Spur Cross Ranch Reviews

Some nice scenery but the trail we were on was not marked well, seemed to end abruptly. Long story short, we walked at least a mile and a half out of our way. Started our hike at 8:30 a.m. which in retrospect was probably too late. Last mile (at least) of trail was in broiling sun, constantly climbing upwards, no benches.Thank goodness we were well equipped with water. Although we are in darn good shape, husband had to get car as the last half mile or so was impossible for me. Fortunately after resting a bit under the shade of an awning provided by the park near some satellite restrooms at the trail head, I was able to walk the remainder of the distance to get to the car. Time your walks well, start early in the morning or go at twilight. Be aware certain trails aren't well marked.

I've been t Spur cross a for trail hiking a few times. You can either take a short hiking tur with a guide who is very knowledgable in the local history and the flora and fauna. I'e done both and had a good time

good horses and beautiful scenery. Guides were super fun and had knowledge of the area which helped us understand the desert a bit better

Beautiful area to get out in the desert. Untouched by man, yet so close to home. Easy to get to, well marked trails. Can get a little crowded at times, but if you can go during the week, it is worth it.

Great place to spend an hour or a day. There are many different trails to walk. Many are very easy and are loops, so you can go either way and experience different views. Easy to park and not crowded.

Just before the official Spur Cross Ranch is a small trail that connects to other trails at Spur Cross. They recently upgraded the trail, so hiking down to the creek is way easier. There are talker trees and water in the creek during cooler months. You can walk along a cliff area, and encounter a cave as well. In the spring you can see dragon flies, tadpoles, and frogs. I saw a flock of canadian geese last time. I love coming here, as it is my oasis in the desert.

Excellent area to hike with different circular routes of varying difficulty. Need to bring your own water and lots of it. Did find a diamondback rattlesnake less than 2 feet away, so also need to be observant of surroundings. Had a great day there in March.

Love this place. The natural beauty reminds me what I enjoy most about Arizona living.

This park in particular has a variety of trail types for various ages and fitness levels, from a flattish, easy stroll to something steeper and more vigorous, all the while passing between towering 200 year old saguaros, cactus strewn hillsides or the floodway of Cave Creek itself, which actually had some water running last week.

Depending on the time of day, you may sight a javelina, coyote, bobcat, squirrel, or other desert dweller. Hawks frequently soar on the thermals above.

I have visited for meditation, for exercise, and for family outings many times over the years. A great place to take visitors.

Cost is 3 bucks per person into the honor box. Small children are free.
Bring water and a snack. Leave the cell phone in the car.

Come listen to the desert zephyrs, whispering through the cottonwoods.

We have hiked here MANY times, and love it. In one part, it's like a forest in the desert with big trees and water, yes, water...not much, but yeah water. The trails are good and fairly smooth. There is a fee for entry and it is on the honor system. The residents of Cave Creek self taxed themselves to save the Ranch, and well worth it. There is no wheel chair access but there is a parking area. From there you go through the self pay gate and enjoy the beautiful area.

Great!!! Loved it! No cell coverage but hooked up with a nice family from Ohio who got me back to Cave Creek. Ubered back to Scottsdale. Great town, good shopping and food. Check out Big Earls for a beer and a burger. Nice misters to help cool you down.

This is a don't miss if you are visiting Cave Creek. There is a little something for everyone here, from a fairly flat, short hike, to longer hikes with some climb in elevation,, and gorgeous views. The Saguaros are amazing! To see them from a distance is nice, but it cant match walking among them. It is a very peaceful place.
If you like to ride horses, there is a stable where you can rent them and take trail rides.

We hike in Spur Cross regularly in the winter months. Each trail has different views. One time the wildflowers will be lovely. Another time we'll come across water in a stream. Saguaro cacti stand majestically along with all different varieties of cacti and desert foliage. Be sure to bring plenty of water in the Arizona desert. This is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

By foot or by horse, this area north of Cave Creek is beautiful. The Creek runs through the area and you find regular deciduous trees as well as desert cactus.

The good people of Cave Creek had the forethought to preserve this great hiking area. See petroglyphs and other archeological relics of native americans and early settlers. Ranger Kevin leads all sorts of interactive hikes and catalogues the hundreds of different flowers that arrive each spring.

this conservation area is located about 35 miles northwest of Phoenix in the town of Cave Creek. it has a variety of trails in difficulty and length. When I was there on 3/25 the wildflowers were literally wild with color. The metate trail is .8 mile one way with a couple of brief stream crossings-plank bridges are there for safe crossing. Of course there is a metate (grinding stone) but must look for it.I went there for an archeology hike but got there 3 minutes to late. Be ready to pay a $3 parking fee. Well worth this admission price.

Enjoyed a nice morning hike at Spur Cross. The trails are well kept. Beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Some of the finest hiking in the north valley, with 360 panoramic views of the surrounding mountains: Elephant Mountain, Elephant Butte, Skull Mesa, New River Mesa, Go-John, Continental, Seven Sisters, Lone Mountain... Flat, well-maintained trails that meander around the floor of the valley and washes or you can pump up the volume and head up---even a hike to the top of Elephant Mountain (very strenuous!). Lots of ranger- and expert-led hikes and activities. Check out their website which TripAdvisor won't let me put in to this review, but if you go to the Maricopa County webpage and then Parks... Dog-friendly. *** SHOCKING!!! Was visiting the Cave Creek Museum and saw an exhibit---used to be the Spur Cross Dude Ranch but in the 80's, the whole area was slated to become a housing development with 500 houses and golf courses and even a waste-water treatment plant! But the town of Cave Creek rallied together and bought the property. Neat, feel-good story.*** Note: Once you follow Spur Cross Road up about 3-4 miles, it turns to a dirt road that leads back to the SCCA parking lot. Once you park, you probably walk 300 yards before you actually enter the park. $3.00 day use fee honor system.

Had 2 experienced riders and 2 with no riding experience including our seven year old son. Boots (our guide) took excellent care of everyone and made it a fun experience during our 1 1/2 hour ride through beautiful desert landscape.

This is one of the premiere scenic locations in north Phoenix. There is some interesting Native American history here too. Very nice place for a hike when it is not too hot. The guided hike to Elephant Butte is highly recommended.

Wow -- we hiked the Elephant Mountain Loop this morning, and it was beautiful. This 7-mile loop features lots of elevation changes and a few navigational challenges, but it is worth it for the serenity. We hiked at a comfortable pace for 3 hours and saw exactly zero people. It's really surprising to feel so isolated so close to civilization.
Key tips: be prepared for 1.5 miles of well-groomed, unpaved roads leading up to the ample parking area, bring $3 per person for the self-pay station at the entrance, bring lots of drinking water, as there is none in the park and pick up a map at the pay station (you'll need it!).

We did our 1st day of hiking at Cave Creek Regional Park, and our 2nd day at Spur Cross. I enjoyed this place much more because the vegetation is more dense and interesting, the trails were much wider and it felt more removed from traffic, etc.

My daughter and I wanted to get out of town and do a little hiking. We headed out of Cave Creek north on School house Road and found Spur Cross ranch where the hills are dotted with beautiful desert plants and cacti. We stayed until sunset and watched the hills turn pink with the dusk rolling in. Hike down to the little creek is easy and fun. easy driving access to starting point and the hike to the creek less than 2 miles. Bring a camera it is beautiful here.

Easy hike with some elevation variance. Well maintained trail, gorgeous views. Plank bridge for creek crossing.

Good walk in fairly lush area...not usual desert stroll. Helpful staff and well groomed trails. Entrance fee was a bit steep.

We went here following a recommendation and were not disappointed. Easy to follow trails for all abilities. Lots of shady areas. True desert scenery. Car park fee but worth it.

The trail system at Spur Cross was great. The trails wind their way through the valley bottom and along the ridges. Plenty of wildlife on these trails too. Snakes were present which for me was exciting.

I just started hiking a little in this conservation area. I did the Spur Cross Trail which is a pretty good hike for cardio.......then I did the flat (no elevation change) trail called the Metate Trail....LOVED it! It even has a Solar Oasis (see photos)....in the middle of the desert! :) This would be a super trail for families of all ages....the loop trail starts at the parking lot and ends there as well.

The folks here treat you like family. They are kind to beginners talking them through their fears. The expertly fit rider to horse. The ride is spectacular! The beautiful surroundings of cactus, hills and blue skies makes this the best trail ride in the USA! If you are going to do anything while visiting this area, do a ride with this group. You will awed!

We have visited here a few times with large family groups. They have always treated us great and accommodated us well.
Wranglers are very talkative and chatty with lots of local information.
But the most impressive feature is the views. Best trails and views. Everywhere you look is a postcard.

There are nice trails here that go thru the desert, but nothing here seemed to make it stand out from all other trails one might go on in the desert. Nevertheless, we still had a pleasant time hiking thru this area. The best trail is the Jewell Creek trail that takes one down to the creek where there are trees and shade.

There is a $3 per person charge.

I live in the area and I always tell out of town hikers this is THE best place to experience the high Sonoran Desert. Take the Elephant Mountain Trail for one of the best panoramas to be found anywhere in the south-central Arizona region.
For a shorter jaunt, try the Metate Trail. You'll see some of the largest saguaros found anywhere. It almost feels like walking amongst the redwoods, only with cactus.

A variety of trails here; some fairly level and others hilly. Beautiful and well maintained. A bit crowded but easy to find space away.

Excellent trails with varying distances and degree of difficulty. Beauty everywhere you look. I could hike in here time and time again

If you are looking for a nice hike with moderate elevation and medium distance this is it. Don’t miss Mariposa Hill overlook and Fairy Duster Trail.

We took the guided moonlight hike by Ranger Kevin just after Christmas. It was a perfect night. Clear skies, lots of stars and a nearly full moon. Minimal fitness level was required. Learned about the cactus of the desert and breathed in the cool, fresh desert air. Very fun and something different to do. Would do it again.

It gets HOT. Great hike but bring lots of water! I recommend going early in the morning. There are many different levels of difficulty.

It was a nice and simple hike. We got quite a. Bit of information from the friendly woman working in the visitor center.

Fabulous Hike On The Dragonfly Trail. Takes You Through Beautiful Area All The Way To The Creek. Spring Desert Blooms Everywhere. Sooo Pretty!

A visit to the desert mountain isn’t complete without a visit to the Cross Spur Stables. We came from Texas to ride their horse and what a blast we had. I was on Junebug (Mule) and my wife on Pistol (horse) we went up hill, down hill, across rocks, sand and our animals stayed true and sure footed. The ranch hands at SCS were fantastic! Our guide Cindy was very knowledgeable about the horses, the desert, the cactus and made us feel at ease with all our extra questions.

We loved it. It was a nice warm up to the hikes later in the week. Weather was perfect, and the scenery was breathtaking. If you're looking for a "hike", search elsewhere. This was just more of a walk in the dessert. Loved it just the same!

After working for a bit today, we decided to head up to the carefree/Cavecreek area to hike. We have never hiked there, so wasn't really sure where to go. When we got up near town, we followed a sign that said "trails" to the left. About 5 miles down, we came upon the Spur Cross Conservation area. We parked up near the Spur Cross Stable. You can go horseback riding there, which we will probably come back another time to do that. You can check out the donkeys, horses, hogs and cows they have up on the property. About 1/4 mile walk down, you come upon the conservation trails. There are maps to take with you while hiking the trails. Beautiful scenery! Took lots of photos. We did a few miles, but since we got there later in the day, decided we would come back another time, earlier. Then, we can spend more time checking out longer trails. Definitely a nice, relaxing time.

About 45 minutes north of Phoenix is the Preserve/ Conservation Area. The trail starts out in the open with lots of different cactus types. It then drops down into a canyon with much more vegetation, some larger trees and water tinkling (not much, but enough to let the world know that there’s running water down there). And, it’s lots cooler below with trees, water and vegetation. There is evidence of flooding at some time in the past. As we walked, there would be a swarm of butterflies. Little yellow things fluttering here and there. They seemed to be getting some nectar from the shrubs. And a number of small frogs (like quarter size). They kept jumping away (an inch a jump). But fast enough that it was hard to photograph. And, there walking onto a rock was a lizard just posing for a photo. The lizard found a perch and stayed there for a bit (like probably only a few seconds). Then, the loop climbs out of the canyon back onto the desert where it’s dryer and fewer shrubs/trees and lots of different kinds of cactus. The total trail was about 2 to 3 miles. By the time we were walking back to the car, it was hot. Glad we began early.

A wonderful area. Can't wait to get back.

Hats off to Cameron for a magnificent ride! Very informative and personable guide through the Wild West. From ages 11 to 70, we all felt confident in his leadership. Very accommodating even though we didn’t have reservations.

We are so in love with Spur Cross Ranch. We visit as often as possible when we are in Cave Creek. The scenery is diverse and beautiful. There are a variety of trails to spend time hiking. I can not describe how lovely the place is. You absolutely must go!

Took the round trip trail with Metate up to Spur Cross. In hindsight, I wish I would have walked up Metate, then turned around and did it backwards. Metate had HUGE cacti, streams, and wildflowers. The Spur cross trail is a large wide trail that is not as interesting. If you want to hike among cactus this is the place to do it!

I have been here many times on my own and I am an advanced hiker. My parents are here visiting (they are in their mid to late 60s) and wanted to hike. I was very pleased to find trails that matched their novice hiking experiences. They are both active and in good shape for their age, but we saw people much older on the same trail (Spur Cross and Dragonfly).
Dragonfly trail is BEAUTIFUL. It's short but it's like walking through a forest. It also has a clear stream running through it. You won't be disappointed with this trail!!

Costs $3/person for 1-day pass. Season passes available and worth getting if you are in the area. A number of trails to choose from, some pretty short, some several miles long.

My wife and I (in our 50s / 60s) enjoyed a lovely morning hike starting at the Spur Cross Trailhead. Many species of cacti, with lots in bloom. Lots of birds and butterflies and had a great view of a Western Diamondback rattlesnake at a respectful distance.

I love Spur Cross. The variety of landscape and flora and fauna is amazing. You get a lot more variety than you typically get on a hike around Phoenix. There are trails for everyone here, ranging from short walks along the riparian area with year-round flowing water that are perfect for kids, to longer, more remote and grueling (relatively) hikes up and over Elephant Mountain. The bonus is after you're done hiking you can shop and eat in Cave Creek, which is a lot of fun.

We enjoyed our hiking here, where we had the opportunity to cross a small river in a magical setting. It was more shaded and had many trees compared to other spots to hike.

We came on a Saturday to hike and were really surprised at the greenery.There are many trails to choose from and we hiked for about two hours.

Thanks to previous reviews stating there are level trails here, we went today (Sunday.)
Very helpful attendees where we paid our parking fee ($3 per person) showed us the best option for an easy level hike: a 2 mile loop with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The profusion of saguaros and prickly pear cacti is truly amazing. Cave Creek is the stream that runs through the area, creating unusually green pockets with some wild poppies already blooming.
This is a terrific destination if you're looking for a hike that doesn't involve climbing. Trails are well-marked and clean. There are maps and restrooms (clean porta-potties) where you pay for parking. Wish we had found this at the beginning of our week's stay in Scottsdale -- we would have come more than once!
Note -- there is a very small (free) parking area BEFORE you get to the main parking lot; continue past the entrance to Spur Cross Ranch Stables (on your right) to the parking area.

Ok first off, Kim is amazing. She won't take any crap though so it's your butt if you abuse the horses or try to push her around. The horses are well taken care of and super docile. I rode "Gus" who was such a good boy❤️ my husband, daughter and I honestly felt completely safe and that Kim was well able to handle the terrain, our horses and anything that might pop up. She told us a ton of interesting facts about the plants and animals in the area and about the history surrounding the corral and cattle drives. They have a wonderful ranch and the people running are delightful and hardworking. 5 stars only because there's no option to give them more!

Beautiful area to explore and very inexpensive to enter ($3.00 per adult, $2.00 for children), plus, leashed dogs are allowed! We ran into a tortoise before hitting any trailheads. We are looking forward to exploring this area more when the weather cools down. We didn't get more than a mile in before our 7 year old son wanted to return because of the heat.

I am relatively new to the Cave Creek area and my Son and his girlfriend came to visit for a long weekend. I had not been in SpurCross before as I have been too busy. Their visit was the excuse I needed to visit SpurCross and we had an amazing time in this vastly beautiful area. Trails range from easy to challenging but no matter where we went, the views were spectacular. SpurCross was well maintained and a real local treasure. This area is decidedly different from the Sonoran Desert and not to be missed. Entrance fee is $3, parking is ample and the experience is memorable.

This is one of my favorite hiking areas in the Phoenix area. Trails for all levels, well-marked, and such a variety of plant life, history and cactus. Plus!!!... close to the town of Cave Creek for a day of fun!

This is another of the hiking biking, horse backing parks that seem to be all over Arizona. Plenty of parking, loads of easy to very difficult trails. don't forget you water regardless of the time of years. good hiking shoes are a must, and don't forget your hiking sticks if you are unaccustomed to the rough terrain that can spring up on any trail

My wife, daughter, and I were looking for a trail to hike in the area. We decided to check out this place for a hike. It was an interesting hike. The trails was a little rough in places. We just walked on one of the shorter trails for a hike since it was near the end of the day. We had a good time checking out the scenery on our hike. There was a $3 charge/per person to hike at this location.

It is totally quiet and peaceful. There is a large parking area. Down the main trail is a nice covered picnic area with clean portapotties. The trails are of differing difficulties so there are several options. It is not rocky but somewhat steep in spots. Beautiful area.

Nice views, safe ride, and very helpful hands made this very enjoyable for our group ages 7 to 74! The pony ride and animals to feed at the ranch made the time go quickly for the 3 year old too young to ride as well.

Friends who live in Cave Creek took us here for a morning hike when we were in Scottsdale for vacation. There is a dirt road leading to the parking area where volunteers collect $3 per person and will give you a map. Based on our interests and hiking level, they suggested a hike for us. We were there on a Sunday and it wasn't too too crowded.

We hiked here with grandchildren- teens and I am amazed at the beauty of the desert! There are many cactus that are huge! If we had been later they would be blooming!! The trails are rocky and lots of up and down so wear good shoes and take water!! There are bridges and so water was there this trip. It is free and we saw quite a few people!!

Visited here after being disappointed by options for easy walks at Cave Creek part. This area was overall more attractive and had the option of an easy 1-2 hour walk along a well-maintained road/trail. Public parking is very limited (10 cars) but was not a problem on a nice sunny Thursday in lat Feb. Cars left at relatively frequent intervals.

This is an excellent place to hike. Hike choices can be along the creek, hike along the wash into a mesquite bosque, hike through a saguaro forest or climb up to a mesa. Hikes can be challenging or easy all easily accessible from the trailhead.

We walked the trails. They were very quite nicely maintained and marked on the map by the difficulty level.

I hiked the Dragonfly Loop on a Friday afternoon. It is spectacular. The wilderness stretches on forever. I wished I had more days to go back and hike the other trails. Everyone I encountered on the early part of the trail was very friendly. I didn't encounter anyone once I turned onto the Dragonfly part of the trail. The cacti are so insanely tall, especially in the Jewel of the Creek area. I was surprised to see green grass in some areas; it rained that Tuesday. There was a $3 self-pay hiking fee per person, which was the best $5 I spent all month. (There is no one to make change.) There are maps at the self-pay station so you can take a copy and hopefully not get lost. :-) There are port-a-potties near the self pay station as well.

Wonderful trails that show off the rich diversity of the AZ dessert. Huge saguaros, deep creek valleys. Miles and miles to explore.

Good variety of trails for inexperienced to very experienced hikers. Cave Creek keeps this area green in the spring.

I went on a New Year Day hike here and it was a glorious desert day, sun shining brightly and with snow capped mountains off in the distance. The Rangers give hikes here on a regular basis. I have not taken one yet, but loved the hike we did on our own. The dogs loved it and the cold running mountain water. I cannot wait to do it again. The hikes range from easy to moderate. Just stop off at the station to ask which hike is best for you and remember to bring your $3

Only 10 minutes North of "Downtown Cave Creek" makes this a family fave.
The drive past dozens of unique western style homes on the way is worthwhile by itself!
The whoop de do dips and hills are fun for all ages.
Please Go Slow.
Horse riders and mountain bikers share that road.

The trail head is well kept and offers varying degrees of difficulty for hikers. Honor system trail fee depository for trail hikers.

The Spur Cross stables are available for guided horse riding across the desert mountain landscape. Suggest reservations if that's your intent, although it's possible to tag along if enough horses are rested. Reasonable fees.
Also a small native animal zoo at the stables.

EZ to experience spot to take Flatland out of towners to, even if you don't hike.
The canyon is swell for Old West vista picture taking, without having to trek far.
Huge gravel parking lot at trail head.

Nearby partially built "settlers cabin" made of local rocks is perfect for goofy tourist photos.

In celebration of our birthdays (1 day apart), we decided that a romantic sunset ride would be just perfect and it turned out to be just that - perfect! Our guide, Preston, was engaging and informative about the area. I've been to many stables and this one was by far, was one of the best. The only complaint was from the horses - not enough carrots after the ride!

Site offers different levels of hiking trails, from Easy to Hard. Local history within the area- 1950 Dude Ranch Site to a Metate Grinding Stone.

Early morning hikes or late evening hikes are best times to go. Phenomenal history and interesting things to see if you know what to look for!

We spend a couple of hours hiking here, and loved every minute. In the late afternoon there is shade from the hills, as well as shade among the little trees. Crossing and recrossing the river is such fun!

Spur Cross Trail is nice 1/2 day hike. Beautiful scenery and well maintained trail. The Numerous water crossings were nice. The homemade board bridges were a treat. Loose rocks in spots keep you on your toes. The 5 miles and 500’ elevation was just right. Worth the drive out there. It cost 3.00 per person but worth it for the maintained park and large clean port a Johns.

A really nice hike...

My friends and I visited the Spur Cross Ranch Trail, just North of Cave Creek Arizona on a Thursday during February, 2016. The trails are part of the Maricopa County Parks & Recreation.

We arrived at about 09:30am on a nice cool and sunny day. There is a parking lot in front of the entrance and on this day they had a table set up at the entrance with brochures, T-shirts and other items for sale. There were two pleasant and knowledgeable volunteers behind the table. They collected the $3.00 each entry fee. There are also fairly decent outdoor-type bathroom facilities nearby the entrance.

There are a variety of trails from which to choose. We took the Spur Cross trail which is about a five (5) mile “moderate” hike.

The trail is shared by both hikers and horse-mounted visitors. So we needed to be mindful of the rules of the trail when it comes to who yields. We did indeed experience multiple horseback riders all in a line on this visit.

The trail at the beginning heads EbNE and is a little rocky and steep at first. But then as you round the small mountain toward the North it levels off and becomes mostly a flat smooth pathway all the way towards WbNW. About halfway on the trail there is a little creek. They have placed wood planks at two crossing points for the hikers to use to get across the water without getting wet. Just a little balancing act is required as the two parallel boards are about six inches wide each.

Also about half way on the trail there is a little "Solar" pond with a bench nearby. It’s a lovely setting and a great place to take a break. Warning: One of the things we noticed at three different parts of this trail – buzzing bees, as in swarms. Even though we could not actually see the bee swarms, they were close enough to the trail that we were very concerned about disturbing them with our footsteps. We mentioned the bees to the volunteers when we exited the trail and they said that when bee swarms are reported they send a ranger out to address the situation (not sure exactly what that means).

While on this trail we noticed what looked like petroglyphs carved into a few rocks along the path. Although there are identified specific petroglyph locations in this park, our volunteers were not certain about the ones we saw when we showed them pictures we had taken on our phones.

Overall, this was a very nice (moderate difficulty) hike and would be appropriate for most capable hikers, young and seniors alike. The vegetation is varied, awesome to behold and there are critters that can be observed directly or the evidence of their presence, e.g., grass that has been flattened by a large animal (like a deer) where they slept. The view of Elephant Peak is pretty neat as well. We’ll be back as there are other numerous trails within this park.

We have hiked out here many times. The first time I took my wife she said "wow, there really is a creek in Cave Creek. We love to take the dogs on the meandering trail around the creek. Lots of shade. We love it.

Excellent hiking trails! There are several trails with different ability levels. Beautiful scenery, breath taking views. We have done Dragon Fly, Fairy Duster, Metate! All incredible hikes! I go here every year several times while I am in Carefree/Cave Creek.

Spur Cross has the best hiking trails north of Phoenix. Loop trails that you can make as long or as short as you want. The diversity of the topography, botanical life, wildlife, and of course, the creek, make it very special

One of our favorite hiking spots! A number of trails that vary in length to satisfy any hiker. Ranger led hikes. Spectacular views from the start. Hope to do a moon lit hike sometime!

This area displays the Sonoran Desert at its finest! The trails are wide and clearly marked. We hiked the Spur Cross to Dragonfly Trails. These take you across the Flowing Cave Creek on a wooden plant bridge, from the desert to the mountains with awesome views, through a saguaro forest, past petroglyphs , down to along a riverbed ( dry at this time of year) past an old mine tunnel and back up to a large dirt parking area approx 3.5 miles.
There are many hiking trails and you can add to the length of your hike should you want to. The conservation area is staffed by volunteers who are extremely friendly and helpful. For $3 each they provide you with a trail map. If you’ve already paid to visit Cave Creek Regional Park or are camping there you don’t need to pay the fee.
It is an amazingly beautiful area and we look forward to returning next year perhaps toward the end of February in hopes of seeing the desert wildflowers in full bloom.

We went on a beautiful hike here. The landscape, vistas & scenery are great. The varying terrain & vegitation keep it interesting. There is also a good chance of spotting wildlife.

I've been hiking out here for years. It's one of my favorite places in Arizona. Oddly enough, I used to get spooked hiking alone out here- there were whispers of mountain lion sightings in the past. For some reason it stopped scaring me about a year ago. My favorite is to hike into the jewel of cave creek and cut over to the dragonfly trail and back to the spur cross trail. I've mapped it and it comes out to 4 miles. it's so gorgeous out here. You can easily get lost in your mind and also in person. Stay on the trails and bring water!!

We started out here on a 25 mile mountain bike loop (Cave Creek Cactus Cup race loop if you're a mountain biker) and the trail a blast to ride and very well signed. However, what really amazed me was how beautiful the area was. I didn't realize the desert could be so green. Definitely the nicest place I've ever visited in the Phoenix vicinity by far....and the town of Cave Creek is pretty cool too. None of the standard strip malls like every city USA, tons of unique shops and restaurants.

Lovely, scenic desert mountain hike for all level abilities. Scenic creek trails and greenery in a desert! Best times fall and spring. If you are lucky, the wildlife will be out to greet you! Beautiful Cave Creek areas!

We hiked jewel of the creek, dragon fly, and mutate and these were all excellent hikes. We enjoyed this area a little more than cave creek regional park although both are a lot of fun

No matter what your level of experience there is a trail for you at Spur Cross Ranch. A nominal fee is required as you enter the area which is a self deposit box. Plenty of parking is available before you get to the entrance. After you hike the area you will agree that the fee is worth it. The fees help provide the well-maintained trails. There are trails that go up to Elephant mountain and around Sugar Loaf mountain as well as many other trails that take you to the creek bottom areas where there are giant saguaros and a diversity of desert plants that enjoy the riparian habitat. During the rainy season or after a monsoon the creek may have water but there are stepping stones or boardwalks to cross unless there was a very high water producing rainfall. This is a great area for geologists as there are old Indian dwelling ruins and petroglyphs as well as some mine openings. You actually park at the area of the old Phoenix mine. Birdwatchers will find this a most interesting area as well with a variety of species to be observed.. If you have botanical interests, there are plenty of plants of various sorts due to the habitat changes throughout the ranch from mesquite to jojoba. Keep your eyes looking for wildlife especially javelinas. If you don't know what they are you may want to look them up online.
The Spur Cross Ranch has an interesting history and far too lengthy to adequately explain here but it was originally started by two gentlemen who met in jail. I highly recommend the Metate trail for the novice hiker and birdwatcher as it is easy and along the creek in many places. It is about a two plus mile hike and even shady in some areas. Don't miss the metate next to the trail in the creek bottom area.

Went hiking with a larger group today to Spur Cross Ranch as we were looking for a easier hike. It is a little confusing when you first come in as there is a small parking lot but if you continue on there is a larger one down the road. There is a $3/pp trail fee which is on the honor system but they do provide maps. We started on the Maricopa trail and then cut over to the Dragonfly trail. It was about 4 miles and a good mix as Maricopa all saguaro and prickly pear while the Dragonfly is down in a gulch with some water so quite different vegetation and we even saw a bobcat and a javelina. Overall great hike which should have something for everyone especially if you combine it with a stop in Cave Creek.

This easy little hike follows Cave Creek for a mile or so. It's a fairly flat hike and great for kids because they can splash in the water. Very shady and lots of flowers in the spring. There is even a cave to explore -- actually I think an old mine, and it doesn't go very far in, but it's awesome for kids. Bring a flashlight for them. You cross the creek on boards once at the beginning and again halfway through. At the far end of the hike the creek opens out into a beautiful pool with big boulders to climb on. Check before you go to make sure there is water in the creek. It would still be pretty without water, but not nearly as much fun. This hike, like all Arizona desert hikes, is better tackled in cool weather. Even so, bring plenty of water to drink. It's not ALL shade!

This is a beautiful hike in close proximity to the Valley. Take Cave Creek Road all the way north near the little town of Cave Creek. There is a road called Spur Cross Road on the West end of town. Take it all the way to the end. You will wind through beautiful homes and landscapes. Watch the signage. I recommend taking the Ranger led hike your first time out and you can get the times for that on the website. The Rangers are great and even the locals take these hikes to learn more about the area. These guided hikes allow you to see more clearly the plants, animals, and critters in the desert. As in most cases, early morning and dusk are good time to go. Summer is not so great unless you are really early in the morning due to the heat. There is a small fee to get in ($3 or something like that) Parking is marked. Take water (a Camelback pack, small pack or something you don't have to hold onto). This is a gem worth doing. You will see the habitat of the critters in the northern foothills of the greater Phoenix area--there are water holes that draw the critters in, and quiet places to sit and watch…it is beautiful and not too strenuous. I know there are longer trails and I have seen those training run the trail…not for me but the beauty is amazing.

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and Jewel of the Creek Preserve adjoin Tonto National Forest. There are several trails with views of saguaros that are often in unusual settings, i.e., near watercourses with cottonwoods and other deciduous trees. Many of the trails are quite easy -- we did Metate Trail in the conservation area and a portion of Dragonfly Trail in the preserve -- with many other interesting plants. The saguaros themselves seemed a bit different than the usual ones that I have seen around Tucson -- they are much more complex with many more branches. I was told that a part of the cause was the abundance of water that afforded the "luxury" of these magnificent plants branching out. Finally, the trails were not overcrowded for such a nice area not too distance from a large metro area.

I heard there were petroglyphs located in the Tonto Nat'l Forest, exactly 4 miles from where one pays to enter Spur Cross. I headed out there...walking on the Metate Trail until I came to the entrance into the forest. You hike up until you get to the corral ...then head turn right onto the trail marked (48 or 4).....this will lead you across the wash and after a mile you will come to a sign for the skull mesa trailhead. You now have hiked 2 miles so 2 more to go. You take the trail on the left at the sign and head out for 2 miles. You will come to a large gate and sign saying it is the ranch and private property. You are allowed to enter and the petroglyphs are about 200 yards further.....about a dozen boulders in all. Just amazing. Roundtrip, with about a 30 minute stay at the petroglyphs, should take you about 3 and a half hours. Be sure to bring enough water and snacks (I bring a 70oz camelback, two 20oz bottles of Propel, three tangerines, and two snack bars). Fantastic Hike!

Just a few miles out of town and only the last few are a dirt road! Many trails and a creek that runs through the center much of the year, although at some times it is just a trickle.... One of the closest trails to the main parking has some of the largest Saguaro's I have seen in the 35+ years I have lived and hiked in Arizona.

We took a full moon hike, lead by the Park Ranger. We had a great time! We learned a lot from his narrative along the trail.

Spur Cross Ranch offers horseback riding for all. This is organized riding, horses are very tame and well trained. Groups ride in manageable sizes and ride through some beautiful high desert country. This is a safe and fun ride for anyone, and mostly for those with little or no experience with horses.

Sometimes the hardest part of hiking is the drive to and from the hiking location. Spur Cross is close to Scottsdale and Cave Creek. A short drive, for a very remote feeling. 8 trails including easy, moderate and extremely difficult. The length of the trails are variable, but they cross each other and you can combine to make longer hikes. You are likely to see Native American artifacts and Cave Creek runs through the recreation area. Full moon guided hikes, nature guided hikes are available for a mere $3. Well worth the price and the drive to get your nature/hiking fix when you don't have the the time to drive for hours.

This was a neat hike with lots of desert vegetation. I t wasn’t too difficult and not a lot of climbing either. The town of cave creek was really cool as well

Spur Cross is beautiful to hike. You can hike in your own group. But , there are many hikes to do with the ranger and he is very knowledgeable about the vegetation, animals and the Indians that inhabited this area.

The area is simply stunning. Trails are clear and if you’re lucky you may see some wildlife. I can’t wait until the desert is blooming!! I think there are 8 different trails in the conservation.

Great hike. We walked the Dragonfly trail. We had to pay $3 a person to walk the trail. If we could have parked across from the stables there is a free parking lot and a gate to the left with access to the dragon tale trail. I'm sure its amazing with all the spring flowers. They where just starting.

This is officially Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area...a beautiful place to hike. We happened to hit it on a night that Ranger Kevin was offering a guided full moon hike. We (my teenage son and myself) enjoyed being with a group hiking at night and hearing and seeing many animals and birds. Ranger Kevin was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Check their Facebook or website for events and group hiking opportunities especially if you are a newbie to hiking. Fee is three dollars per person.

We rode at the ranch twice during our vacation. The views were awe inspiring, the horses were well behaved and we had riders of all levels in our group. The horses also looked very well cared for.
The owner Lee was very accommodating and pleasant.
. the wranglers were incredible! They were all very welcoming and made us feel very comfortable. Cindy and Boo were our guides and they were great.
There were also a lot of girl scouts there one of the days we went and watching the way the staff cared for them was very impressive.
I highly recommend this experience

Several trails,well marked. Trail maps also available. You pay a few dollars per to enter, on the honor system, so bring dollar bills.

Spur Cross is a great reason to visit Cave Creek. You should definitely go a horse back ride, and visit sometime in the spring so it's not too hot out yet.

This is a beautiful place, peaceful and quiet until the four old propeller planes decided to use the airspace above to practice their flying formations. I'm sure this doesn't happen all the time, but it did take away from the tranquility of Spur Cross. Nonetheless, this is worth your time. There is a short dirt road to get to the entrance, but any car can make it. The cost is $3 per person which is quite reasonable. There is a portable toilet just past the entrance, but you have to pay before you get to that point. There are a few trails here. We hiked the Spur Cross and part way up the Elephant Mountain trail. The trail is rocky so hiking boots would be recommended. I generally like to hike on a loop trail, but this was just fine going out and coming back on the same path. At this time of year there are a lot of flowers and the prickly pear were just getting ready to bloom. Finally, pay attention. This is the time of year when snakes are active in the daylight hours.

We are in Cave Creek for the winter and this is our favorite hiking trail(s). Fabulous cactus, great views if you hike up! There is a $3.00 pp entry fee but it is worth it. Maps and facilities are available. Give it a try!

According to the website, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is the newest addition to Maricopa County's Regional Parks System. The conservation area encompasses 2,154 acres of diverse, rugged upper Sonoran Desert and quite simply, it is absolutely breathtaking!

It strikes the perfect balance of providing a peaceful solitude in nature while not feeling so isolated you would be afraid to hike on your own. I loved the variability of the trails, we experienced changes in elevation which made it fun and challenging. But what made the ranch so special was the landscape. We walked a wooden plank to cross over Cave Creek which was flowing in early February. But as we traversed the dynamic terrain, we enjoyed mountain vistas, grassy wetlands, and rocky climbs that made for a visually interesting experience. It was a delightful experience, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the discovery of what we might find over the hill or around the curve.

To get to the trailhead you will want to follow the directions and do not be surprised if it looks like you are going into a neighborhood. We found it with no problem, and there appeared to be a reasonable amount of parking. There is a $3/person fee. There is a picnic ramada and a porta-potty at the start of the trail but you will want to bring plenty of water with you as there were no fountains/facilities on the trail.

I look forward to many future visits to this lovely park! The website mentions guided archaeological hikes that look well-worth checking out to experience the history and past uses of the area.

We hiked Elephant Mountain. Every review we read described this hike as hard. But, we are visiting from an elevation of 4400 ft so it wasn't difficult at all. It was absolutely gorgeous! It rained recently and everything was in bloom. The trail was well marked and we didn't see anyone after we got on the Elephant Mountain trail. If you are used to higher elevation hiking, then this hike will not be difficult for you.

We hiked here twice during the week. It is different from the Cave Creek Recreational Area. The trails are more diverse with trees and a creek bed. Very scenic and beautiful.

Updated in the last few years...bathrooms and more defined trails. A variety of trail options to hike. One does get a taste of the desert. Convenient location to Cave Creek...just north of the main street...and Carefree.

Visiting Spur Cross Conservatory Ranch is a must do when visiting the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Cave Creek area. We hiked the Spur Cross Trail to Dragon Fly trail. There are other choices but we prefer a loop and needed to keep it around 6 miles. This is a relatively easy hike. Love that it is a smooth trail and you don't have to look down all the time to watch your step. The views are spectacular. There are parts of the trail that are so green and you can hear and see the streams of water you forget you are in Arizona. That is until you come across Sugauro after Sugauro. At times I felt like I was back east hiking Great Falls Park along side the Potomac River. The scent of the foliage was similar.
$3.00 per person to get in. Benches along the way to take a break or take it all in.

The best hiking trails with many options for all levels of hikers. Year round water in the creek along the Jewel of the Creek trails. Bring water. Dress for sun and heat (hat, sunscreen,clothing that wicks) Great mountain and desert views. Bathrooms. Perk ranger, Kevin, is very knowledgable.

Did the beautiful 7-mile Elephant Mountain loop trail in the Spur Cross Conservation area. We looked at the mountain from many angles, but whether near, far, or on it, we didn’t “see” the elephant. No matter - it was a great hike. About 1500 feet of elevation gain, a good part of that after you’ve already done two miles of solid up hill. You cross from wide, fairly smooth trail, to narrow, rocky trail, to primitive trail that winds through arroyos, during which you need to keep any eye out for the cairns marking the spots to stay on the trail.

Such varied landscape for the desert! Yes, there are cactus galore, more surprisingly, lush areas of grass and trees fed by year-round springs. Lightly trafficked on a Thursday, especially the closer we got to Elephant Mountain.

Excellent workout and a great area to see for variation. Close proximity to Cave Creek and Carefree for lunch afterwards.

Great high - best in winter when there is water in the river. Be ready to cross river several times. Once you get into Tonto the trail is less developed but the map provided is great.

Spur Cross Ranch offers a great variety of hiking for all skill levels.

For a minimal fee of $3/person, you can enjoy this area for a full day of hiking or a short hike that meets your skill level.

Start at the nature center where ranch/park volunteers will collect your entry fee, then give you a map and make suggestions for your hike - again dependent on your skill level and time commitment.

Be sure to wear good hiking shoes/boots and bring ample water and snacks.

These trails are shared by horseback riders as well and the trails offer a lot of large saguaro cactus, wildflowers, and great views.

There are picnic tables and port-a-potties at the nature center entrance.

Went on a mid week hike at Spur Cross Ranch. The dragonfly loop is about 4 miles long. It has a couple of steep inclines, but mostly flat. The trail is in great shape, lots of beautiful saguaros. Only ran into one group during the hike.

If you would like to walk along a perennial stream (Cave Creek) surrounded by magnificent saguaros and mountains in the fall, winter, or spring in the desert, this is a great spot. If you are a moderate hiker, there are several 5.5 mile loops that are very picturesque, and for the serious hiker, there are 12-13 mile hikes in the area with 3000 feet of elevation gain. There is a hike for everyone. Take a map or take a picture of the map on your phone to help you navigate, although the trails are mostly well-marked. The rock features are very distinguishable, so it's easy to keep your bearings. The large rock landmarks are Elephant Mountain, Sugarloaf, and Skull Mesa. Always come prepared with a minimum of 2 quarts of water, sunscreen, and other essential hiking items. On moderate to long hikes, hiking shoes are a must. The Metate trail parallels the creek, and you will see some of the best examples of saguaro in the state. Tennis shoes are fine on this trail, and this is a great walk to take people from out of state that just want to see a beautiful patch of desert. The Jewel of the Creek hike displays the prettiest riparian habitat (large cottonwoods), which is also an easy walk. Entrance fee is $3.00, free parking.

We enjoyed the foliage along Cave Creek on the Dragonfly Trail Loop that was just over 2 miles from nearest parking area. The gate says Jewel of the Creek which is another shorter loop trail in the Cave Creek valley. Many other trails are more difficult as they wind up and around the mountains above. Although we hiked on a rare rainy day, the tall trees and lush foliage would provide a nice hike on even a hot sunny day.

I really like hiking at Spur Cross Ranch. You park in a little parking zone put your money in the box, and you can walk for his long or short as you want you can see wildlife flowering cactus is dry stream bed is animal footprints.

Just go and experience all the trails they offer (not at once, likely). Take water and a camera, you'll be glad you did!

Hiked here in the morning before it got too hot. We were amazed with the variety of desert plants on such a short hike. Saw rabbits, birds, and salamander also.

I did two hikes here with my 88 year old aunt. The cacti are amazing and there is a small 1/2 loop trail with labeled plants and a plaque to the botanist and naturalist who loved the area. Gorgeous spot for easy hiking.

I love the Sonoran desert and Spur Cross is one of my favorite places to hike with my local friends and also with my out of town visitors. There is a park entry fee (which was $3 per person the last time we went - ) so plan accordingly. They have nice trails, and you can spend as little or as long as you like exploring. Parts of the year, Cave Creek has running water and there are large trees with nesting birds - I love seeing the blue herons there. A good spot is the oasis where if you sit quietly you will be treated to amazing wildlife encounters. AND, the rangers host a bunch of guided hikes. My favorites are the full moon hikes.

There are plenty of options for hiking here. I have taken the Elephant Mountain Trail loop (7 miles) to the less challenging Metate & Towhee Trails. I especially like jogging--more like an old man's shuffling gait) around the Tetate & Towhee trails. It's one of the only rock-free, lower impact places a shuffler like me can get around without risk of rolling ankles.

Want two short and not too strenuous hikes but still have excellent views? This is for you. Just outside Cave Creek, you can take the free hike and descend into a small valley just below Elephant head peek or pay a couple of dollars and take the hike that is a little further in. Did both and really enjoyed them.

I've hiked Spur Cross hundreds of times, and its never the same experience twice. Ranger Kevin leads lots of hikes, which are very informative.

This is a quiet and roomy place to hike the day away. We spent hours hiking the open trails and jumping creeks. The views are nice, the trails are not too challenging.

Variety of different trails but they are not all marked and there isn’t much of a map. But great scenery with a variety of plants and trees to see.

This a great area to take different hikes and if you can get the spring flowers even better! We enjoy a morning walk here, when the weather is OK (not hot) and then go fro breakfast in Cave Creek. The trailhead is at the end of dirt road, so don't take your car here if it low, you will struggle. There are hikes that you can take and the map is very good at the trailhead and clear on where and how long they are. See photos here.

My 10-year-old daughter and I went on the 4.5 hour Petroglyph ride. What a great experience! The pertroglyphs are really cool and the horseback ride and scenery can't be beat. A great way to experience some of the unspoiled desert and Tonto forest. Boot was our guide and was fantastic!

I cannot believe that I have lived within 15 minutes from here and never found this trail until yesterday. This is a relatively easy hike, take water regardless of the time of year and take your camera.
Cave Creek was flowing from recent rain but the trails were dry and well kept. There were more giant Saguaro than I have seen in some time. We took out time (about 2 hours) and we could have kept going.
After our hike, we went into the small town of Cave Creek and had lunch at a local restaurant.
This is one of those places you really can't and should not miss.

This place is easy to find, the views are AMAZING, and the trail is not too bad. There is some level ground, but there is also a hill down to a creek. I didn't go the whole way down to the creek as my 6 year old was with me. The views are worth it.

The drive from Cave Creek town to the ranch is beautiful enough, but as soon as I got out of the car to hike, I was blown away. I had been looking to go hiking among the saguaro-covered hills near Phoenix, and this is exactly what I got. It's not for the casual walker but I did a nice circuit on trails that were well marked as main trails. Once you venture off the main trail, however, you need to pay very very close attention to the rock cairns created to show you the path. It would be very easy to get off the trail (although there are enough landmarks for easy orientation). The harder trails also really require hiking shoes, and I was only wearing running shoes. Nevertheless, it was an amazing place to hike, and on this Monday afternoon I saw only three other people.

Bring all your water with you - there is no drinking water here.

There are also opportunities to go horse riding, and I think that would be quite pleasant.

This area seems untouched and full of gorgeous desert landscape. There are several trails here. The trails are moderate difficulty, as they are long (Some 7 miles) but not incline. This area is a great place to take photos and enjoy the beauty of Arizona.

Hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Beautiful scenery and well maintained trails. Recommend to any age, with some easy and some much harder difficulty. If it's been raining hard creek runs quite quickly so beware when crossing. Wooden platforms cover the creek.

Outdoor experience not to be missed in a beautiful high desert location. Great entertainment for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Never ending views, see something new with each visit. Animals abound in this nature’s paradise. Be sure to pick up a Tonto national pass you can get them at any gas station in town afterwards great places for food and drink. If you bring your four-legged friends be sure to bring lots of water, boots, and leash.

We did several hikes here during our winter getaway. We did both independent and ranger led programs. All were great. We really liked hiking to the Jewel of Cave Creek which we did on our own. The Elephant mountain hike and the hikes to the ruins and petroglyphs led by the park staff were very well done as well. Do yourself a favor and take the time to enjoy this very special place.

Have a look at the photos. They speak for themselves. Oops, I need at least 100 characters. Great cactus, nice creek (in season), cool cave, and a reasonable height mountain to climb without any particular preparation. A nominal $3 access fee has been added to ensure you have clean bathrooms. One of the most pleasant desert hike locations in the Phoenix area.

The trails were stunning! My horse, Wilbur, was so wonderful! Boot, our trail guide was knowledgable and friendly. Incant wait to come back to Arizona and visit Spur Cross again!

We took our niece and boyfriend from NYC to Spur Cross. We hike all over the Phoenix area, but enjoyed the mellow hike that showed off the great diversity of the dessert plants. Also close the Cave Creek which is great for a slice of the Old West Atmosphere.

This is a jewel of a place, I've hiked most of the trails, wildlife and views abound! $3 charge for entry for non-residents of Cave Creek, or you can get an annual pass from Town Hall. Plenty of parking, and nice, clearly marked hiking trails. Views are stupendous, as is the Sonoran desert vegetation. Take plenty of water.

The trails vary from easy to difficult. You will feel far away from the Phoenix metropolitan area, even though it is only a 30-45 minute drive from most locations. The beautiful Jewel of the Creek walk takes you to running water most times of the year. For hikers new to the Valley, this is not to be missed and never overly crowded.

We had a great time during our sunset ride. Our guide was very nice and kept our teens engaged. Not to mention the beautiful views and horses. Thank you

$3 per person well worth it!
Maps well marked trails awesome towering cacti depending on which hike you pick you can cross a stream, easy to difficult.
A fun hike would highly recommend and return.

First time to Spur Cross Ranch and took the Dragonfly trail. It was easy but some rocky uphill and downhill, the first part was the best starting from the place where we paid our entrance fee, $3.00. Not too many people even on a holiday.

We've lived in CC for several years but for some reason have never visited Spur Cross. We had snowbird guests and decided to finally do some hiking there.

Here's our first advice: this is a self pay trail and the place you pay is inside the gates. So the first time you hike, you have to walk to the trailhead and get the envelope, bring it back to your car and fill it out, deposit the fee and bring it back to the drop box. So when you do this, bring back more than one envelope. It'll save time for future hikes and if you have the same experience we did, you'll be back.

The trails we walked were well marked and the map online gives you a good idea of each paths length and difficulty. Depending on the day and time of year, it can get a bit busy on some of the paths so seeing wildlife may not happen. We went at the end of March, so it was snake season and we kept a sharp eye out for reptilian visitors.

Bring water, sun screen and and a phone just in case. Wear hiking shoes as this isn't tennis shoe friendly in some areas. The views in March were beautiful as our rainy winter brought out all sorts of flowers.

Trails are beautiful. There is a $3 per person fee to hike here if you go thru main entrance where they have a small shop and very helpful guides to tell you about the trails. There are 2 port-a-potty’s at the entrance (handicap accessible , very large). Also a covered area with picnic tables. There is water for sale but no drinking fountains. They have some nice 1-3 mile hikes great for families along with the longer trails. Horses share the trails so lots of smelly piles on the trail.

This was a great place for a half-day photo hike. Of course, one could hike all day! Very nicely maintained trails. Beautiful setting. Would go again. Not when it's really hot, though. Bring water!

If you have ever wanted to experience life in the saddle wild west style then a visit to the Spur Cross or MTM ranches are a must. Keep a look out for the mountain lion, bunny rabbits, bobcat and hunting birds while you are guided through the desert trails. Visit the pot bellied pigs, the donkeys and other animals at Spur Cross and say howdy to Henry the beautiful golden Labrador and the friendliest goat down at MTM. Great experience and not to be missed.