ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN (SPUR CROSS)
If desert hiking close to the Phoenix area appeals to you, then
you'll like this hike.
HOW
TO GET THERE
This hike is located near Cave Creek, AZ.
To get to the trailhead: from the Phoenix/Mesa area, take I-17 North
to the Carefree Hwy exit. Take the Carefree Highway East about 8.5
miles to Cave Creek Road. Turn left onto Cave Creek Road and drive about
2.7 miles to Spur Cross road. Drive North on Spur Cross road about 4.5
miles, with the last 1.5 miles being graded dirt road. The dirt road is in
very good shape and is OK for passenger cars. As of April, 2005, there is a $3 fee to enter
the conservation area. There are restrooms at the trailhead, but no
water.
RATING
Be Aware of: Fee for parking.
30 yr old Recommendation: I was pleasantly surprised at such a quality
desert hiking area so close to Phoenix without the typical Phoenix crowds. This hike is rated Moderate.
DETAILS
Elevation change: about 750 ft gain.
Distance: The out and back hike described is 4.6 miles.
Time: It took us 2.25 hours of hiking, with a short break for snacks.
Time of year: All year. Recommended after a rain in the spring/fall for
the wildflowers. (hike only during the cooler parts of the day in
Summer)
Solitude: Pretty good, especially considering the close proximity to
the Phoenix area. Solitude is better on the Elephant Mountain Trail.
Expect to see 10-25 other hikers during the course of the day.
The Spur Cross Ranch Conservation area is one of the newer members of
the Maricopa County Park system. The conservation area borders the Tonto
National forest to the North and provides an accessible area for hikers to
enjoy this still pristine desert.
The hike starts at the Spur Cross Road parking area. There are two
trails here, with the Tortuga trail heading West being the one we are
interested in.
This trail starts out along an old jeep road and quickly crosses Cave
Creek, which was running when we did this hike. Some fancy rock hopping
will keep your feet dry as you continue generally North-West along this
trail.
You trail is quickly isolated from any views of civilization, which is
just the way we like it. After 1.1 miles of hiking, the Tortuga trail
splits off to the left. We want to continue straight ahead on the Elephant
Mountain trail. All the trail junctions along this hike were well signed.
Stay left at another trail junction after an additional 0.1 miles.
This point along the Elephant Mountain trail is not maintained and
generally less traveled. Watch your footing here, as the steep descent and
gravel make this a typical place to take a spill. The trail quickly makes
it's way to a dry wash. Keep a good eye out for the Cairns marking the
trails in and out of this wash. Eventually, you will leave the wash and
start a steady climb up the East side of Elephant Mountain. At the top of
a saddle on Elephant Mountain is a decent view of civilization again.
Although the trail continues, this is a good point to turn around.
Return the way you came. Be sure to enjoy the views of this special
area on the way back.
[Desert wildflowers and mountain views
along the Elephant Mountain trail]
[blooming Cholla cactus]
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This write-up was done after a hike during the end of April, 2005.
