GPS withdrawal at Skunk Tank

SKUNK TANK-CAVE CREEK LOOP

Tonto National Forest

Cave Creek Trail

New River Mesa as seen from Skunk Tank Trail

Except for an A minus I once achieved in a grad school statistics class, I've never been particularly gifted with numbers.  This might explain my befuddlement over the actual length of Tonto National Forest’s Skunk Tank-Cave Creek Loop hike.  Additionally, inconsistent signage and conflicting published reports didn't help rectify the numbers.    It's pretty common knowledge that forest service trail signs are rounded up or down to convenient fractions.  Trail segments that are actually 0.3 mile might well be posted as .25 mile and 0.6 mile as 0.5 mile.   Yup, that's me splitting hairs for no good reason, and yet, over 10 miles or more, with 5 trail junctions, the discrepancy can add up and escalate into a hot topic especially along that last mile which always feels longer than its advertised range.  A check of various hike books, maps and web sites declare this trail length at anywhere from 9.2 miles to 12 miles.   So, I geared up for a 12-miler, grabbed my GPS and stepped out to get my own read.  Now, I wasn't about to place too much trust in my GPS either.  That's because on past hikes, GPS-totting trekkers in my group have all come up with different mileage reads on their devises----BIG differences, like 2-3 miles.  But, since my devise is brand new and set up to acquire all those extra Russian satellites, I figured, why not give it a try.

But, I refuse to be a GPS junkie---checking moving speed and elevation profiles every half-mile and robotically announcing the results to bored travel companions as if it mattered.  Nope. Set up, hit track, waypoint when necessary and don't look again until trail's end.  We began the loop hiking counterclockwise to take on Skunk Tank Trail #246 (note: some trail signs mistakenly say Skunk "Creek").  This open-to-the-sky segment makes a steady climb over rolling desert hills dotted with cactus and the sprouts of what may be a good wildflower season .  At 1.4 mile from the 246 junction, run off from Quien Sabe (means: "who knows") Spring spills down a narrow gully.  The spring itself is 0.3 mile up the gully, but it's a bushwhack to get there, and frankly, not worth the effort.  Skunk Tank Trail tops out at a 4100' lookout point with dizzying views of New River Mesa, Humboldt Mountain and Quien Sabe Peak. 

From here, the route plunges downhill toward Skunk Tank on a slim path cut into sloping, exposed (not for acrophobics) hillsides.  The tank is a lovely willow-ringed oasis where swarms of birds and other local wildlife---like mountain lions and deer---gather to quench their thirsts and maybe score a meal. Pass through the tank's rustic barbed wire fence and soon the junction with Cave Creek Trail #4 comes into view signaling the final leg of the hike.  This is also the best part because trail #4 moves among the waters of Cave Creek, lofty canyon walls, a lush riparian ecosystem and two rare crested saguaros.  Back at the trailhead, my GPS read 10.385 miles.  I'm gonna call it 10.4-miles, and "who knows" if it's really 10.6 or 10.2. Who cares?

Cave Creek water: Feb. 16, 2013

LENGTH:  10.4 loop

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION:  2980'-4100'

FEES: a Tonto Pass is NOT required at the hiker trailhead, but may be required if you park at other recreation sites in the area.

GETTING THERE:

Cave Creek Trailhead (as described here): From the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit 36 and go 13 miles north on Pima to Cave Creek Road.  Turn right (east) and go 12.5 miles on Cave Creek Road (a.k.a FR 24 and Seven Springs Road) past Seven Spring Recreation Area to Cave Creek trailhead on the left located between MCDOT mile markers 12 and 13.  Roads are a mixture pf pavement and good dirt passable by passenger cars when dry. Two minor creek crossings on cement are required—do not attempt after heavy rains.

HIKE PLAN:

From the trailhead, pick up Cave Creek Trail #4 and hike 0.6 mile south to the Cottonwood Trail #247 junction.  (NOTE: winter 2013 flooding has washed out much of this area.  Cairns and red trail tape have been placed have been placed as temporary navigation tools).  Follow #247 less than a mile to the Skunk Tank Trail #246.  Follow #246 to Cave Creek Trail #4, turn right and follow it back to the trailhead.

INFO:

Cave Creek Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, 480-595-3300

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35249&actid=50

MORE PHOTOS:

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CRAZY CACTUSES, CANYONS & CREEKS

CAVE CREEK TRAIL #4

Tonto National Forest

The product of both a growth anomaly and miraculous survival, a ginormous crested saguaro cactus, sporting a fabulous fan-shaped cap, is a keynote attraction of this popular hiking route.  Biologists remain stumped about how the bizarre fan-shaped tops of crested saguaro cactuses form citing genetic mutations, lightning and other forces of nature as possible culprits.  Adding to the allure of this aberrant plant (located roughly 3 miles from the east trailhead)  is its survival of the 2005 Cave Creek Complex Fire which destroyed much of the surrounding vegetation. In addition to this trademark biological wonder, the trail is steeped in enchantment, passing among rolling desert hills, trickling creeks, magnificent canyons, forests of sycamores, mesquite bosques and heady, go-on-to-forever vistas.  It's impossible to hike this trail and not be moved by its extraordinary beauty.

The trail runs east-west, and can be accessed from the west at Spur Cross Ranch or the east at Seven Springs Recreation Area.  The shallow flow of Cave Creek anchors both terminuses while a maze of scrub-laden hills and valleys fill the in-betweens.  This is an especially beautiful hike during “desert autumn” (November thru mid-December) when the creekside foliage glows in shades of gold.  

LENGTH: 10.4 miles one-way

RATING:  moderate

ELEVATION: 3,280'-2,960'

DOGS: dogs must be on leash.  There have been recent reports of rabid bobcats in the area, so be sure your dog’s shots are up-to-date.
BEST SEASON: October - April (December is primo!)

GETTING THERE:

EAST Cave Creek Trailhead: From the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit and go  13 miles north on Pima to Cave Creek Road.  Turn right (east) and go 12.5 miles on Cave Creek Road (a.k.a FR 24 and Seven Springs Road) past Seven Spring Recreation Area  to Cave Creek trailhead on the left located between MCDOT mile markers 12 and 13.  Roads 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.

WEST: Spur Cross/Skull Mesa Trailhead: From the park trailhead, hike 2.9 miles north on Spur Cross Road (FR48) to the Skull Mesa trailhead and pick up trail #4. MAP:

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

FACILITIES: restroom, picnic tables

FEES: Tonto Pass is NOT required as long as you park at the hiker trailhead only.
INFO: Tonto National Forest:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg!/?navtype=TOPNAVIGATION&cid=fsbdev3_018752&navid=160100000000000&pnavid=160000000000000&ss=110312&position=Not%20Yet%20Determined.Html&ttype=detail&pname=Tonto%20National%20Forest-%20Recreation%20Passes#where

MORE PHOTOS:

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FOREST ROAD 1053 LOLLIPOP LOOP

FOREST ROAD 1053 LOLLIPOP LOOP Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area/Tonto National Forest Melding spectacular Sonoran Desert vistas with willow-choked riparian corridors, this hike begins on a popular horse trail and tops out on a seldom-visited old road in Tonto National Forest. It’s normal to have to make several creek crossings in this area, but this year, we noticed a lot of erosion, and in fact, a section of FR48 was completely flooded—requiring hikers to make a tricky double creek hop to stay on track---I counted a total of 12 crossings (out and back) this time out. The beauty of FR 1053 is that it gets high above Cave Creek for sweet views of the waterway and a mine off to the west. Also, the local stables that conduct horseback riding tours heavily use this road. So, remember that hikers must always yield to equines—move aside and let them pass---and also be wary of “horse apples” underfoot. HIKE DIRECTIONS: From the parking area, hike 1.2 miles north on Spur Cross Trail (go straight ahead at the visitor center) to the Tonto NF boundary gate. From this point, Spur Cross Trail becomes Forest Road 48. Pass the gate and continue 1 mile to the Skull Mesa trailhead---there’s a big sign across the creek, but its partially hidden by brush, so , keep an eye out for it. From the sign, go left (northwest) along a skinny, unmarked path where there’s some metal grating. After a few yards, you’ll see a lathe-type “48” sign on the right. Continue uphill for 0.9 mile to where the trail dips into a gully near the creek with high red cliffs straight ahead. The trail seems to disappear here, but it actually crosses the creek. Depending on the water level, you may need to hunt for a good crossing point. Once on the other side, though, the path is very clear heading up the embankment and leaning north. After a few yards, a spur path veers to the left---it goes to an abandoned mine on private property---not this hike. Instead, stay north (veer right) and make another creek crossing almost immediately. A short walk brings you to a “Y” intersection---take the right leg (marked with a “1533” sign). Follow this road uphill (it will become FR 1053, but there are no signs to indicate this) and continue 0.8 mile to a gate at the Cave Creek Trail #4 junction. From here, go straight and hike 0.5 mile back to the Skull Mesa trailhead and then hike 2.2 miles back to your car. LENGTH: 9.4 miles roundtrip RATING: moderate ELEVATION: 2,300 – 2,800 feet BEST SEASONS: October -April GETTING THERE: From Loop 101 in Scottsdale, exit at Cave Creek Road and drive north for approximately 15 miles to Spur Cross Ranch Road--watch for the “Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area “ sign marking the turnoff. Go left on Spur Cross and then make another sharp left at the intersection with Grapevine Road. Continue north on Spur Cross 4.2 miles to the dirt parking lot on the left. The last mile or so of the road is good dirt and passable by sedan. FEE: $3 daily fee per person. Bring exact change for the self-serve permit kiosk. INFORMATION: visit, http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur%5Fcross/ or call 480-488-6623 MORE PHOTOS: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=755601&l=224472bf1b&id=1795269672

CAVE CREEK TRAIL #4

CAVE CREEK #4 Tonto National Forest Traversing a swath of classic Arizona Upland Sonoran Desert terrain, Cave Creek trail is a study in environmental diversity and human history. . The trail can be directly accessed from either the Seven Springs area or from the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Either way, hikers will encounter lots of dips and twists in the well-worn path as it wanders among remains of early ranching operations, old mines and a smattering of ancient Hohokam petroglyphs and ruins. Although recent wildfires scorched the eastern end of the trail, the gurgling waters of Cave Creek are feeding a resurgence of the sycamore and cottonwood trees that formerly crowded intermittent pockets of riparian plant life that thrive below saguaro-studded hillsides. The creek runs at its fullest during springtime when a riot of wildflowers paint the desert vistas in vivid shades of orange, purple and red. LENGTH: 10.4 miles one-way RATING: Moderate ELEVATION: 3,500 – 2,440 feet GETTING THERE: East trailhead: From the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, take the Pima/Princess Road exit. Go north on Pima Road for 13 miles to Cave Creek Road. Turn right (east) onto Cave Creek Road (which will turn into Forest Road 24) and continue 9.5 miles to the Cave Creek Trailhead. West trailhead: 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 and drive 4.5 miles to the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. From the parking area, hike 2 miles up Spur Cross Trail (which becomes Forest Road 48) to the Cave Creek trailhead. There’s a $3 daily fee per person. Exact change is required for the self-serve kiosk. INFORMATION: fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/ccrd/CaveCreekTrail4.pdf or (480) 595-3300 maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/maps.aspx or (480) 488-6601