Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Cave Creek’s Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in this engaging presentation led by Park Supervisor Kevin Smith. Explore its rich history, diverse wildlife, rare desert waterways, and ancient Hohokam sites, while gaining a deeper appreciation for one of the Sonoran Desert’s most scenic and culturally significant landscapes.
Abundant water and plant life make this a home to many species of animals including javelina, mule deer, and coyotes. Over 80 species of birds have been observed in this habitat, per Audubon bird counts. Beyond the banks of the stream lies one of the region’s densest stands of saguaro cactus. The park contains nearly 90 archaeological sites used by the Hohokam Indians between 700 – 1200 A.D. Hohokam petroglyphs dot the area. Both the Hopi and the Fort McDowell Mohave-Apache Indian communities have identified Spur Cross Ranch as a sacred place.
