On Sunday, Linda, Bob, and I hiked 11.6 miles between the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and the Cave Creek Recreation Area. Marilyn hiked out 4.5 miles with us and then returned to the car for a 9 mile hike. According to my GPS watch, we ended up with 1,070 feet of total ascent and 1335 feet of total descent.
A view from near the beginning of the Spur Cross Trail:
Linda spotted this heart shaped prickly pear:
Another view from the Spur Cross Trail:
Bob, Linda, and Marilyn:
Brief periods of light rain made for interesting views:
Another group ahead of us – they hiked to the park boundary and then returned.
Looking up at Elephant Mountain:
We encountered a watering hole shortly after leaving the park. Marilyn told us that she saw cows on the way back.
Views from the Maricopa Trail…
This is a view from the Go John Trail in the Cave Creek Recreation Area:
This dog has its own pack and boots, too!
We’re done! This is a view from above the amphitheater outside of the Nature Center at the Cave Creek Recreation Area.