Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Maricopa Trail Spur Cross to Spear S Ranch

when	Trip Report : January 6, 2018
where	Cave Creek
the hike	The Maricopa Trail forms a 315 mile loop around the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area and links several of the regional parks. The trail was first envisioned in 2000 and has been developed over the past 15 years by Maricopa County. The club has hiked portions of it as parts of other hikes. I would like to do more sections of the main trail so this hike is a start. Over half of this hike will be exploratory but on a well-marked trail. We will start at Spur Cross Conservation Area north of Cave Creek and hike the Spur Cross Trail to the western boundary of that area. Continue westward on the Maricopa Trail north of the Cave Creek Regional Park to a trailhead on New River Road which is an extension of 7th Street east of Anthem.     See Map. Required: •  Sturdy hiking boots •  At least 3 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera
distance	10.8 miles
time	5-6 hours
EC	+1462' -1683' elevation change
elevations	2,327 (Trailhead) Lots of dips and uphills along the way.
type	One way with car shuttle unless we get lots of hikers, then we can do a key swap.
starting at	Spur Cross Trailhead 33° 53' 15" N,  111° 57' 15" W  [NAD27]
on trail	100% — Maricopa Trail
rating	"B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	$3 per person entrance fee, payable at the trailhead. Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Cave Creek
meet	8:00 AM at Spur Cross trailhead.
drive	Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is 35 miles north of central Phoenix. •  From the east valley, take AZ 101 north to Tatum, exit northbound, and follow Tatum to Cave Creek Road. • From the west, take AZ 101 east to Cave Creek Road and then continue northbound on Cave Creek. • Once you’re on Cave Creek Road, pass Carefree Highway and then continue northbound about 2.5 miles to Spur Cross Road. • 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. • Continue 1.5 miles on the graded road past the green house, through the tall gateposts, and on past the horse corrals. • The signed public parking area will be on the right.

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updated January 8, 2018	© Copyright 2018, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.