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| Hiking | 7.09 Miles |
757 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.09 Miles | | | |
| 757 ft AEG | | 8 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | This is a surprisingly beautiful and scenic loop just north of the Spur Cross Conservation Area in the Tonto National Forest. We did it CCW. There is a picture of the route in the photoset but unfortunately no photos. One mile into the hike I realized my camera was still sitting at home plugged into the charger. Aarrgghh ](https://hikearizona.com/dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
Heading north on Road 48 from the Spur Cross parking lot you proceed to the Skull Mesa Trailhead. Good water flow in Cave Creek with half a dozen boulder hopping crossings. From the SM trailhead the loop begins by heading east on Trail 4 passing the 247 turnoff. As you round the hill to the north Trail 4 forks to the northeast but take the trail to the left or north. This trail number is a bit of a mystery. On the newest waterproof "Green Trail" map sold at the Spur Cross VC it is labeled 1053.(nice map BTW) The fiberglass markers on the trail have it as 1533 so I am going with that in my title. If anyone in HAZland can shed some light on the proper trail number let me know.
About 3.2 miles in you reach the high point of the hike, in more ways than one. Besides the elevation crest there is a view from a small overlook area (you will know it when you get there) that enables you to look south and have a nearly unobstructed view of 3 miles of the creek. From this spot you also get the best view (other than Google Earth) of the huge mining operation that once existed on the west side of the creek. What made it even more special was the late morning sun was overhead and at the perfect angle to reflect off the water. It looked like a bright silver snake all the way back to the Jewel. Did I mention that I forgot my camera? I'm thinking this phenomenon lasts for several hours every day during these months. Now I have a legit reason to go back up there!
Trail 1533/1053? descends from this point and wraps around to the west and south returning you to the creek about 1/2 mile south of Chalk Canyon. Just head south to get on Road 48 and back to the lot. Bring your camera!!! |
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| "If you wait, all that happens is you get older" |
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