Looping together the Cave Creek and Skunk Tank Trails, we’ll trek along pretty, musical Cave Creek, making numerous ankle-height stream crossings, before climbing an old mining road up a steep ridge decked with saguaros and ocotillo. We’ll hike almost 11 miles round trip with nearly 1200’ of elevation gain. This hike will be fairly strenuous and is suitable only for experienced hikers in good condition.

Our hike will begin around 10am and take us about five hours to complete, though we may linger a bit if it’s warm enough and a swimming hole beckons. Rain or chance of rain 48 hours before start cancels, as does fewer than four signups as of 8pm, Friday, January 19. Pack at least 3 liters of water, lunch and the rest of the Ten Essentials.

We'll meet up to consolidate our carpool at 8:00am (SHARP!) at the 19th Avenue and Camelback Park-and-Ride lot (on the northeast corner of the lot, near the Montebello Avenue traffic circle.)