Get Out and Hike

Marvel at monstrous Saguaros like this one while hiking at Spur Cross Ranch in Cave Creek.

PHOTOS BY ANDREAS SCHMALZ COMPILED BY CAITLIN COULTER info@valleyvibenews.com SATURDAY, JAN. 1 SC Desert Wash Walk 9–11:30 a.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/desert-washwalk-pre-registrationrequired/11111/ Explore the Cottonwood wash, a major tributary of the area. Pre-registration required. SUNDAY, JAN. 2 SC Hohokam Ruins of Spur Cross 9–11:30 a.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/hohokamruins-of-spur-cross-preregistration-required-1112111/ Hike up to see archaeological evidence of prehistoric Hohokam dwellings. Preregistration required. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 5 LP Lake Pleasant Christmas Bird Count 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/lake-pleasantchristmas-bird-countregistration-required Join a team to cover as much land as possible to try to count some special birds. Organized by the National Audubon Society. Pre-registration required. SATURDAY, JAN. 8 SC Rock Art of Spur Cross 9–11 a.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/rock-art-ofspur-cross-pre-registrationrequired12111122/ Walk in the footsteps of the Hohokam people to a petroglyph site. Preregistration required. SATURDAY, JAN. 15 SC Elephant Mountain Fortress Hike 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/elephantmountain-fortress-hike-preregistration-required11/ A 7-mile round trip trek to a premier archaeological site. Pre-registration required. SATURDAY, JAN. 15 CC Early Birds Walk 8–10 a.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/early-birdswalk-1017111111111111 Join experienced bird guides from the Sonoran Audubon Society for a quiet walk on a scenic trail. Pre-registration required. SUNDAY, JAN. 16 SC Full Moon Hike Through Spur Cross 6–8 p.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/moonlight-hikethrough-spur-cross-preregistration-required-/1 Hike through the desert as it is illuminated by the moon. Pre-registration required. SATURDAY, JAN. 22 SC The Flora of Spur Cross 9–11:30 a.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/the-flora-ofspur-cross-pre-registrationrequired Take a morning walk through the Fairy Duster and Metate trails to view common desert species of plants. Preregistration required. SATURDAY, JAN. 22 LP Hiking Through a Desert Forest 9–11:30 a.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/hiking-througha-desert-forest-preregistration-required-2 Ranger Terry’s last hike before retirement takes hikers through a desert riparian zone. SATURDAY, JAN. 29 SC Life Along the Creek 9–11:30 a.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/life-along-thecreek-pre-registrationrequired111 Hike along the Dragonfly trail to view the plants and animals that live alongside the creek. Pre-registration required. Hunter petroglyph off Spur Cross Regional Trail

SUNDAY, JAN. 30 SC Dragonfly Trail Hike 9–11:30 a.m.

www.maricopacountyparks. net/events/dragonflytrail-hike-pre-registrationrequired11221/ Stroll along the riparian habitat and view some prehistoric rock art along the way. Preregistration required.

PARK INFORMATION

CC Cave Creek Regional Park

37019 N. Lava Lane Cave Creek 602-506-2930 www.maricopacountyparks.net $7/Vehicle entry fee

SC Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

44000 N. Spur Cross Road Cave Creek 602-506-2930 www.maricopacountyparks.net $3/Entry fee

LP Lake Pleasant Regional Park

41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown 928-684-2772 www.maricopacountyparks.net $7/Vehicle entry fee