Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Plant Hike – Session 2

Learn about desert trees, shrubs and cacti on an easy to moderate hike with Ranger Nikki. Special talking points will be on Desert Mistletoe, a parasitic plant often found paired mesquite and palo verde trees, and Christmas Cactus, a member of the cholla family that is nothing like grandma’s treasured houseplant of yore. The route follows Spur Cross and Metate Trails to make a 2-mile loop. The terrain ranges from uneven and rocky on Spur Cross Trail to level with smaller rocks underfoot along the creek edge on Metate Trail. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. There is NO water available at the park so please bring plenty of your own. Portable restrooms are available at the Trailhead. There are two time options for this hike: Session 1 from 8:30-10:30am and Session 2 from 11:00am-1:00pm. Please specify your time when registering. For those of you participating in the annual Maricopa County Parks 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge, this is a great way to earn miles towards your goal! The Challenge runs November 1, 2025 – February 8, 2026. For details on the program please visit: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/things-to-do/activity/100-miles-in-100-days-challenge/ MEETING LOCATION: Main Trailhead at covered picnic tables and restrooms Precise meeting location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Rhc5o86VozSUi2R6 *Please note: Entry to Spur Cross Conservation Area is $3 per person. Annual Pass or CASH only (exact change appreciated). Credit/Debit/Mobile not accepted. Limit 20 participants. To register, please call the Cave Creek Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 8 with your name, phone number, number of people attending and the Session Number. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 12/16/25.