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| | | Spur Ranch CA & Trail 252 Loop, AZ | | | |
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Spur Ranch CA & Trail 252 Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 9.10 Miles |
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| | Hiking | 9.10 Miles | 5 Hrs | | 1.82 mph |
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| no linked trail guides |
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| no partners | | I did this trip solely to hike Trail #252. I saw it on Maricopa County's map of Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, but couldn't find any other info on it anywhere. Eventhough it is in Tonto NF, it is not listed on their website, or on any of their maps. Now that I have hiked it, I can't decide if that's good or bad. 252 is one of my favorite kinds of trail; basically, just an unmaintained foot path. Since it is not labeled, I assume it gets less foot traffic then it would otherwise. However, it was a beautiful hike and a feel a tinge of regret that others aren't directed towards it. Ah shucks, who am I kidding, I love having the trail to myself.
I took the Spur Cross main trail north from the TH and continued north on FS 48 in Tonto NF. I took 252 from the south side of the corrals and headed east to Limestone Spring. Along the way I met a group of hikers coming down who had been warned of a rattler close to Limestone; they, however, had not seen it. I did. As I was cruising along the trail on a fairly steady incline, I was suddenly stopped by a quick buzz directly ahead of me on the right. It was a beautiful western diamondback, not as big as the one I had seen yesterday, but still impressive. Lucky for my she gave a quick notice of location or I might have just cruised on by without noticing. I took a few shots and moved on. The springs was not at all what I had expected, basically a concrete tub with water. It was filled with life though and very cool to see in what appears to be the middle of nowhere. Fish, bees, lots of moss. Very nice.
Further along 252 is Page spring, also a concrete tub with water, but very nicely shaded. Shortly past the first trail option to return to Spur Cross was a side trip to Peterson Spring. It was a extra mile round trip, and I found it to be totally worth it. I actually heard a frog calling from somewhere close to this concrete pond. It was situated just outside of a wonderfully shady alcove of cottonwood trees. Would make a very nice retreat on a hot lazy day.
At the second return option I headed south back towards Spur Cross. The border between the conservation area and the NF is another very shading alcove. Including is a working water pump, it was so cool. I couldn't believe it actually worked. Heading back into Spur Cross I caught the Elephant Mountain Trail south toward the main TH. I took the Tortuga Trail option out; another mile add on, this one I could have done without. I believe there may be some native treasure the caretakers show to guided tours at the end of the Tortuga trail, but on a solo trek, it seemd a pretty pointless trail to take.
I headed out on the Tortuga trail to the main TH and was out in almost exactly 5 hours with just over 9 miles hiked. Trail 252 is a superb hike for those interested in narrow trails, changing geology, beautiful views, and few people. |
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