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map photosJewel of Spur Cross Loop, AZ
mini location map2026-01-22
12 by photographer avatarThe_Eagle
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Jewel of Spur Cross Loop, AZ 
Jewel of Spur Cross Loop, AZ
 
Hiking10.63 Miles 2,278 AEG
Hiking10.63 Miles   4 Hrs   26 Mns   2.53 mph
2,278 ft AEG      14 Mns Break4 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
This is one of my close-by go-tos. A late start meant a full lot at the Jewel of the Creek parking area.

Dragonfly Trail – Spur Cross
This trail is now a lasso loop and no longer extends into Spur Cross Ranch. It’s a pleasant hike with amber cottonwoods and a trickling Cave Creek.

Boca Grande – Spur Cross
This used to be the portion of the Dragonfly Trail outside the Jewel of the Creek Preserve, located entirely within Spur Cross Ranch. It climbs out of the preserve into the ranch. Nothing exciting, but big views of the area.

Spur Cross Loop
A winding trail that gently climbs to the EMT.

Elephant Mountain Trail – Spur Cross
Sixteen years ago, when I first hiked this, it wasn’t much of a trail. It’s now easy to follow on the climb up to the saddle. The north side used to be badly water-eroded, but it’s in much better condition (relatively) than before.

Limestone Trail #252 – Spur Cross
This trail is also much more obvious now. I’d forgotten how rocky it is, with plenty of ankle-busters along a good portion of the route.

Spur Cross Trail
Good to be back on smooth ground. Saw a couple of horseback riders crossing Cave Creek. There’s a light flow, so where there aren’t bridges, it’s easy to cross.

Metate Trail – Spur Cross
Been there, done that… yep, metates were seen.

Towhee Trail – Spur Cross
No towhees seen, and it’s too early for the wild cucumber.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Limestone Spring - Spur Cross Quart per minute Quart per minute
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Cool clear water with a lot of bees

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Metate Pond 76-100% full 76-100% full
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water less than maxwater less than max Page Spring - Spur Cross Quart per minute Quart per minute
water report recorded in the field on our app Route Scout Catchment was full of yucky green scummy water.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
HAZ Member
The_Eagle's
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