Elephant Mountain Trail

The relatively new Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is the scene of a beautiful hike through undisturbed desert in the shadow of Elephant Mountain. Hiking this trail might make you think you are the first to discover the scenery, and you would not be too far from the truth. The newest addition to the Maricopa County park system, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area clearly shows its raw charm. Upon arrival at the makeshift parking area, you immediately get the sense that this hike is going to be a rugged adventure. Crossing the park boundary on foot, using the primitive self-pay drop box, and seeing the portable toilets and portable office all add to that perception. Though someday these little inconveniences will be replaced with the efficiently managed facilities typical of other Maricopa County parks, they are a small price to pay for the chance to experience Spur Cross in its infancy. The facilities may be rough, but they foretell a hike through pristine desert teeming with abundant plant and animal life and yet unmarred by frequent traffic. As suggested by its name, the Spur Cross Ranch area has a rich history of ranching and even mining. Early settlers of the region found a rich ecosystem along the banks of the perennial Cave Creek on which to build their livelihoods. Today there are still many ranches, but the town of Cave Creek and the state of Arizona set aside 2,154 acres of wilderness bordering on Tonto National Forest to create Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Elephant Mountain is the most prominent feature in the conservation area. A large monolithic hill, this mountain resembles its namesake pachyderm roughly in shape and certainly in stature. The Elephant Mountain Trail carves an S-shaped track around the base of the mountain, offering excellent vistas from many angles. The trail also crosses a high saddle near the elephant’s head, giving you an up-close look.