Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is part of Maricopa County Parks System. The area encompasses 2,154 acres of diverse rugged desert landscape and offers over seven miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Neil Dennis led this hike.

We hiked in a clockwise direction, which is the opposite direction most hikers go. I find when you reverse the direction of a well-known hike it can seem like a new one. Things are spotted that you may have walked right past without even noticing when traveling other direction.

The Metate Trail has the Grandaddy of all Saguaros, and we had to get a group photo here.

Things we spotted today: an abandoned mine, unique petroglyphs, a million butterflies, and 75 miniature toads (right, I counted them), and one very large rattlesnake crossing the trail and warning us to stay back.

Bill’s camera is on a stick so he was able to get close to the snake. This was the second biggest rattler I have ever seen. The tail was huge and he was really showing off his rattles. He took his time crossing in front of us, affording everyone a good view. Venturing on, we encountered another rattler, but this one seemed to be resting or hiding in plain sight. He didn’t react to us at all. Maybe he was digesting a fresh meal of miniature toads.

What a great, fun group we had today! Two brand new Trailblazers, Kazi and Sadia, joined us. I think everyone had a great time. Trails were Dragonfly, Jewel of the Creek, Metate, Tortuga and Spur Cross. We were hoping with the great Monsoon season we’ve had there would be running water, but the stream crossings were dry.

11 hikers,
5.5 miles,
3.5 hours,
elevation gain +-500'.

Thanks to Bill and to Kazi for documenting today’s trek with beautiful photos.