Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
The 2,154 acre Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is in Maricopa County’s Regional Park System. There are nearly 10 miles of hiking trails to explore, from easy to more difficult in elevations over 3,000 feet. Along Cave Creek are stands of mesquite, willow, and cottonwood trees. Look for unusual desert birds including Costa’s Hummingbird, as well as many different migrating and wintering species. Spring birding at night can be good for Western Screech, Elf, and Great Horned Owls; Lesser Nighthawk and Common Poorwill.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: Take Cave Creek Road (Exit 28) north from Loop 101 (Pima Freeway). In 12 miles, turn left (north) on Spur Cross Road, which becomes well graded dirt. Go 4 miles north to the small parking area on the left (west) just past the large stand of cottonwoods that come into view at the Jewel of the Creek Preserve. Spur Cross Ranch is just past Jewel of the Creek Preserve with parking on the right (east) side of the road.
Latitude: 33.887271
Longitude: -111.951468
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: May 1 to October 30: 5:00am - 9:00pm daily. November 1 - April 30: 6:00am - 8:00pm daily.
Admission or Fees: $3.00 per person
Best time to visit: September - May has cooler weather and better bird diversity, but Spring/Summer has desert riparian breeding species.
Habitats: Desert, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Some trails provide access to parts of Cave Creek Regional Park and Tonto National Forest, so carry maps with you if attempting longer hikes. Trail maps are available at the entry station or at Cave Creek Regional Park Nature Center.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Costa’s Hummingbird, Elf Owl, Gilded Flicker, Lucy’s Warbler
Charismatic: Black-throated Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner, Phainopepla
Contact Information
Maricopa County
Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department
44000 N Spur Cross Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Phone: 602-506-2930 ext 8
Website: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/spur-cross-ranch-conservation-area/
Email: maricopacountyparks@maricopa.gov
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L589276
Additional Resources:
The Dragonfly Trail connects to the adjacent Jewel of the Creek Preserve.
