Motivated: Elephant Butte at Spur Cross

Hike Leader: Ed Molieri
Hike Category: Motivated
Hike Title: Spur Cross, Tortuga, Elephant Mountain and Dragonfly Trails
Date: Dec. 8, 2025
Trailhead: Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area (44000 N Spur Cross Rd, Cave Creek, AZ)

Description: This loop hike crosses Cave Creek (the body of water, not the town), climbs over Elephant Mountain, and offers a visit to a working water spring and an ancient ruin; some of the best scenery Arizona has to offer.
Hike Distance: 8.5 mile loop
Trailhead Elevation: 2100’
AEG: 1450+ ft.
Driving Distance: 109 miles RT, 1.25 hours
Driver’s fee: $9 + $2 dirt road fee
Park entrance fee: $3 per person (unless have county park pass)
Trailhead facilities: port-a-potty
MEETUP: 7:45 AM at Cottonwood Flagpole parking lot
Hike leaders' cellphone: 602 980-2723