Fruits of the Desert Guided Hikes
FRUITS OF THE DESERT GUIDED HIKES
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek
The Rim is on fire, Flagstaff is covered in smoke, there's a blaze on Mt.Graham and who knows what other wildfires will break out
and cause closures to our high-country hiking trails over the next few weeks? Of course, we must first be concerned with the
safety of firefighters and the communities surrounding the blazes. No matter
how badly we Valley dwellers want to escape the heat and hike in the cool
pines, we should stay out of the way. So, what? Give up hiking until the monsoon
comes? No way. Instead, stay in town and take part in a hike that celebrates the annual ripening of saguaro fruits. Ranger Kevin Smith at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in Cave Creek has
educational hikes planned for July 1, 7 and 8 that focus on the identification of wild foods
hiding in plain sight along local trails.
The treks start early
and end before the heat of day kicks in. Ranger Smith leads participants into the
hills above Cave Creek and demonstrates traditional techniques
for harvesting cactus fruits and other desert delicacies. And, yes, the tour includes free tastes. So,
why not learn a little bit about native Sonoran Desert edibles while getting
your exercise and waiting for the rains to return. There�s no need to sign up, just
show up promptly at 7 a.m.
Plus, this program
is part of the �County Parks are Getting Wet
�n� Wild this Summer� promotion.
At the end of the hikes, there will be a drawing for a family four-pack (4 free
tickets) to the Wet �n� Wild Water Park.
LENGTH: variable
but usually 2-3 miles
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 2,200' - 2,800'
GETTING THERE:
From Loop 101 in north Phoenix, exit at Cave Creek Road and
drive 15 miles north to Spur Cross Ranch Road, turn left and continue 4.2 miles
to the parking lot on the left.
FEE: $3 per
person permit required. Bring exact change for the self-serve pay station.
INFO:
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek
 |
| Saguaro fruits ripen in early July |
The Rim is on fire, Flagstaff is covered in smoke, there's a blaze on Mt.Graham and who knows what other wildfires will break out
and cause closures to our high-country hiking trails over the next few weeks? Of course, we must first be concerned with the
safety of firefighters and the communities surrounding the blazes. No matter
how badly we Valley dwellers want to escape the heat and hike in the cool
pines, we should stay out of the way. So, what? Give up hiking until the monsoon
comes? No way. Instead, stay in town and take part in a hike that celebrates the annual ripening of saguaro fruits. Ranger Kevin Smith at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in Cave Creek has
educational hikes planned for July 1, 7 and 8 that focus on the identification of wild foods
hiding in plain sight along local trails.
 |
| Harvesting saguaro fruits |
The treks start early
and end before the heat of day kicks in. Ranger Smith leads participants into the
hills above Cave Creek and demonstrates traditional techniques
for harvesting cactus fruits and other desert delicacies. And, yes, the tour includes free tastes. So,
why not learn a little bit about native Sonoran Desert edibles while getting
your exercise and waiting for the rains to return. There�s no need to sign up, just
show up promptly at 7 a.m.
Plus, this program
is part of the �County Parks are Getting Wet
�n� Wild this Summer� promotion.
At the end of the hikes, there will be a drawing for a family four-pack (4 free
tickets) to the Wet �n� Wild Water Park.
 |
| Engelmann prickly pear fruit |
LENGTH: variable
but usually 2-3 miles
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 2,200' - 2,800'
 |
| Tasty jojoba seeds |
GETTING THERE:
From Loop 101 in north Phoenix, exit at Cave Creek Road and
drive 15 miles north to Spur Cross Ranch Road, turn left and continue 4.2 miles
to the parking lot on the left.
FEE: $3 per
person permit required. Bring exact change for the self-serve pay station.
INFO:
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