On Friday, the 29th, Linda, DeAnn, Sandy, Sarah, and I hiked 12.5 miles from the Cave Creek Trailhead (in the Seven Springs Recreation Area) to the Spur Cross Trailhead. We stayed on Cave Creek Trail #4 for all but the last couple of miles.
Starting out at the Cave Creek Trailhead:
After crossing the road, the trail passed through a shaded area next to the creek:
Linda spotted this hollow fallen tree…
A crested saguaro; there were supposed to be two on this hike, but this is the only one we saw.
From back to front are DeAnn, Sandy, Linda, and Sarah:
We had to cross the creek several times. We managed to do it without getting too wet.
This is the intersection with the Skunk Tank Trail:
A view of the creek with New River Mesa in the distance:
We entered a lush and colorful area…
We saw this painted stone atop one of the cairns along the way:
I think this is Black Mesa in the distance:
Black Mesa on the left; New River Mesa on the right:
Sandy, DeAnn, Linda, and Sarah:
Skull Mesa:
I thought it would be cool to explore this wash / canyon below the trail – maybe some other day…
Crossing the creek again, though it’s dry at this point:
And again; this was the last crossing, I think.
Gary Wietgrefe says:
Looks like nice place for a longer hike!
January 2, 2018 — 3:25 pm
Kevin says:
I’ve worked out another route for that area that entails visiting the length of Skull Mesa along the way. Aside from being somewhat long, it’s straightforward except for some of the Skull Mesa portion; it’s my understanding that route finding can be tricky in that area.
January 3, 2018 — 12:21 am
Linda says:
Wonderful photos! This was a great hike but sure felt it when we were done! I look forward to going back sometime and finding that 2nd crested saguaro.
January 2, 2018 — 8:54 pm
Kevin says:
Yes, I was hoping to see the second crested saguaro too. I should have read the route description better to prepare for when we might see it.
January 3, 2018 — 12:22 am