Learn about the archaeology of the Cave Creek/Spur Cross area through hikes, booths, gold panning,  guest speakers and live demonstrations!

FIRST MESA GUIDED HIKE: 10:00 AM hike with archaeologist Mark Hackbarth to prehistoric Hohokam dwellings on First Mesa.  Learn about this prehistoric culture and as you walk through the Sonoran Desert on this moderate 2.5 mile hike. There is some uphill walking.  Please allow a minimum of three hours for this event.   

     There will be other hikes of varying difficulty scheduled throughout the day to various archaeological sites in the Spur Cross area.   Tonto National Forest archaeologist, Scott Wood will be also be speaking.  There will be booths from the Desert Foothills Chapter, the Cave Creek Museum, Wild at Heart, Desert Awareness Group, and Animal Health Services.  Live demonstrations include Glen Dotson with pottery making, Richard Bachman with flintmaking, and outdoor survival expert Al Cornel using four prehistoric methods to produce fire.   Pan for gold throughout the day with the Cave Creek Museum Stamp Mill Team.  There will be other children’s activities and crafts as well as the opportunity to view and hold prehistoric artifacts from the area.  Come help celebrate Arizona Archaeology Month!  Please check  the Arizona Archaeological Society website to find out exact speaker and hiking times.  Bring the whole family and have fun while learning about this beautiful area.   See you there!

From Cave Creek, turn North onto Spur Cross Road.  Spur Cross Conservation Area is 4 ½ miles north.  Although the Expo is free, there is a $3/adult park entrance fee.  Children under 16 and those with Maricopa County Park or Spur Cross passes are free.

 Alll hikers should know their limits and be prepared for desert walking with appropriate footwear, hats, snacks, and an adequate supply of bottled water!