★★★★☆ Easy / Phoenix Area:
Dragonflies by a pond, wood-plank creek crossings and a kid-sized cave are some of the fun features to be found on the easy, Jewel of the Creek & Dragonfly Hiking Trail loop. Kids of every age will have a blast exploring this shady, tree lined loop – that circles the lush green banks of Cave Creek.
TRAILHEAD: 44000 N. SPUR CROSS ROAD, CAVE CREEK • DIFFICULTY: easy • DISTANCE: 2 MILE loop • APPROX. TIME: 1-1.5 HOURS • ELEVATION GAIN: 36 feet (3 stories) • APPROX. CALORIES BURNED: 260-300 • BEST TIME OF YEAR: OCT. – APRIL • PETS: yes • KID FRIENDLY: yes please! • FACILITIES: YES, but no water • FEES: Free at Jewel in the Creek entrance, $2 per person at spur cross entrance
It’s no wonder that the Desert Foothills Land Trust worked so hard to preserve the oasis surrounding Cave Creek and (probably with very little discussion) chose to call it Jewel of the Creek.
In crazy contrast to the dry desert landscape around it, the Jewel of the Creek Preserve sports a cool, perpetually running stream, tall leafy Cottonwoods, bright green grasses and an abundance of insect and bird life.
Starting on the Jewel of the Creek trail, and continuing around the lower portion of the Dragonfly Hiking Trail (see downloadable map below), this hike circles a mile-long portion of Cave Creek. It crosses the creek twice, on wood plank bridges (that minnow adore swimming beneath).
The north side of the trail meanders beneath high leafy canopies. And seeming gazillions of birds, chirp happily in the trees.
A little ways into the hike a small, kid-sized cave, begs to be explored. At only a few feet deep, and very exposed to the trail, this pint-sized hole-in-the-cliff is 100 percent perfect for igniting kid’s imagination around fantasy occupants.
On the north side of the path, by a deep wash, the Dragonfly Trail splits off and heads towards Elephant Mountain (in the neighboring Spur Cross Conservation Area). Head straight to continue around the creek.
A small pond is a fun hang-out at the far end of the Jewel of the Creek and Dragonfly Hiking Trail loop. Its depth changes with the seasons. There are lots of boulders to be hopped on. And teems of dragonflies and butterflies flit around Spring through Fall – a delight for budding entomologists.
Past the pond the trail ascends a small hill and turns back towards the parking lot. From this elevated vantage point, contrasting views of the green creek area, and the dry, Saguaro lined hills of Spur Cross behind it, are uniquely outstanding.
Total Nerdery
Jewel of the Creek is a favorite hang out for colorful butterflies and dragonflies, Spring through early Fall. Catch glimpses of Comanche Skimmer and Apache Spiketail dragonflies, or Two Tailed Swallowtail and Mexican Yellow butterflies, and others.
Resources
Click here to see a video of the area.
Directions From the intersection of AZ-17 and Carefree Highway, exit 223 (in North Phoenix), head east on Carefree Highway for 10.55 miles to Cave Creek Road. At the stoplight for Cave Creek Road turn left / north and continue for 1.43 miles to North Fleming Springs Road. Turn left / north onto North Fleming Springs Road and drive for 0.78 miles to North Echo Canyon Drive (which becomes North Sierra Vista Road and then North Cottonwood Canyon Road). Continue for 8.47 miles to the intersection of Spur Cross Road. Turn left / south onto Spur Cross Road and continue for 1 mile. A small parking lot for the Jewel of the Creek Hiking Trail is on the left side of the road, across from a riding stable. If this lot is full, continue another 0.2 miles to the Spur Cross Conservation Area parking lot, and walk back to access the Jewel of the Creek Hiking Trail.
17 Responses to Jewel of the Creek & Dragonfly Hiking Trail Loop
Jewel of the Creek is really a precious place to go to. The surroundings looks wonderful and a good place to go on a hike. And it is also nice that the kids can join the hike adventures. Thanks for sharing this fun adventure.
This is one of my favorite hikes for young kids. So much to see and explore in a condensed area.
Have not been there yet but plan to go New Year’s Day. Will come back and report my experience.
Does anyone know where I might be able to find a trail map for this trail? The link provided doesn’t work.
Thank you for letting us know that the link no longer worked. It has been updated.
Because there has been no rain all the creek beds and washes are dry
09/29/2020
The water rates definitely vary with the rains. Hoping for more showers this year!
Is there a fee to get in?
It is free if you are able to find a spot in the small Jewel of the Creek parking lot. If not, there is a $2 fee to park in the Spur Cross parking area a few feet further down the road.
This hike is a true jewel! Water is flowing in the creek on April 24 2021 and the bridges are a welcome benefit if you don’t like to walk with wet feet. Trail signs can be a bit confusing so take the time to print off the map. You can hike clockwise or counter-clockwise which is nice. Lots of shade down along the creek which is welcome on a hot day. Bring plenty of water as none is available at the trailhead nor are restrooms. Parking lot is small but you can park further on down the road for a small fee (see sign). Thank you azutopia for highlighting this wonderful trail!
Can’t wait to get out here again. I’m planning on it this Sunday. I was out here on July 4th, 2021 and there was little water in the creek since we’ve had such a long drought, but with all the recent monsoon rains I see on the Spur Cross Facebook page that it’s running very nicely now. In fact, after getting nearly six inches of rain they had a couple of flash floods go through there that took out the bridges. They just replaced them. I better bring some bug spray with me. I imagine the mosquitoes will be bad.
Should be really nice after the rains.
Are horses allowed? Thanks in advance for a reply…
So sorry for the delayed response. Horses are not allowed on the Dragonfly Hiking Trail, although they are allowed in Spur Cross.
Is there any water left this time of year?
The water level definitely varies by season. It can be dry in the summer until the monsoons roll in.
Just did this today with a 2, 4, and 6 year old. Walked up the mentioned wash a bit and sat on a sloping rock face for a little snack time, and exploring time for the littles, and then walked back out. Altogether about 2 and 1/2 hours. We meander though and I imagine with slightly older kids, or with a little that will stay in the carrier you can do it much quicker. Our 2 year old wanted to “hike” too. Which slowed us down considerably.