Category: Arizona

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek, AZ

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek, AZ

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Distance: You choose ~2 miles to 19.7 miles

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, varies depending on the trail(s) chosen, length, and your fitness level

If you’re in the Scottsdale area and have time for a field trip, I highly recommend an excursion to Cave Creek. Hike the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and enjoy the Saguaro “forest”, refreshing shaded creek-side trail, and if you keep your eyes open, you may get lucky and spot some petroglyphs too.

Choose your own adventure from 16 hiking and equestrian trails in this 2,154-acre area. My friend and I combined a couple of trails (Spur Crossing, Tortuga, and Dragonfly) for ~8 miles with ~1k of climbing. The terrain is mostly run-friendly.

After your adventure, head to town to quench your thirst, refuel, and shop in this blended authentic/tourist trap Western town that was settled in 1870.

Getting there: 29 miles from Scottsdale, via AZ-101 Loop N and N Scottsdale Rd44000 N Spur Cross Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331

Notes: Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area $3 per person fee. Picnic tables and port-a-potties are available at the trailhead parking area.

We all scream for ice cream at the City Creamery

I had the best ice cream of my life at The City Creamery, home of handmade, small-batch ice cream in 16 favorites varieties and exotic seasonal flavors. (I’m not that much of an ice cream monger, but oh, my—delicious, chocolate infused with orange!) Also, their scoop portions are HUGE. However, I did manage to eat it all.

Happy trails!

Cheers from Stumbalina’s Cantina!

Sunrise Peak Via Sunrise Trail, Scottsdale, AZ

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Distance: ~4.50

Elevation Gain: ~1,375

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, depending on your fitness level

Whether you go for dawn patrol or not, this hike will deliver a quick workout with great 360 panoramic views, seasonal wildflowers, and iconic Saguaro galore. Aptly named, this trail is rated the number 1 sunrise hike in Scottsdale so you may want to rise and shine for it. Several additional trails connect at the top to extend your adventure in the Sonoran Preserve Park.

Getting There: 2101 N. 145th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. Trail parking is at the east end of Via Linda at 145th street

Happy Trails!

Hanging 10 at the Elusive Wave. Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, AZ

Hanging 10 at the Elusive Wave. Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, AZ

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After diligently trying for 3 years, my adventure partner Bernie finally lucked out and won the highly sought-after lottery for “The Wave” / Coyote Buttes North—one of the most striking geological wonders of the world. The trailhead is in Utah, but the Wave and the 3-mile hike to it are in Arizona.

The landscape was enchanting from start to finish. The colorful, striped, groovy rock formations that comprise this mesmerizing geological wonderland are part of the 112K acre Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. 

The Wave was awe-inspiring, though the area was much smaller than I’d envisioned. My photos don’t do it justice, but there are plenty out there that do.

Unexpected highlights included some colorful formations along the way, an alcove, and a double arch beyond the Wave.

And we had the good fortune to run into some of the locals who get to call this area their home.

The maximum group size is 6, with a daily maximum of 64 people permitted. I’m for lotteries in these exquisite natural areas . It eliminates undesirable crowds, optimizes the visitor’s experience, and helps keep our natural wonders pristine. However, the lottery system for the Wave is complex and, as with most lotteries, not rigged in the player’s favor. One of our friends has been trying for 10 years! Some would argue that the system favors two tour companies that often swoop up the most permits and charge $200 per head to escort people to the main attraction and other points of interest when the group is game and time permits. Permit info.

One clear advantage of going with the guides is that they assume the risk of the notorious 9-mile drive to the Wirepass Trailhead on the rough and often unruly/treacherous House Rock Road. The perfect storm of ingredients, precipitation (rain or melting snow), thick sand, deep mud, and slick clay coagulates like quicksand to trap jeeps, trucks, and those silly enough to attempt the drive without a 4-wheel drive in their tracks. The tow cost alone likely would be several times the cost of a group tour. Our group evaluated the risks and the weather and took the tour with Dreamland Tours. Great operation, and I highly recommend our guide, Melanie Rader.

Naturally, despite doomsday predictions from the BLM and Visitor Center, the road was tame and easily passible with any 4-wheel drive on the day we went. Better safe than sorry as they say.

While we were disappointed that we couldn’t explore on our own, we appreciated the insights and highlights that Mel shared. We’re looking forward to exploring White Pocket next, along with the permitted Coyote Buttes South. A daily maximum of 20 people is permitted to visit Coyote Buttes South. Permit info.

Ok, so I didn’t exactly hang ten here, but our friend, Cris did.

The yoga pose photobomber strikes again and again! Perhaps my yogi balance poses or headstand count?

Happy Adventures!

A Dreamy SUP Down the Colorado River

A Dreamy SUP Down the Colorado River

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Dreaming of spending the day kayaking or SUPing down the cool glistening Colorado River with red rock canyons on either side? Perhaps sharing the adventure with friends and family, or soaking in the serene solitude and beauty with the ducks and herons along the way?

Captain Tim at kayakthecolorado.com can make your dreams come true and all for about $100 per person, including kayak, canoe, raft, inflatable, or SUP rental—less if you want to byo. He’ll pick you up at the dock at Lee’s Ferry and drop you off as far up the river as you like. The total run from Hoover Dam is 16 miles (overnight suggested) and 10 miles from Petroglyph Beach down. Our excursion was 11.5 miles. You can spend the day, or camp out for an overnighter or more. (Get in while the getting is good. Right now, no permits are needed to camp, but there’s a permitting system in the works.)  And yes, Tim is a Coast Guard Captain—required because the Colorado River’s fresh water meets salt water at the Gulf of California.

Whether you day trip it or overnight it, it’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in nature and cool off on a hot summer day. Granted there are tour pontoons, outfitter boats, and other kayakers in the mix; even so, there are moments of bliss when it’s just you, the river, the canyon walls, and the reflections on the glassy green surface. I’m guessing if you’re an early bird or prefer off-season (Sept & Oct), you’ll have more solitude and smooth water. There are options to check out petroglyphs, hike, and make use of the pit toilets, if needed, along the way. Please Leave No Trace on the petroglyphs, on the land, or in the river.

Important safety note, storms often come through in the afternoon (another reason to get an early start)—be prepared to wait out the storm. Be safe–keep your life jackets on and keep your dream from turning into a nightmare. The water is about 50 degrees so hypothermia can be a danger as can dehydration and heat stroke.

A quick squall hit us. The wind made it impossible for me to remain standing on my SUP and it was so strong, it pushed me upriver. It’s best to take shelter in a cove and if it’s lightning, get off the water immediately. Unfortunately, I wasn’t near a cove when it hit and had to hold tight to reeds and branches with one hand and my SUP, which was trying to take flight, with the other. The water went from smooth to super choppy, 2ft whitewater waves in a second.

Luckily, the storm cleared nearly as fast as it came.

If you need a rescue, you can flag one of the outfitter boats that are going up and down the river. While it’s easier to handle rough conditions in a kayak than a SUP, I will probably still take a SUP next time. Personally, I prefer the experience and the workout to a kayak.

This adventure was especially cool for us as it would be for anyone who has been up at the Horseshoe Bend and looked down in envy at the kayakers below. As they say, I’ve looked at it from both sides now—both views are 100% worth it.

Happy Paddles!

Boynton Trail to the Iconic Subway/Keyhole, Sedona, AZ

Boynton Trail to the Iconic Subway/Keyhole, Sedona, AZ

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Distance: ~5.3 miles

Elevation gain: ~800 Ft

Difficulty: Easy, except for finding the unmarked trail to the Subway/Keyhole. Finders and seekers are left to their own devices. It’s all part of the adventure. The Subway/keyhole reminded me of St. George’s Scout’s Cave with a nice woodsy approach and a bigger scramble at the end.

An auspicious start to our road trip from St. George—condor sightings at Navajo Bridge. Apparently this is their hangout. A nearby photographer remarked that you can see as many as 60 in the winter. They have numbered tags on them and you can look up their “deets” online.

Back near the trailhead, there’s an option to climb up to a viewpoint. It was worth it. Our timing was good for cactus blooms, especially the ocotillo. The moon made a cameo appearance to add star power to the already dazzling scenery.

Stay tunned for more fun in Sedona and beyond!

Ps. Pro tip/ Captain Obvious tip: Avoid weekends and holidays, especially, holiday weekends) in Sedona. Traffic is HORRENDOUS. (Understatement: 35 minutes or worse to go 5 miles.)

Happy Trails!