We love hiking in Arizona.

When we have the occasion to take some first time Arizona hikers out on the trail, our first choice is to head for the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area.

Located north of Scottsdale, in Cave Creek, Arizona, the  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.

This north Valley location contains fascinating archaeology sites and lush riparian areas along Cave Creek, which flows throughout the winter months. Remnants of early mining and ranching, from which the park gets its name, are still apparent in the park.

This area is a must see for all wildflower lovers in the spring. The abundant vegetation present in the conservation area provides a rich habitat for a diverse assemblage of wildlife.

Easy hiking trail just north of Scottsdale

This 2.3 mile loop is very well groomed and offers expansive views of the Sonoran desert.  With half of the loop hugging Cave Creek you will enjoy lush greenery, massive saguaros, large boulders strewn about by ancient volcanoes, and a jaunt through the remnants of an early Arizona ranch.

Trail Directions:

• From the parking lot, head .2 miles to the kiosk and restrooms.
• Head in a northeasterly direction .9 miles on the Spur Cross (Maricopa Trail).
• At the trail marker, turn left and proceed .8 miles on the Metate Trail.
• About half way through the Metate Trail, you will come across a marker for the Towhee Trail.  This is a short .2 mile trail that will take you down near the creek and loop you back to the Metate Trail.  We like it, and recommend it.
• After again reaching the Metate Trail, head left until you find signs directing you back towards the parking lot.

This is a popular and well traveled trail.  While you are very likely to encounter others along the trail, we recommend you find a quiet spot and let your ears take in the beauty of the area as well.

With fall’s cooler temperatures, our baby boomer hearts start to long for Arizona’s hiking trails.  We captured this photograph a few years back while hiking the Peralta Trail in the Superstition Mountains.

This view kept me mesmerized for seemingly hours.

The Go John Trail is found in Cave Creek Regional Park, which is part of the Maricopa County Parks system.  The Maricopa County Parks system is the nation’s largest county park system, and contains over 120,000 acres spread over 10 very different and unique parks.

The Go John Trail (map) is a moderate 5.8 mile loop that will take you roughly three hours to complete.  With this trail, you can expect a few hearty, heart pounding inclines, on well groomed trails, with rewarding long range views of the valley, and the nearby Tonto National Forest.

We have probably hiked this particular trail 30 times because of its proximity to our home, the varied landscapes presented, and the wonderful exercise afforded.

A word of caution:  when hiking in Arizona make absolutely certain that you have plenty of water with you, and never, ever hike without telling someone where you are going, and when they should expect your return.

As of this writing,  a day pass is only $6 per car.