Cave Creek to Seven Springs thru backpack this W/E.

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Dec 02 2003 12:38 am

CAVE CREEK/SEVEN SPRINGS BACKPACK
Sat, Dec 6 & Sun. Dec. 7th
Length: +/- 12 total (a cakewalk)
Rating: Moderate
Elevation change: 200 +

This hike starts at the future Spur Cross Recreation Area in Cave Creek. The first part of the hike will follow old 4wd roads running adjacent to Cave Creek through scenic desert mountain scenery. Be prepared to cross Cave Creek several times... it will probably be running at the 1'~2' level. At approximately the 4 mile point we will stop to explore Indian ruins and petroglyphs. Afterwards, we will continue on towards Seven Springs, camping somewhere along Cave Creek. Shuttle vehicles will be prepositioned at Seven Springs for the trip back.

Interested ?? Shoot me a PM.

Thanks,
kurt

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Dec 03 2003 8:50 am

After heading up to Spur Cross Monday, it appears that the creek is about dry, so no worry re. the 1' to 2' level.
After speaking with a cowboy coming down from Seven Springs, he stated that there is filterable water about 3 miles in from Spur Cross, and more pools as you proceed to the Seven Springs end.

GTG_AZH · Post by **GTG_AZH** » Dec 04 2003 5:45 pm

We did this as a dayhike last year. Depending on which trail you take, it could end up around 16 miles. At least that's what my GPS read. We didn't check out the ruins as I didn't know where they were.

GTG

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Dec 04 2003 8:20 pm

We plan to dayhike up on Skull Mesa for some ruin searching (see" Ruins Seldom Seen".... before coming back down to the creek & heading to Seven Springs.

I spoke to someone last night that hiked FROM Seven Springs to Spur Cross yesterday, and he said that the creek is running until +/- 2.5 to 3 miles before Spur Cross.

GTG_AZH · Post by **GTG_AZH** » Dec 04 2003 9:10 pm

In response to hikeaz's reply:

(see" Ruins Seldom Seen"....

Gotta love those Falcon Guides.

GTG

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Dec 09 2003 1:50 pm

We hiked to, and explored for about an hour, some ruins/petroglyphs, not on Skull Mesa, but at or near 33 55.933 x 111 56.733, then bushwhacked down to Cave Creek proper. Cave Creek was choked w/catclaw mimosa and tamarisk and willows, but very beautiful. The creek was running quite well with gorgeous pools between granite walls. We made, maybe, a mile-an-hour through this section. After a while(and about 100 scratches each) we climbed back up on the mesa to try and find Trail # 4 again, and left the creekbed at about 33 57.629 x 111 56.312 heading ESE to intersect the trail. Shortly thereafter (+/- 1.5 miles) we camped in a a beautiful, grassy side drainage about 20' from the creek. From there it was about 20 minutes to the junction with the Skunk Tank trail, and an hour from that junction to Seven Springs along some of the most beautiful scenery to be found.
For being close by, this is one terrific hike. Remember to take the time to hike off-trail some, there are ruins and petroglyphs EVERYWHERE.

For some photos, check out http://www.shadowlakes.com/friends/previous.htm and click the slide show.

Cave Creek to Seven Springs thru backpack this W/E.

Cave Creek to Seven Springs thru backpack this W/E.

distance and such