We recently wrote the following five stories for a new web site specifically designed for the far north Valley. The stories highlight five great outdoor recreational sites found nearby the I-17 corridor. Summer may not be the best time to experience the hiking opportunities found at these sites but being aware of these recreational areas can help you plan an outing when the cool days of fall and winter return.
The site is called North Phoenix News, http://nophonews.com/ , and is a great site for local news in that part of the Valley of the Sun. We hope you check it out! We hope too that you enjoy our stories and our small contribution to this great new site.
#1 Cave Creek Regional Park...
Summary: The 2,922-acre park offers over 11-miles of joint use trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to enjoy the refreshing solitude of the desert. An additional 44 campsites with excellent facilities along with 51 individual picnic sites allow this Sonoran Desert park to become an outdoor discovery adventure for the whole family.
Why You Should Go: The lush, unspoiled Sonoran Desert vegetation of the park and the many well maintained park facilities allows all park visitors to quickly escape the local urban environment and become submerged in this tranquil, undisturbed natural terrain.
Four-legged family members are also allowed but must remain on a leash at all times. Any doggie waste must be immediately cleaned up and properly disposed.
When To Go: The cooler months of October - May are the best months to enjoy the seven hiking trails, picnicking and camping facilities of the park. The visitor-friendly Nature Center allows park guests to enjoy the many ranger led hikes and environmentally oriented programs even during the hottest of summer months.
Be Safe: The joy of experiencing the beauty of the Sonoran Desert must be tempered with the knowledge that visiting the desert can also be dangerous. Heavy sole shoes are a must as well as sunscreen, and a large-brimmed hat. Sufficient water must be carried along while on the trail for any hike or ride. Always let someone know where you have gone in case of an emergency. Carry a mirror or whistle in case you need to signal for help.
History: The name Cave Creek comes from a high, overhanging bluff along the western bank of the local stream that forms a large, open cavern some five miles northeast of the park. Native people often used the large cave for shelter.
During a time in Arizona history known as the Apache Wars (1865 - 1885), the land in and around the park was the scene of many skirmishes and deadly confrontations between the US Cavalry and the local Yavapai Apache and Tonto Apache people.
Just north of the park in an area known as Bloody Basin, a March 1873 early morning battle atop Turret Peak resulted in the death of 26 Yavapai warriors and is considered the turning point in the conflict in central Arizona between settlers and the local, Apache people.
Another skirmish occurred along the west bank of Cave Creek just east of the park on Christmas morning of 1873 resulting in the death of Apache leader Nanotz and eight of his Tonto Apache warriors. By 1877 the remaining Apache people of this area of Arizona had been moved to the San Carlos Reservation. The land was now free of the Apache people and open to miners, ranchers and settlers to occupy.
Cost: $6.00/vehicle
Hours:
Tuesday 6AM–8PM
Wednesday 6AM–8PM
Thursday 6AM–8PM
Friday 6AM–10PM
Saturday 6AM–10PM
Sunday 6AM–8PM
Monday 6AM–8PM
Trail Map: http://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/cave-creek-8x112.pdf
Website: http://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/cave-creek-regional-park/
Phone: (623) 465-0431
Location: 37019 N Lava Ln, Cave Creek, AZ
Pictures 3, 7 & 8 belong to Cave Creek Regional Park...
No comments:
Post a Comment