Skull Mesa 1/31/04

Posted: 1/28/2004, 12:10 pm Post subject: Skull Mesa 1/31/04

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??

-------------------
So far, we have:
HikerInGilbert
Maryphyl
SUN_HIKER
Mike
Joe

Anyone else??

Hikngrl · Posted: 2/1/2004, 5:27 am Post subject:

Great lookin hike you guys! Love the pictures.... Gabriele... where are yours?
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~~~Diane~~~

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Shawn · Posted: 2/1/2004, 7:49 am Post subject:

Geeeeze, looks like a great hike, how did I miss all the write-ups? Is this one is a book somewhere?
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

SUN_HIKER · Joined: 05 Dec 2003 Posts: 1057

coming... coming, had to hurry home and see my Husband (didn't see him for a week!)! Should be posted today sometime.

GB Smile

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

maryphyl · Posted: 2/1/2004, 3:18 pm Post subject:

Hi all--I just got home and got a look at the pictures. Nice folks Smile

cool trail--great day!
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Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

SUN_HIKER · Joined: 05 Dec 2003 Posts: 1057

Diane, I finally made it, they're out there now! Although I ran out of ideas for captions Wink

GB
_________________
SUN_HIKER
http://community.webshots.com/user/sun_hiker
Nobody can make you feel inferior
without your permission.
-Eleanor Roosevelt-

Hikngrl · Posted: 2/2/2004, 7:52 am Post subject:

So lets ask the important questions here! Where did ya eat after the hike?
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

maryphyl · Posted: 2/2/2004, 8:55 am Post subject:

LOL I was bushed and took off by myself. I spied a Wendys and cut across two lanes to get there!! It was hungry out.
_________________
Shikekeh hozhoogo naasha.
I walk in beauty.

Hikngrl · Posted: 2/2/2004, 9:19 am Post subject:

Yeah, a hike like that always makes for a hungry forecast Maryphyl! I am always staving after a good hike!
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!