Skull Mesa 1/31/04

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

I am planning on hiking to

Skull Mesa

this Saturday, 1/31/2004, starting at Spur Cross Ranch north of Cave Creek. This hike is a round-trip of approx. 14 miles and is rated very MOST DIFFICULT. The trail to the top of the mesa climbs over 1000 feet in about a mile. Once on top of the mesa, we will hike cross-country to the other end of the mesa where there are ruins of a pueblo and fortress. Along the way, we should be able to find numerous petroglyphs. I'm thinking a start time of 8:00 to 8:30 should be fine. Since we have to access the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area to begin the hike, there is a $3 per person entry fee. Bring exact change, Spur Cross has a "manual" self-pay station, ie, stick the money in an envelope and drop it through a slot. It doesn't give change back and it doesn't take Visa. There are a number of great places to eat in Cave Creek after the hike, if anyone has a favorite, speak up!

Directions to get there: Take the 101 (north from the east valley, east from the west valley) to Cave Creek Road, exit and turn north, drive approx. 12 miles, turn left onto Spur Cross Road. A short distance from Cave Creek Road there is a slight jog to the right, followed by a left at an intersection (you'll still be on Spur Cross Road, though). After about 3 miles the pavement will turn to dirt. The last 1.5 miles can be confusing; continue on the dirt road by the green house through the tall gate posts and past the horse corrals to the parking area, which will be on the right.

I do want to stress that this will be a difficult hike if you do the entire 14 miles. However, everyone is welcome. Even if you don't make it to the ruins, this is a beautiful area to hike!

So, who's in??

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So far, we have:
HikerInGilbert
Maryphyl
SUN_HIKER
Mike
Joe

Anyone else??
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maryphyl · Posted: 1/28/2004, 5:35 pm Post subject:

Mike--I assume you have done this trip before--I am not sure I can make 14 rough country miles in one day. Is it acceptable to camp? Flat spots? I imagine no water but that is OK. Mary
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Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

Hikngrl · Posted: 1/28/2004, 5:55 pm Post subject:

I'm working this weekend....
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mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Mary, I haven't done this particular hike, but I've been on nearby trails. I was out in that area last weekend and wanted something to do this weekend, so I thought I'd check it out.

Skull Mesa is large and quite flat, so there should be no problem with finding spots to camp. It's in the Tonto NF, as far as I know, camping is ok. Water would be available in Cave Creek (the creek, not the town), but that's a 1000 feet below.

http://topozone.com/map.asp?z=12&n=3754969&e=415185&s=50&size=l&datum=nad83&layer=DRG25
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

I'll go under a couple of conditions...

You don't rocket 2 miles ahead of me within the first mile.

I don't see bright lights around the next bend.

If JW goes, you don't do that ever popular "I can outhike you anyday" thing.

And, if I do lose sight of you, you don't call your buddy Glork in to transport you to the ruins draggin your boots behind the shuttle ship to make it look like you actually hiked it (that would drive me insane).

By the by, why is it called "skull mesa"?

Shades

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Oh Sure, Hunter, take away all the fun!! Rolling Eyes

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Guest · Posted: 1/28/2004, 6:19 pm Post subject:

I may go if I can rescheule work appointments, but with the with the same conditions as Tom. Oh, and maybe someone out my way could pick me up? Rolling Eyes

maryphyl · Posted: 1/28/2004, 6:38 pm Post subject:

Cindy--if you go I will go. I will need to leave Flagstaff about 6 am? I will bring minimal provisions to stay out just in case. I managed 11 miles at Nankoweap last week and 10 going into Rainbow Bridge recently so I will probably make it.
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Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

Guest · Posted: 1/28/2004, 7:29 pm Post subject:

Okay then Maryphil, I will pm you. When do you need to know by?

SUN_HIKER · Joined: 05 Dec 2003 Posts: 1057

Sounds tempting, count me in, besides need to get ready for Rincon!
And yes, Mike, listen to Tom - I don't know who is worse you are JW!
See you Sat.

Gabriele
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Guest · Posted: 1/28/2004, 7:40 pm Post subject:

Gabriele, if I go would it be possible for you to pick me up? I'm in Tempe.

maryphyl · Posted: 1/28/2004, 7:45 pm Post subject:

Friday night before I go to bed Smile

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Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

SUN_HIKER · Joined: 05 Dec 2003 Posts: 1057

Cindy, I'll PM you, sure I can pick you up, no problem.
GB
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without your permission.
-Eleanor Roosevelt-

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

maryphyl · Posted: 1/28/2004, 8:34 pm Post subject:

I'll be there. BTW I don't know much at all about areas near Phoenix. MP