Come along for this moderate difficulty, 2.2-mile (approximate), early morning hike as we try to beat the heat but still get a look at the desert in its daylight glory. Early morning should bring out birds, mammals, and a few reptiles warming up for their morning activities before they retreat from the heat of the day (just like we will!) Traditionally, this path is walked clockwise from Metate returning on Spur Cross, but we're doing it widdershins to take advantage of the shade offered by the Mesquites on the way back for the warmer part of our hike. It should also put us in a good spot for hearing some birdsongs along Towhee trail before we'll stop for a spy on the solar oasis to see if we can spot any thirsty critters just before we trudge the last bit up the hill and back to the a/c of our cars, hopefully just before the heat really starts to set in.
There are pit toilets (like a port-a-potty, but permanent) available at the trailhead, but no water or flush toilets, so please come prepared. Water bottles and closed toed shoes required, sunscreen and wide brimmed hat recommended. Bring along whatever additional hiking gear makes you feel comfortable. Rattlesnakes are somewhat common at Spur Cross Ranch, so please use your best judgement about bringing children or pets.
PLEASE NOTE: Spur Cross Ranch only accepts cash, so please come prepared with your annual pass or $3.00 per person for the Iron Ranger Self Pay Station. If this isn't possible, you may purchase park entry at any other Maricopa Country Park for $7.00/car earlier in the day. Passes are valid until the close of business on the date printed on the receipt.
MEETING LOCATION: Spur Cross Ranch Staging Area (Shaded Area near Restrooms just past Park Entry)
Please note: Summer programs may be canceled on short notice due to severe weather, including extreme heat events. The MC Parks website is the best resource for verifying the program’s current status, so please check the program listing prior to departing for your scheduled program.
Limit 15 participants. To register, please call the Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 8 with your name, phone number and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 8/29/24.