🐾 Kids at the Dog Park: Real Stories, Safety Risks & Smarter Solutions
If you’ve spent time at an off-leash park, you’ve probably seen it:A parent strolls in with a stroller 🚼 or […]
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation, located in Cave Creek, Arizona, offers pet-friendly hiking in a beautiful Sonoran Desert setting. This popular destination features a network of well-maintained, dog-friendly trails, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and their four-legged companions. Dog owners rave about exploring the variety of scenic trails, where leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the natural beauty alongside their families.
This park is noted for its accessible amenities, including picnic tables, public restrooms, and plenty of interesting sights like a pond attracting local wildlife. While Spur Cross Ranch Conservation is not a traditional fenced dog park, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking dog-friendly hikes, family outings, and educational ranger-led activities for kids. Parking is available, and the park is open year-round with a small entrance fee (cash only for visitors aged 16 and over). Remember to bring water for both you and your pup, as bottled water is available at the entrance but there may not be dedicated water stations along the trails.
I really enjoyed hiking the trails in this park. Plenty of nature to see and the trails are easy. Well worth the 3 dollar entry fee. The little pond where the former ranch well used to be attracts all kinds of wildlife.
We were looking for a nice day hike that could accommodate our 11 family members ranging from an almost-4-old to an 85-year-old. This hike fit the bill perfectly. The stately saguaro cacti were everywhere, and the trail itself was well-maintained and easy to navigate. There were a few steep declines along the way, which became inclines on the return, but those who needed to do so just took it slowly and stopped to rest as needed. At the trailhead by the office, the ranger, Kevin, gave a fascinating presentation to the kids involving tarantulas and scorpions. He completely held their attention…not an easy feat 2 days post Christmas! As always, be sure to bring plenty of water. Bottled water is sold at the entrance for NULL.
Nice trail. A little hilly. We went to Metate. Couple miles round trip.
A wonderful variety of trails through a remarkably diverse terrain. There is something here for everyone. The trails also connect to trails in the adjacent national forest. I was surprised by the NULL cash only admission fee for 16 & over.
It is absolutely a beautiful hike. It has a well-maintained trail. My my 5-year-old nephew did it just fine and their grandma also did it just fine, My dog loved it as well. Her tail couldn’t stop wagging