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| Hiking | 13.05 Miles |
1,003 AEG |
| | Hiking | 13.05 Miles | 5 Hrs 30 Mns | | 2.37 mph |
| 1,003 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | It’s been eight years since I’ve been out to Seven Springs. The one thing I remember from 2017 is that the first week in April had great flowers: At least twenty different species, including dudleya, which I don’t find too often. On the other hand, 2025’s spring flower season has largely been a bust. Oh well, let’s give this a shot!
When I started hiking at 8:00 a.m., it was 56°, with a predicted high of 85°. By the time I finished., it reached 93°. I kept to task: No exploring, no scrambling for better photos (which the prolific ocotillo could have used.) Had to save energy.
As far as mile 5, the creek was sometime above ground, sometimes under, and occasionally audible. On the 10+ crossings, I only got my foot wet once.
The saguaros between mile 3 and 4 were awesome as always. Despite looking, missed the AB 1917 rock. Anybody know who AB was?
Following a use trail through the creek side grass, I somehow wandered off route near Trail 246. After five minutes, I realized I was fifty feet offline. I got back on trail, doubling back to the Trail 246 junction. That’s about where I bumped into a ranch hand, his pup, and string of horses. As he commented, nice day, but getting hot. 🌡
From the corral at mile 5, the trail climbs 330 ft. in the next mile -- the only climb of the day. The fun part over, I began grinding.
“If something happens, or I burn out, does Cave Creek Trail #4 have any bail points?” No. In for a penny, in for a pound.
“What about snakes?” Glad you asked. I get rattled literally every time I am in this area. In fact, the first place I ever got rattled was on Trail #4 fourteen years ago. Ironically, it was no more than a quarter mile away from where I got rattled today, near Chalk Canyon.
“Spur Cross Trailhead”, is the end of the official 10.1 mile distance. Which is nice — but you have two miles to go before you reach the nearest parking lot. Wearing a doo rag to screen the now blazing sun, I dipped it for some extra relief. 
I finally dragged into the parking area at 2:30 p.m. I was spent. So it was off to The Grotto Cafe, in Cave Creek, for delicious bacon grilled cheese, southwestern soup and, of course, restorative beers. (Recommended by @LosDosSloFolks , who unfortunately could not join us.)
Rumble Video: https://rumble.com/v6s4l5h-hiking-cave- ... cross.html
Vimeo Video: https://vimeo.com/1075726095 |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Near the ranch, red barberry, and some small purple flower I didn't want to get down for. Monkeyflower along moist, grassy, creeksides. Strawberry hedgehog and blue richie in saguaro zone. Mexican gold poppy. Lots of blooming ocotillo. |
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| http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored. |
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Route Editor
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