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Dragonfly Trail - Spur Cross - 25 members in 135 triplogs have rated this an average 3.6 ( 1 to 5 best )
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135 triplogs
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Feb 02 2026
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 Guides 69
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56 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Dragonfly Trail - Spur CrossPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 02 2026
mt98dewTriplogs 2,482
Hiking2.94 Miles 320 AEG
Hiking2.94 Miles   1 Hour   30 Mns   1.96 mph
320 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Midday hike at Spur Cross with the wife. The hope was to do the Dragonfly and then do the Boca, but that ended up being more than we were interested in. I was hoping the weekday would mean quieter times for this “jewel”. What was I thinking :lol: the parking lot for the Dragonfly was full as was almost half of the main parking lot….and that is a big main parking lot. Sigh. Not a huge deal. I needed to use the facilities so I would have been walking that direction anyway. Plus, this gave me a chance to hike the new trail that parallels the road to the Dragonfly TH. :y: Joking :lol: However, I am all about hiking new trails and I had never done that segment before and it got me a few extra tenths of a mile.

Nice to be able to share this trail with Velva. There is a reason this trail is perpetually busy. We did a figure 8 to capture all the trails. The water was flowing ok, but probably lower than it typically is for this time of year. The trails were surprisingly not as busy as the parking lot me expect. The floral was doing fantastic out there. The saguaros are always impressive. It is a shame that this an hour+ drive from the house. Definitely worth repeated visits.
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229141
Jan 22 2026
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 Guides 42
 Routes 1,767
 Photos 15,433
 Triplogs 2,894

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Jewel of Spur Cross Loop, AZ 
Jewel of Spur Cross Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 22 2026
The_EagleTriplogs 2,894
Hiking10.63 Miles 2,278 AEG
Hiking10.63 Miles   4 Hrs   26 Mns   2.53 mph
2,278 ft AEG      14 Mns Break4 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
This is one of my close-by go-tos. A late start meant a full lot at the Jewel of the Creek parking area.

Dragonfly Trail – Spur Cross
This trail is now a lasso loop and no longer extends into Spur Cross Ranch. It’s a pleasant hike with amber cottonwoods and a trickling Cave Creek.

Boca Grande – Spur Cross
This used to be the portion of the Dragonfly Trail outside the Jewel of the Creek Preserve, located entirely within Spur Cross Ranch. It climbs out of the preserve into the ranch. Nothing exciting, but big views of the area.

Spur Cross Loop
A winding trail that gently climbs to the EMT.

Elephant Mountain Trail – Spur Cross
Sixteen years ago, when I first hiked this, it wasn’t much of a trail. It’s now easy to follow on the climb up to the saddle. The north side used to be badly water-eroded, but it’s in much better condition (relatively) than before.

Limestone Trail #252 – Spur Cross
This trail is also much more obvious now. I’d forgotten how rocky it is, with plenty of ankle-busters along a good portion of the route.

Spur Cross Trail
Good to be back on smooth ground. Saw a couple of horseback riders crossing Cave Creek. There’s a light flow, so where there aren’t bridges, it’s easy to cross.

Metate Trail – Spur Cross
Been there, done that… yep, metates were seen.

Towhee Trail – Spur Cross
No towhees seen, and it’s too early for the wild cucumber.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Limestone Spring - Spur Cross Quart per minute Quart per minute
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Cool clear water with a lot of bees

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Metate Pond 76-100% full 76-100% full
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Page Spring - Spur Cross Quart per minute Quart per minute
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Catchment was full of yucky green scummy water.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
228905
Jan 14 2026
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 Routes 75
 Photos 3,143
 Triplogs 623

70 male
 Joined Feb 10 2019
 Cave Creek, AZ
Fairy Duster/ Dragonfly Trail Spur Cross, AZ 
Fairy Duster/ Dragonfly Trail Spur Cross, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 14 2026
LosDosSloFolksTriplogs 623
Hiking3.65 Miles 341 AEG
Hiking3.65 Miles   1 Hour   58 Mns   1.99 mph
341 ft AEG      8 Mns Break6 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
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My doctors finally gave me the green light to get off pavement and hike some trails as long as a have someone with me in case of a fall. I guess the surgeon doesn't want me to screw up his fine work on my back.

I couldn't think of a soul that I would torture with a hike this slow so I went alone and was extra careful with my foot placement. My knee actually gave me more trouble than my back...go figure. Time for another shot of cortisone or gel. I did wear a bright red tee shirt to make it easier for SAR to find my body in case I did go down. : wink :

The weather was beautiful, the creek was flowing, and all the other hikers I saw said "hello" back to me on the trail. A banner day. :y:
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mallard Duck
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
Brittlebush gone wild.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Cave Creek - SPRCA Light flow Light flow


water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Metate Pond 76-100% full 76-100% full
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Surely not everyone was Kung Fu fighting?
 
228731
Nov 04 2025
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 Guides 10
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 Photos 7,591
 Triplogs 4,837

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Spur Cross, AZ 
Spur Cross, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 04 2025
trekkin_geckoTriplogs 4,837
Hiking5.00 Miles 430 AEG
Hiking5.00 Miles
430 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
sue and i headed up to spur cross this morning
started with the dragonfly trail
then moved the car to do a loop with spur cross and metate trails
added on fairy duster and towhee
lunch at the grotto cafe and coffee at local jonny's after (thanks greg)
we started a bit late for this given the temps, and there were gnats
nice day to do something different - sue had never been to cave creek
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Gila Monster
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hazhole
  2 archives
227190
Dec 21 2024
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 Guides 94
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52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Spur Cross December Oven Hell Death Loop, AZ 
Spur Cross December Oven Hell Death Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 21 2024
chumleyTriplogs 2,039
Hiking7.46 Miles 1,359 AEG
Hiking7.46 Miles   2 Hrs   43 Mns   2.80 mph
1,359 ft AEG      3 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Apparently the Boca Grande trail is not on HAZ? I'll have to add it. My uniques are falling way below el aguila, and that's wholly unacceptable.

This was an absolutely miserable loop. The only saving grace was that apparently people like Christmas and do things to prepare for it so they were too busy to go hiking today. The lack of people were an unexpected delight.

Last time I was here it was almost exactly 10 years ago. It was snowing [ photo ] . Today it was 147 degrees. In December. There was sweat. We searched for shade. At 10am. In December. WTLF is going on here? It's awful. This should be wonderful now. It is not.

The Jewel of the Death was dry. Crispy and dead. Bonus- the bridge hasn't been washed away in the past 17 years. Because there hasn't been surface water here since Carter was president.

The parking lot hooked up with some desert rabbits because there are about 400 more spots than the last time I was here. Apparently people have no idea what was once attractive about the place and still want to come here. It's a mystery to me.

In the end, I survived. Not quite sure how.

*bitterness is fabricated. Day was enjoyable mostly due to company. But record heat and drought is definitely taking its toll.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Light
A week or two before prime.
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  2 archives
219915
Dec 14 2024
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 Routes 195
 Photos 7,436
 Triplogs 1,832

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
Spur Cross Dragonfly Loop, AZ 
Spur Cross Dragonfly Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 14 2024
NightstalkerTriplogs 1,832
Hiking5.30 Miles 575 AEG
Hiking5.30 Miles   2 Hrs   45 Mns   2.67 mph
575 ft AEG      46 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Great hike with Carey, Christina, and Yolanda. Ran into Park Ranger Kevin who took us on a side trail to some petroglyphs. Kevin also showed us a cool mountain lion video from one of the parks trail camera's. Didn't see anyone on the first half of the hike, plenty of hikers and 4 bikers on the second half. Stopped to chat with the horses on the way back to the parking lot.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Gallydoll Pose
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219754
Nov 19 2024
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 Routes 75
 Photos 3,143
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70 male
 Joined Feb 10 2019
 Cave Creek, AZ
Boca Grande Trail - Spur Cross, AZ 
Boca Grande Trail - Spur Cross, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 19 2024
LosDosSloFolksTriplogs 623
Hiking3.59 Miles 448 AEG
Hiking3.59 Miles
448 ft AEG6 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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I needed a short rehab hike for my back so I went up the road to Spur Cross Ranch to see if the Cottonwwods were turning yet at the Jewel of the Creek. Some color but mostly green still, maybe 2 to 3 more weeks for prime time.

The parking at the "Jewel" TH was full so I parked in the upper lot and walked back. During the hike I was surprised to see they had renamed the connector portion of the Dragonfly trail from the confluence of Black Mesa Creek north to Spur Cross Trail. It is now called the Boca Grande Trail. No changes except the name. It makes sense to have that section of the Dragonfly trail within SCRCA have it's own name.

Weather was perfect and I really never saw all the people whose cars were filling the lower lot.
Happy Anniversary HAZ!
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Dragonfly
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Elephant Mountain
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Surely not everyone was Kung Fu fighting?
 
219250
Apr 13 2024
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 Guides 42
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69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Jewel of the Spur, AZ 
Jewel of the Spur, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 13 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,894
Hiking8.58 Miles 1,314 AEG
Hiking8.58 Miles   2 Hrs   55 Mns   2.96 mph
1,314 ft AEG      1 Min Break8 LBS Pack
 
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After a week at sea level, I needed to break myself back in slowly with a few more miles and gain. After getting some beauty sleep and an 8 am start, the Jewel of the Creek lot was full, but I got a spot with someone pulling out.

As expected, the area around was crowded with families and Instagram folks. Once I got into Spur Cross, I only saw a few groups. Temperatures were nice, and there were many different varieties of flora blooming.

I made the saddle at Elephant Mountain and started down. I had planned on a longer hike today, but with little breeze and it getting warmer, I cut it short. A half hour later, the winds picked up.

Back in the Jewel of the preserve area, I encountered the masses that came out after me. I also encountered my first diamondback of the year.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Cave Creek - SPRCA
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Brittlebush, Scorpionweed, Lupine, Desert Marigold, Dichelostemma capitatum, Indian Paintbrush, Poppies, Desert Chicory,and More


water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Cave Creek - SPRCA Light flow Light flow

dry Ringneck Spring Dry Dry
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
214668
Feb 25 2024
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 Guides 2
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 Photos 1,295
 Triplogs 225

52 male
 Joined Dec 26 2009
 Phoenix, Az
Dragonfly Trail - Spur CrossPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 25 2024
WilliamnWendiTriplogs 225
Hiking2.60 Miles 260 AEG
Hiking2.60 Miles   1 Hour   10 Mns   2.23 mph
260 ft AEG
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Hiked the Jewel. Lots of water, enough for more than a few swimmers at the western end. Didn't see them but heard two swarms of bees on both ends of the trail where they crossed the creek.
_____________________
The Tree of Understanding, dazzling, straight, and simple, sprouts by the spring called Now I Get It. - Wislawa Szymborska, "Utopia"
 
213605
Jan 16 2024
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 Routes 75
 Photos 3,143
 Triplogs 623

70 male
 Joined Feb 10 2019
 Cave Creek, AZ
Spur Cross Loop, AZ 
Spur Cross Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 16 2024
LosDosSloFolksTriplogs 623
Hiking4.38 Miles 541 AEG
Hiking4.38 Miles
541 ft AEG6 LBS Pack
 
Partners none no partners
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Nice close to home hike this afternoon just to do something after my dental appointment. Still some fall color at the Jewel Of The Creek Preserve to start off this CW loop. I normally don't hike here in the afternoons and the trails were very busy with both people and dogs. The normally full Dragonfly pond was bone dry which was sad to see. Lots of bird activity though.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Elephant Mountain
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Surely not everyone was Kung Fu fighting?
 
212499
Dec 24 2023
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 Guides 42
 Routes 1,767
 Photos 15,433
 Triplogs 2,894

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Jewel and Spur Cross, AZ 
Jewel and Spur Cross, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 24 2023
The_EagleTriplogs 2,894
Hiking5.92 Miles 756 AEG
Hiking5.92 Miles   2 Hrs      3.01 mph
756 ft AEG      2 Mns Break2 LBS Pack
 
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lmarie0130
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An afternoon hike around Jewel of the Creek and some of the Spur Cross trails with my oldest Rob, his wife Lindsy and Doug, their fur baby. The Cottonwoods were almost at their fall prime. Great weather with minimal others out after we cleared Jewel of the Creek.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Cave Creek - SPRCA Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
211892
Sep 25 2023
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 Routes 36
 Photos 2,673
 Triplogs 1,378

68 male
 Joined Jul 28 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Metate Trail - Spur CrossPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 25 2023
mazatzalTriplogs 1,378
Hiking3.00 Miles 200 AEG
Hiking3.00 Miles
200 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Partners none no partners
Took David and Ben to Spur Cross for a wander round.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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209863
Apr 07 2023
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 Guides 42
 Routes 1,767
 Photos 15,433
 Triplogs 2,894

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Jewel of the Spur Cross, AZ 
Jewel of the Spur Cross, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 07 2023
The_EagleTriplogs 2,894
Hiking13.32 Miles 1,956 AEG
Hiking13.32 Miles   5 Hrs   2 Mns   2.73 mph
1,956 ft AEG      9 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
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I wanted to check out the flora and water situation out in the Spur Cross area.

Starting from the Jewel of the Creek Preserve TH, you could hear Cave Creek running almost immediately. This is a special little riparian area.

Dragonfly Trail to the Spur Cross Trail to the Elephant Mountain Trailto Limestone Trail. The farther in, the more diverse and plentiful the flowers were.

I took a brief break at the Elephant Mountain saddle to cool off in the breeze before jumping on the Limestone Trail. Limestone could use a bit of trimming as it does not get a lot of traffic.

Back down at Cave Creek the Good Friday family crowd was enjoying playing in and around the water.

The rest was just a jaunt back to the TH.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Page Spring
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial


water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Page Spring - Spur Cross Dripping Dripping
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Springbox is full
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
205455
Feb 27 2023
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 Routes 75
 Photos 3,143
 Triplogs 623

70 male
 Joined Feb 10 2019
 Cave Creek, AZ
Spur Cross Mud Bog, AZ 
Spur Cross Mud Bog, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 27 2023
LosDosSloFolksTriplogs 623
Hiking4.04 Miles 548 AEG
Hiking4.04 Miles
548 ft AEG4 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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My plan for today was a trek up to the 6L Ranch. The weather was perfect but the trail conditions were not. The recent rain and snow has Cave Creek running strongly. The farther north you go the more water there is. There are about 8 crossings in each direction for the 6L trip. I don't mind rock hopping but shoe and sock removal that many times didn't sound enticing.

Plan B was a short loop in Spur Cross with Cathy. They had the wood bridges in place for all two of our crossings. Things were OK till we got on top of the plateau above Black Mesa Creek. The trail turned to mud and stayed that way for the remainder of the loop. Quite a bit of snow still in the shady areas of the trail. The slog through soft mud was less than fun but the day was gorgeous and my company was superb.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Cave Creek  Elephant Mountain
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Snow

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Black Mesa Creek - SPRCA Pools to trickle Pools to trickle

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Cave Creek - SPRCA Medium flow Medium flow
Over a foot in depth in many places even this far south.
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Surely not everyone was Kung Fu fighting?
 
204314
Dec 14 2022
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 Guides 100
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male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Elephant Mountain Summit - Spur CrossPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 14 2022
DixieFlyerTriplogs 1,495
Hiking9.50 Miles 2,100 AEG
Hiking9.50 Miles   5 Hrs   30 Mns   1.98 mph
2,100 ft AEG      42 Mns Break
 
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I had not been hiking in Spur Cross yet this year, so we decided to go out and hike up to Elephant Mountain. To mix it up a bit, we started and ended the hike at the Jewel of the Creek Preserve.

We started by doing a semi-loop in Jewel of the Creek before heading to the Spur Cross Conservation area. We did a CW loop and stopped at the saddle below Elephant Mountain. We then scrambled our way to the Elephant Mountain summit. There was some steep and slippery scree to deal with, along with a short section of class 2+ climbing. There are great views at the summit, so at least there is a good payoff for the effort to get there.

There was a good bit of mud on the trail in the morning, and for a while I felt like I was hiking with ankle weights on. Fortunately, the mud was all gone on the way back. I guess that there was a decent amount of rain there last night, and I would not have gone out there this morning had I known that it was so muddy; but the mud sure dried up fast once the sun was out for a bit.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
201623
Oct 31 2022
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 Routes 75
 Photos 3,143
 Triplogs 623

70 male
 Joined Feb 10 2019
 Cave Creek, AZ
Bones and Petros, AZ 
Bones and Petros, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 31 2022
LosDosSloFolksTriplogs 623
Hiking3.60 Miles 387 AEG
Hiking3.60 Miles
387 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
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Happy Hazoween to all. Short loop in Spur Cross with a modicum of off trail as Cathy wanted to finally see some petroglyphs I located a couple of years back before she fell ill. The rocky parts were tough for her leaving the Jewel Of The Creek but she plowed through it. After seeing the glyphs along Black Mesa creek we rejoined the Dragonfly Trail and returned on Spur Cross completing the loop. Still find it sad that two hikers died on this trail in recent weeks.

The photoset includes some skeleton characters from our neighborhood. We both thought the parrot was neat.

Our neighborhood kids didn’t seem to like last Halloween’s mini French onion soups. I think it was the mozzarella. I'm going with Gruyere tonight. I'll also be more careful about the leaky containers. :)
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Hopbush
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Tarantula
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mine Shaft


water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Cave Creek - SPRCA Pools to trickle Pools to trickle
_____________________
Surely not everyone was Kung Fu fighting?
  1 archive
200507
Apr 24 2022
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 Routes 144
 Photos 1,145
 Triplogs 1,239

male
 Joined Sep 09 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Dragonfly Trail - Spur CrossPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 24 2022
Sun_RayTriplogs 1,239
Hiking3.93 Miles 466 AEG
Hiking3.93 Miles   1 Hour   51 Mns   2.27 mph
466 ft AEG      7 Mns Break
 
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Like hike Judy and I did on March 4th, but in reverse. I like this much better as you are facing Elephant Butte for a longer period of time. Still water in the Jewel area but not on Spur Cross #4 trail not far from the main TH.
_____________________
Brian
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday......there is no SOMEDAY!
 
195938
Mar 07 2022
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 Routes 144
 Photos 1,145
 Triplogs 1,239

male
 Joined Sep 09 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Dragonfly Trail - Spur CrossPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
 Hiking avatar Mar 07 2022
Sun_RayTriplogs 1,239
 Hiking3.87 Miles 443 AEG
 Hiking3.87 Miles   1 Hour   46 Mns   2.32 mph
443 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
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Judy had not done this hit CW for a long time so we gave it a try. Dragonfly, Spur Cross, back to lot.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Brittlebush, Dichelostemma capitatum, Fairyduster
_____________________
Brian
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday......there is no SOMEDAY!
 
194616
Mar 04 2022
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 Routes 144
 Photos 1,145
 Triplogs 1,239

male
 Joined Sep 09 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Dragonfly Trail - Spur CrossPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 04 2022
Sun_RayTriplogs 1,239
Hiking3.91 Miles 454 AEG
Hiking3.91 Miles   1 Hour   50 Mns   2.35 mph
454 ft AEG      10 Mns Break
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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It's been awhile since I hiked Dragonfly Trail. Went up Trail 4, SE, until it connected to Dragonfly Trail. In a drainage area there is a clear sign pointing to the left, but the trail also goes right. I'd never gone to the right so I gave it a try. Cave Creek really opens up within a short distance and loop makes it's way back to the parking area. I'll post a pic.

About 15 years ago I was part of a small group that helped the Park Ranger, John Gunn, plant about 6 Agave plants. They are still there along Spur Cross Trail. Spent a half day last weekend with a Tonto Forest retired archaeologist out in the Seven Springs area doing my field training for the AZ Site Steward Program, a group that helps monitor the states archaeology sites. We discuss the use of Agave plants by the Hohokam and Apache tribes. Looking back to those plantings I'm thinking the Ranger was trying to determine if agave would grow in Spur Cross... soil, drainage, water, temperature, etc. I've not seen another Agave plants growing naturally in the Spur Cross area.

Another interesting discussion we had was the use of the ruins at the top of Elephant Mountain and Skull Mesa. Years ago during a docent lead hike we were told these two line of site hill top ruins were defensive positions and smoke signals could have been used to communicate. He had another opinion. The sites were to large for a few lookouts and had a wall around a large open area. It could have been used for important ceremony's providing privately and high or close to the heavens locations. He told us that there are many of these types of peak top locations that are NOT in line of site with other locations. Something to think about.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Fairy Duster, Dichelostemma capitatum.
_____________________
Brian
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday......there is no SOMEDAY!
  1 archive
194569
Jan 23 2022
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 Guides 7
 Routes 82
 Photos 14,947
 Triplogs 675

63 female
 Joined Aug 19 2011
 Scottsdale, AZ
Loopy Spur Cross, AZ 
Loopy Spur Cross, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 23 2022
outdoor_loverTriplogs 675
Hiking4.60 Miles 362 AEG
Hiking4.60 Miles
362 ft AEG
 
1st trip
We had company coming over, so I decided to take a Hike. :lol: Knee is about 85% to 90%. Only the second time I've been off sidewalk. The first was just a small bump of a hill in December. Wanted to see just how far I could go. First time in my trail runners in over a year. This seemed like an easy choice to get some uneven ground work in. I took it a step further and did a confidence test. Rock hopping Cave Creek. The biggest obstacle to overcome after rehab is the confidence factor. Glad I did it towards the beginning instead of the end or I'd have gotten wet. :sweat: Good to be back out at Spur Cross. I almost didn't do Jewel of the Creek after the bigger loop, but decided to push it. The knee started whimpering just a tad during Jewel, but that's as far as it went. But I could tell when I finally got back to the truck the second time that there was some pretty good fatigue happening. The knee was shaky, but generally not sore. I stopped several times during this hike for about 10 minutes each, just to see if I was going to stiffen up. I was surprised that there was very little of that. I didn't take any Ibuprofen before this hike because I wanted to see what the knee would do without any help or inhibitions. Overall, I was pleased. With that said, I can say I don't have any trail legs right now. My feet, ankles and shins were spasming last night into this morning. But the knee is fine. :lol: And in the third week of January I finally got to experience a tiny bit of Fall. Something I really really missed this last year. The plan is to try to get at least one hike a week from here on out. It's time to get back in trail shape so I can move on to bigger and even better things....
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
Past Peak for sure, but there's still some nice color out there in Jewel of the Creek.
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Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming, "Wow What a Ride!"
 
193380
average hiking speed 2.4 mph
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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