Arrival Options

Your team starts at the Dragonfly trailhead at Jewel of the Creek, on the southern edge of Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. The trail follows Cave Creek through cottonwood and mesquite for about 0.8 mile. From there a guide from our team leads the final mile across the desert to Windy Hill Ranch, where the fire and drinks are waiting.

We'd set out around 4:30 so the group walks in just as the sun sets at 5:33. Comfortable walking shoes are all anyone needs.

The venue owner hasn't walked this route themselves, so Joseph and I will hike it ourselves first to make sure it works from start to finish.

Your team starts at MTM Ranch, a working horse ranch on Spur Cross Road that has guided rides here since 1989. Wranglers match each person to a horse and lead a one hour sunset ride on the ranch's own private trails, which are closed to hikers and bikes. The ride winds through canyons of old saguaros and up and over the desert foothills as the light turns gold. It suits first-time riders.

Both options below start with this ride. Back at the barn, the team either walks in to Windy Hill or takes a stagecoach in.

The same one hour sunset ride at MTM Ranch, then everyone leaves the horses at the barn and walks to Windy Hill Ranch together. The walk follows the trail that runs beside Spur Cross Road, Morning Star Road and 54th Street, on flat ground, and ends down the ranch lane to the fire. We start the ride a little earlier so the group walks in as the sun sets.

Everyone climbs out of the saddle and into two horse-drawn stagecoaches. The coaches follow Spur Cross Road, Morning Star Road and 54th Street to Windy Hill Ranch, which takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on whether the horses walk or trot, and bring the whole team through the gate together right at sunset, as the fire is lit.