On January 9, 2001, then-Arizona Governor Jane Hull, Maricopa County Supervisor Jan Brewer and Mayor Vincent Francia of the Town of Cave Creek signed documents that ensured the conservation of the 2,154-acre Spur Cross Ranch, designating the land as a limited-use public recreation and conservation area. The park has shared ownership between the town, the state, and Maricopa County. Maricopa County Parks Department operates and maintains the conservation area. The multi-use area features hiking, biking, and horseback riding on eight trails, as well as a segment of the 315-mile Maricopa Trail.

Twenty-five years later, on January 9, 2026, the Town of Cave Creek and Maricopa County Parks will hold a special event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the designation of the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. The event begins at 10 a.m. at the north end of the park’s general parking lot, located at 44000 N. Spur Cross Road in Cave Creek. In addition to presentations by state, county, and community leadership, other activities include booths, special events in the park, and the dedication of a pedestal commemorating the park’s 25th anniversary.

For more information about the Spur Cross Conservation Area and its history, go to www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/spur-cross-ranch-conservation-area

Throughout the weekend following the ceremony on January 9th, there will be a variety of hikes to see and learn more about the Sonoran Desert and Spur Cross on the 10th and 11th, led by Park Rangers, Spur Cross Park Supervisor and former Ranger, Spur Cross docent volunteers, and Geologist Tom McGuire.

Informational booths will include Maricopa County Parks, Desert Foothills Land Trust, Desert Awareness Committee, Cave Creek Museum, Cave Creek Tourism Bureau, and Wild at Heart. Booths will include information on organizations, interactive activities, and wildlife to see and touch!

***FRIDAY, JANUARY 9TH WILL BE FREE ENTRY TO SPUR CROSS RANCH CONSERVATION AREA IN HONOR OF THE CELEBRATION. ***