About Us
We Are Arizona’s No.1 Tour Guide
Arizona Horseback Adventures (formerly Spur Cross Stables) is located on the site of an 1870s gold mine. Many mine shafts are located here and recall the glory days of prospecting in Arizona. Miners were lucky in some instances in finding gold and silver in the area.
The ranch is located four miles north of the town of Cave Creek, on the edge of the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation area. Our rides take us into the scenic Sonoran Desert, and the foothills of the Tonto National Forest, where riders experience a virtually undisturbed wilderness environment. The ranch gives visitors a chance to step away from the hectic hustle of the city and enjoy the quiet solitude of the desert on our trusty horses, guided by our very informative, professional wranglers.
Take a moment to enjoy our front porch, a fixture of the western ranch, where you can relax and reflect on the beauty of the area. We also have the cantina available for parties and events such as bbq or meals before or after a ride!
Our Conservation Areas
Tonto National Forest
The Tonto National Forest, Arizona, embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from Saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim. This variety in vegetation and range in altitude (from 1,300 to 7,900 feet) offers outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year, whether it’s lake beaches or cool pine forest.
As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited “urban” forests in the U.S. (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
Located about 35 miles north of central Phoenix, Spur Cross lies in the beautiful Sonoran Desert abutting the Tonto National Forest. This protected area encompasses 2,154 acres of diversely rugged land that features archaeological sites, ancient petroglyphs and lush riparian spots along Cave Creek which generally flows with its crystal waters during the winter months.
All of this natural beauty of rolling hills and mountains is dotted with tall Saguaro cacti of unique shapes and forms that have taken thousands upon thousands of years to grow. Remnants of early mining camps from the 1870s and ruins of the ancient Hohokam Indians holds many secrets of times past.
Seasonal changes bring variation to the landscape, from beautiful spring wildflowers, flowering cactus in May and running creeks during the winter season. Don’t forget your camera … photo opportunities abound! From the diverse flora and fauna to the many unique creatures that call the Sonoran Desert home, you’ll be sure to enjoy the scenic beauty all along the trail.
Spur Cross Horseback Rides are Permitted by:
Meet Our Animals
Spur Cross is home to over 30 horses, which came to us from a variety of circumstances. Many of the horses are rescued from owners unable to care for them, or those which may have been mistreated. They each are given a new home and the best treatment an animal deserves. Other animals living at the ranch include Max the Desert Tortoise, Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra — our goats. We also have a crew of ranch dogs: Bo, Sombra and Nacho. The best animal friend you’ll make during your Arizona horseback riding visit is the horse you’ll be riding, who you’ll be able to thank for the experience with a treat you can give them at the end of the ride (we provide the carrot!)
