Looking for beta on Spur Cross - Cave Creek Regional

[SteveHall]

I did a search, but came up with nothing. I am looking for info on the hike from Spur Cross - Cave Creek Regional. What shape is the Maricopa trail in? Better/worse than RD 48 an the other side of Spur Cross? Whats the best rout to take once in Cave Creek Regional? Anything worth stopping at along the way? Any petroglyphs?

[rcorfman]

I'm trying to remember when I was last out there. It's probably been five years or so. I know I rode a mountain bike out to the Spur Cross/Elephant Mt. trail junction and back, but I started out by Cavalry Rd in New River. I've been on all the other parts of the trail but again, it's been several years. At the time, the trails were fine. I think there's a fair bit of traffic from Cave Creek or Spear S Ranch to get to Apache Peak but I don't know what it would be like from where the Maricopa Trail breaks of from that and heads towards Elephant Mountain. It would be fun to get out there again.

[Sun_Ray]

The signage has greatly improved over the last few years. Trails are now easy to follow in and out of Spur Cross. @dearth stiller had hiked this area and should be able to add imput.

[Al_HikesAZ]

I've hiked from CCRP to Spur Cross and CCRP to Anthem. The Maricopa Trail is well marked and easy to follow. It really seems to be well designed for bikes and horses. There were some stretches along a dirt road were I wondered if I had left the trail, but then I picked up the signs. Coming from Spur Cross you will reach a T junction at about 24th Street(?). You'll know when you get here because you'll go through a little saddle and enter a residential area. Go left (easterly) to CCRP - go right (westerly) to stay on the Maricopa Trail over to 7th Street and the Spear S Ranch trailhead. This spot wasn't signed very well. If you blow it at this junction you will stay on the Maricopa Trail and end up at 7th St Spear S Ranch Trailhead. If you feel that you are spending too much time hiking in a residential area, you missed the junction. CCRP is actually a side excursion off the Maricopa Trail.