desert hiking close to the Phoenix area
The Spur Cross Ranch Conservation area is one of the newer members of the Maricopa County Park system. The conservation area borders the Tonto National forest to the North and provides an accessible area for hikers to enjoy this still pristine desert.
The hike starts at the Spur Cross Road parking area. There are two trails here, with the Tortuga trail heading West being the one we are interested in.
This trail starts out along an old jeep road and quickly crosses Cave Creek, which was running when we did this hike. Some fancy rock hopping will keep your feet dry as you continue generally North-West along this trail.
You trail is quickly isolated from any views of civilization, which is just the way we like it. After 1.1 miles of hiking, the Tortuga trail splits off to the left. We want to continue straight ahead on the Elephant Mountain trail. All the trail junctions along this hike were well signed. Stay left at another trail junction after an additional 0.1 miles.
This point along the Elephant Mountain trail is not maintained and generally less traveled. Watch your footing here, as the steep descent and gravel make this a typical place to take a spill. The trail quickly makes it's way to a dry wash. Keep a good eye out for the Cairns marking the trails in and out of this wash. Eventually, you will leave the wash and start a steady climb up the East side of Elephant Mountain. At the top of a saddle on Elephant Mountain is a decent view of civilization again. Although the trail continues, this is a good point to turn around.
Return the way you came. Be sure to enjoy the views of this special area on the way back.
