Spur Cross Ranch Desert Trail

The Overton Trail Viewpoint – Quartz Trailhead loop from Desert Enclave Preserve offers a rugged touring bicycle experience through the scenic Sonoran Desert. You'll navigate a mix of terrain, from paved sections to unpaved, rocky singletrack, all while enjoying wide vistas of saguaro cacti and diverse desert flora. Keep an eye out for the unique ethereal white quartz scattered along the Quartz Trail, a distinctive visual highlight.

This difficult 23.8-mile (38.3 km) loop involves a substantial 1804 feet (550 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring about 3 hours and 21 minutes to complete. It's best suited for cyclists with very good fitness and bike handling skills, especially if you're on a touring bicycle rather than a mountain or gravel bike. The Desert Enclave Preserve's Nature Center provides essential facilities like bathrooms and cold water.

Part of the larger Cave Creek Regional Park, this route is a challenging ride that was once part of the Cave Creek Bicycle Festival loop. The area is rich in wildlife, with potential sightings of numerous bird, butterfly, and mammal species. Always be mindful of other trail users, as the paths are shared with hikers and equestrians.