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| Backpack | 16.60 Miles |
3,884 AEG |
| | Backpack | 16.60 Miles | | | |
| 3,884 ft AEG | | 23 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Skull Mesa Ruins Overnight triplog
Date: February 6–7, 2026
Trailhead: Spur Cross Trailhead
Trip Type: Overnight backpacking trip
Route: Spur Cross → Skull Mesa → Skull Mesa Ruins → Return same route
Parking & Trailhead Notes
I departed from the Spur Cross Trailhead at approximately 4:00 PM on Friday, February 6, 2026. Overnight parking is permitted. Park rangers recommend leaving a note on your dashboard listing your planned route and expected return time.
Approach to Skull Mesa
The hike to the top of Skull Mesa is straightforward but long and relatively gradual until the final mile. Cave Creek had water flowing, there was slippery rock pathways across but trekking poles helped keep me dry. About 5.5 miles in, just past the gate, I encountered a group of javelinas directly on the trail. They moved off mostly without issue, but did made some noises as we passed.
Camping on the Mesa
After reaching the top of Skull Mesa, I turned right (east) and followed the mesa edge through desert brush and prickly pear cactus. There is no defined trail here.
Roughly 100 yards off-trail, I reached a relatively flat, open area with lighter vegetation that makes for an excellent campsite. I have camped at this location twice. The site offers outstanding views overlooking the nighttime lights of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Cave Creek.
Wildlife Note:
I have observed 2 scorpions both on the trail and at this campsite. Be cautious when placing hands, moving gear, or walking around camp at night. On the trail up I have also seen a deer, big spider, ground squirrel, and giant desert centipede. Spider webs can be in the middle of the trail especially at the narrow parts towards the top.
Route to the Ruins
The following morning, I used the Route Scout app to navigate from my campsite to the Skull Mesa ruins. The route covers approximately 2.3 miles, but travel is slow due to thick vegetation and uneven terrain. It's not a trail, you just need to head in the right direction. I went over the small peaks closer to the ruins instead of around them. It took me about 1.5 hours to reach the ruins.
Recommendations:
- Wear long pants
- Watch footing carefully
- Expect spotted prickly pear exposure
- Move slowly and deliberately
- Enjoy the view
- If you're heading in the right direction, there is a mountain range in the distance. Head towards the center-right of that range.
The Ruins
The effort to reach the ruins is well worth it. The structures are large, tall, and very impressive. Pottery shards are easy to spot in the surrounding area. As always, practice Leave No Trace principles and do not disturb or remove artifacts.
Return Trip
After exploring the ruins, I returned to my campsite and packed up. The hike back to Spur Cross Trailhead took approximately 75min from ruins to mesa top, and 3hr from mesa top to trailhead. |
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