to Cave Creek Road. Go north onto Cave Creek Road and drive 2.6 miles to Spur Cross Ranch Road. (this is a tricky intersection…the road kind of swerves left and turns into Spur Cross Ranch Road. Continue north for 4.2 miles to the dirt parking on the left. The last mile or so of the road is good dirt and passable by sedan. THE HIKE: from the parking area, hike up the road a few yards, pay your fee and pick up a free map. Option 2: From Loop 101, exit at Cave Creek Road and drive north for approximately 15 miles to Spur Cross Ranch Road. (this is a tricky intersection…the road kind of swerves left and turns into Spur Cross Ranch Road. Continue north for 4.2 miles to the dirt parking on the left. The last mile or so of the road is good dirt and passable by sedan. THE HIKE: from the parking area, hike up the road a few yards, pay your fee and pick up a free map. INFORMATION: visit, http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur%5Fcross/ or call 480-488-6623