It is so beautiful in Arizona right now. The flowers are blooming, and the temperatures just don’t get much better than they have been the last couple of weeks. It is looking forward to times like these, that gets us through the scorching summers. We had a chance to enjoy all of what Arizona has to offer this last weekend as we hiked at Spur Cross Ranch Recreation Area near Cavecreek. If you are looking for an easy hike with stunning views, I highly recommend this one.
One of the things that makes this a great hike are all of the saguaros that line the trails, and fill the desert as far as your eyes can see.
Don’t these saguaros look like they are hugging?
All I could think of when I saw this was “Oh what a tangled web we weave….”
The end of March through April is the perfect time to go because of all the flowers blooming.
There were so many different colors.
There is a creek that runs along the trail at certain spots which makes the walk even more spectacular.
Several years ago we did this hike with our grade school age children, and got to see a gila monster before it disappeared in the brush. It was very exciting. We had never seen a real one before.
You do have to be aware of your surroundings because of creatures like this, and the possibility of snakes as the weather warms up. But, if I , who cry at the mere sight of a snake, can do this hike, anyone can. The trail is very wide and it is easy to see what is ahead of you. Except for this part.
But it was short. I ran across it with my eyes closed. I am very brave that way. Also, I made my husband go first. He said he would protect me if we saw any snakes. He is my hero. Fortunately I made it through without any crying that day.
We really had a great time hiking with our friends this weekend. If you are looking for something fun to do in Arizona, whether you are visiting or live here, this would be a wonderful activity for your whole family. The trails range from 1 to 5 miles, and are not difficult at all. It is about 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix. The scenery is incredible, and best of all, there are all kinds of restaurants just minutes away in Carefree that you can go to on your way home. It’s a great reward for braving the Arizona wilderness!
Spur Cross Ranch
44000 N. Spur
Cross Road
Cave Creek, AZ 8331
Phone: (480)
488-6601
Cook AZ I Do 
I cry and scream at the sight of snakes too — they terrify me. I love how different the landscape and plants are there. Such a lovely part of the world.
I’m glad I’m not the only one!:) The scenery is really different here, but I’ve come to love and appreciate it over the years.
Thank you for this taste of spring as I look outside at our 3rd day of snow and try to be thankful “because we need the moisture” as everyone here says…but 25 degrees in April makes me wish I were on that hike, snakes and all!
Wow, 25 degrees would be hard to take in April! I wish you were on that hike with us, too.
I’m taking a vaca there in 3 weeks! So excited! Great pics
That’s great! May is such a pretty time to come. I have a couple restaurant recommendations on my blog if you need them. I hope you have a wonderful time!