Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in Maricopa County, Arizona, celebrates its 25th anniversary. Since January 9, 2001, the park has provided more than 2,150 acres for conservation and public recreation. The park has scheduled several events to mark the milestone.

On Saturday, January 10, Ranger Olivia will lead a 2-mile out-and-back plant hike along the Spur Cross Trail from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The ranger will discuss the native flora that thrives in the desert environment.

Also on January 10, Docents Tammy Teegardin and Coni Grossman will guide a 2.5-mile Archaeology of Spur Cross hike. This tour, held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will feature prehistoric Hohokam dwellings, a mesa-top compound, and a riparian corridor.

Later on the same day, Ranger Olivia will lead a History and Petroglyphs Hike. Scheduled from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., this 2.5-mile looping hike will travel from the Spur Cross Trail to the Metate Trail and back. Participants will view petroglyphs left by ancient peoples and visit the site of the old ranch after which the conservation area is named.

On Sunday, January 11, a guided Elephant Mountain Hike is set from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This 7-mile hike, recommended for experienced hikers, will include a visit to an ancient Hohokam hilltop site. Registration is required for this event, and hikers are advised to use hiking poles.

Additionally, the park offers mountain biking on the Spur Cross Trail. The 5.3-mile moderate and rocky trail is part of the Maricopa Trail and connects to the Cave Creek Trail System in Tonto National Forest. The trail hours vary by season: from November 1 through April 30, it is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and from May 1 to October 31, it is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

For more information about these events and the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, visit the Maricopa County Parks website.

Buck

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