Spur Cross Ranch
Spur Cross Ranch
4.8
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Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.8
149 reviews
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123
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CanuckAlberta
Alberta738 contributions
Feb 2025 • Friends
Went hiking with a larger group today to Spur Cross Ranch as we were looking for a easier hike. It is a little confusing when you first come in as there is a small parking lot but if you continue on there is a larger one down the road. There is a $3/pp trail fee which is on the honor system but they do provide maps. We started on the Maricopa trail and then cut over to the Dragonfly trail. It was about 4 miles and a good mix as Maricopa all saguaro and prickly pear while the Dragonfly is down in a gulch with some water so quite different vegetation and we even saw a bobcat and a javelina. Overall great hike which should have something for everyone especially if you combine it with a stop in Cave Creek.
Written February 18, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen C
Prescott, AZ632 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
This area displays the Sonoran Desert at its finest! The trails are wide and clearly marked. We hiked the Spur Cross to Dragonfly Trails. These take you across the Flowing Cave Creek on a wooden plant bridge, from the desert to the mountains with awesome views, through a saguaro forest, past petroglyphs , down to along a riverbed ( dry at this time of year) past an old mine tunnel and back up to a large dirt parking area approx 3.5 miles.
There are many hiking trails and you can add to the length of your hike should you want to. The conservation area is staffed by volunteers who are extremely friendly and helpful. For $3 each they provide you with a trail map. If you’ve already paid to visit Cave Creek Regional Park or are camping there you don’t need to pay the fee.
It is an amazingly beautiful area and we look forward to returning next year perhaps toward the end of February in hopes of seeing the desert wildflowers in full bloom.
There are many hiking trails and you can add to the length of your hike should you want to. The conservation area is staffed by volunteers who are extremely friendly and helpful. For $3 each they provide you with a trail map. If you’ve already paid to visit Cave Creek Regional Park or are camping there you don’t need to pay the fee.
It is an amazingly beautiful area and we look forward to returning next year perhaps toward the end of February in hopes of seeing the desert wildflowers in full bloom.
Written February 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amelulu
Hartland, WI218 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
Spur Cross Ranch offers a great variety of hiking for all skill levels.
For a minimal fee of $3/person, you can enjoy this area for a full day of hiking or a short hike that meets your skill level.
Start at the nature center where ranch/park volunteers will collect your entry fee, then give you a map and make suggestions for your hike - again dependent on your skill level and time commitment.
Be sure to wear good hiking shoes/boots and bring ample water and snacks.
These trails are shared by horseback riders as well and the trails offer a lot of large saguaro cactus, wildflowers, and great views.
There are picnic tables and port-a-potties at the nature center entrance.
For a minimal fee of $3/person, you can enjoy this area for a full day of hiking or a short hike that meets your skill level.
Start at the nature center where ranch/park volunteers will collect your entry fee, then give you a map and make suggestions for your hike - again dependent on your skill level and time commitment.
Be sure to wear good hiking shoes/boots and bring ample water and snacks.
These trails are shared by horseback riders as well and the trails offer a lot of large saguaro cactus, wildflowers, and great views.
There are picnic tables and port-a-potties at the nature center entrance.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Marfa, TX52 contributions
Feb 2020
Want two short and not too strenuous hikes but still have excellent views? This is for you. Just outside Cave Creek, you can take the free hike and descend into a small valley just below Elephant head peek or pay a couple of dollars and take the hike that is a little further in. Did both and really enjoyed them.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worms2u
Washington DC104 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited here after being disappointed by options for easy walks at Cave Creek part. This area was overall more attractive and had the option of an easy 1-2 hour walk along a well-maintained road/trail. Public parking is very limited (10 cars) but was not a problem on a nice sunny Thursday in lat Feb. Cars left at relatively frequent intervals.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr Phil
12 contributions
Mar 2020
I am relatively new to the Cave Creek area and my Son and his girlfriend came to visit for a long weekend. I had not been in SpurCross before as I have been too busy. Their visit was the excuse I needed to visit SpurCross and we had an amazing time in this vastly beautiful area. Trails range from easy to challenging but no matter where we went, the views were spectacular. SpurCross was well maintained and a real local treasure. This area is decidedly different from the Sonoran Desert and not to be missed. Entrance fee is $3, parking is ample and the experience is memorable.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tailor My Time AZ
Scottsdale, AZ20 contributions
Jan 2020
Visiting Spur Cross Conservatory Ranch is a must do when visiting the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Cave Creek area. We hiked the Spur Cross Trail to Dragon Fly trail. There are other choices but we prefer a loop and needed to keep it around 6 miles. This is a relatively easy hike. Love that it is a smooth trail and you don't have to look down all the time to watch your step. The views are spectacular. There are parts of the trail that are so green and you can hear and see the streams of water you forget you are in Arizona. That is until you come across Sugauro after Sugauro. At times I felt like I was back east hiking Great Falls Park along side the Potomac River. The scent of the foliage was similar.
$3.00 per person to get in. Benches along the way to take a break or take it all in.
$3.00 per person to get in. Benches along the way to take a break or take it all in.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
retiredteacherAZ
Scottsdale, AZ328 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
I heard there were petroglyphs located in the Tonto Nat'l Forest, exactly 4 miles from where one pays to enter Spur Cross. I headed out there...walking on the Metate Trail until I came to the entrance into the forest. You hike up until you get to the corral ...then head turn right onto the trail marked (48 or 4).....this will lead you across the wash and after a mile you will come to a sign for the skull mesa trailhead. You now have hiked 2 miles so 2 more to go. You take the trail on the left at the sign and head out for 2 miles. You will come to a large gate and sign saying it is the ranch and private property. You are allowed to enter and the petroglyphs are about 200 yards further.....about a dozen boulders in all. Just amazing. Roundtrip, with about a 30 minute stay at the petroglyphs, should take you about 3 and a half hours. Be sure to bring enough water and snacks (I bring a 70oz camelback, two 20oz bottles of Propel, three tangerines, and two snack bars). Fantastic Hike!
Written November 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon F
Cave Creek, AZ9 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
The trails vary from easy to difficult. You will feel far away from the Phoenix metropolitan area, even though it is only a 30-45 minute drive from most locations. The beautiful Jewel of the Creek walk takes you to running water most times of the year. For hikers new to the Valley, this is not to be missed and never overly crowded.
Written March 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brandasa
Centerville, OH1,348 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Took the round trip trail with Metate up to Spur Cross. In hindsight, I wish I would have walked up Metate, then turned around and did it backwards. Metate had HUGE cacti, streams, and wildflowers. The Spur cross trail is a large wide trail that is not as interesting. If you want to hike among cactus this is the place to do it!
Written March 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It must have been minimal because I don't even remember an entrance fee. Whatever it was it was well worth it. I'm sure it was less than $5.
Written January 20, 2020
Can you give me a short trail with cactus, creek or water and in ft. emerald very pretty location as my husband cannot take long hike with much elevation changes.
Written July 31, 2019
Wikenberg area has some short river walks (Homosassa Park?) as does Spur Cross...more desert like.
Written July 31, 2019
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