A Visit to the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

It was going to be an easy 2.5 miles led by a botanist. We were warned to bring water and wear hats. The desert can be brutal and unforgiving. Also, look out for rattlesnakes. Other than that, have a good time. Ahh, nature.

The morning temperature was on the cool side as we reached the parking lot of the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in Cave Creek, Arizona. Once we gathered and made sure everyone was accounted for, we set off. I snapped a few pictures along the path and realized the we had walked half a mile before reaching the trail head. The short hike, I realized, was going to require more than 3 miles of walking. I wish I had set my Fitbit to record this epic trek.

Nevertheless, we were surrounded by natural beauty. There was an expansive view of hills dotted with Saguaro. This tree-like cactus can grow to 40 feet and live 150 years. Many of the specimens I got close to towered over me.

Then there were the smaller details of the desert flowers, birds, lizards and insects that make up this magnificent ecosystem. I am amazed not only by the majestic Saguaro but, also by the Desert Iguana hiding in its shade. More amazing is how everything works together to sustain life. The Saguaro is a keystone species upon which the flora and fauna of this region depend on and thrive.

Humans are part of this area as well. The Spaniards called the area Apacheria because it was controlled by the Apache. This hunter-gatherer tribe, after learning to capture and ride horses, became efficient raiders. Before them were the Hohokam, who date back to around 450 AD and left behind petroglyphs, corn-grinding rocks and remnants of their buildings.

The old Apache trail we're following became a stage coach trail, patrolled by the U.S. Cavalry to protect the miners that arrived in the 1860's looking for gold and other minerals. There were clashes and bloodshed until 1877, when the Apache were forced to move. Today, the miners, soldiers and Apache are gone but the rugged beauty remains. The trail remains, too. It is now used by hikers, horseback riders and mountain cyclists speeding downhill.

We meandered slowly fore a couple of hours listening to the botanist teach, taking pictures and drinking water; the birders in our group identifying birds by sight and sound. Each of us enjoyed creation in a different way in this tiny window into the vast Sonoran Desert; a part of the myriad of ecosystems that make up our planet.