Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Chalk Canyon Day Hike

when	November 27, 2016
	Trip Report : December 20, 2014
where	Cave Creek
the hike	This exploratory hike will visit some Indian ruins near the Spur Cross Conservation Area in Cave Creek, AZ (map). These ruins are atop a 300-foot bluff 3 miles north of the conservation area. Reaching them will require a half mile of off-trail hiking each way. (GPS: N33 55.860'  W111 56.753') # Segment Miles 1. Spur Cross trail to north border of conservation area. 1.0 2. FR48 north to Chalk Canyon ruins. 3.0 3. FR48 south to corral. 1.9 4. Limestone trail (252) To Elephant Mountain trail 1.9 5. Elephant Mountain, Tortuga, and Spur Cross trails to parking area. 1.9   Total 10.7 Required: •  Sturdy hiking boots •  At least 3 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera
distance	10.7 miles
time	4 or 7 hours
EC	1500' elevation change (guesstimate)
elevations	2300' to 2900'
type	Loop
starting at	Spur Cross Trailhead    33° 53' 15" N,   111° 57' 15" W  [NAD27]
on trail	90% on trail. The 0.5-mile trek to and from the Chalk Canyon ruins is off-trail.
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	8:00 AM at the Spur Cross Conservation Area parking area.
drive	Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is located approximately 35 miles north of central Phoenix. 1. Go to the intersection of Tatum Blvd. and Cave Creek Road. •  From the east valley, take AZ 101 north to Tatum Blvd., exit northbound, and follow Tatum Blvd. to Cave Creek Road. • From the west, take AZ 101 east to Cave Creek Road and then continue northbound on Cave Creek to Tatum Blvd. 2. Continue north on on Cave Creek Road, pass Carefree Highway, and then continue northbound about 2.5 miles to Spur Cross Road. 3. Turn left onto Spur Cross Road and continue north. After three miles the paved road turns to all-weather graded (gravel). However, neither high-clearance nor four wheel drive is required. 4. Continue 1.5 miles on the graded road past the green house, through the tall gateposts, and on past the horse corrals. 5. The signed public parking area will be on the right.

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updated December 11, 2016	© Copyright 2016, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.