Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about identification, behavior, and ecology of our Sonoran Desert birds during this guided hike. We will hike about 2.5 miles roundtrip on the Dragonfly Trail at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and Jewel of the Creek Preserve. We will hike for 2-2.5 hours on moderate grade, with frequently rocky or uneven ground. Please dress in layers, wear protective clothing and/or sunscreen, wear sturdy footwear, and carry ample water, electrolytes, and snacks for yourself. Porta-potties and fee station are located 200 ft beyond the parking lot. No water available, so bring your own.
*Please note: Entry to Spur Cross Conservation Area is $5 per person. Annual Pass or CASH only (exact change appreciated). Credit/Debit/Mobile not accepted. Self-pay station with envelopes can be found 0.25 mile up the trail/road from the parking lot by the portapotties. Please note that we will be heading back down the road the other direction from the parking lot to go to the Dragonfly Trailhead, so please leave yourself enough time when you arrive to use the pay station or portapotties if needed before the hike starts.
MEETING LOCATION: Spur Cross parking lot at end of road (road/trail continues on to the Spur Cross Trailhead ramadas and portapotties if you need to use those before we hike; that is also where you pay the park entrance fee). We will walk the frontage trail back along the road to get to the Dragonfly Trail.
Exact location (Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/AE3ef6P2Gs2N36B96 Park map: http://https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/spur-cross-11x17-mi-b_w.pdf
Limit 10 participants. To register, please call the Cave Creek Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 8 with your name, phone number and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 9/23.
PLEASE NOTE: Outdoor summer programs may be canceled on short notice due to severe weather, including extreme heat events. The Maricopa County Parks website (www.maricopa.gov/parks) is the most accurate resource for verifying the program’s current status. Please check the program listing online before coming to the park.