Favorite Arizona Hikes - Sears-Kay Ruins, Scottsdale, AZ

I've talked about my favorite hikes in Northern Arizona, and now I'd like to tell you about my favorite walking hike just a few miles from my home in North Scottsdale. This is a short one, just one mile if you do the loop. It's steep - but worth the walk.

The trail leads up to the Sears-Kay ruins and is located northeast of Scottsdale off the Seven Spring Road. You reach it by getting on Cave Creek Road and heading towards Bartlett Lake. When you get to the Bartlett turnoff, go straight for another 3 ½ to 4 miles. Cave Creek turns into Seven Springs Road and the ruins are well marked at the entrance. The parking area has restrooms, some shaded picnic tables and BBQs. It is a great place to have lunch.

The ruins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The name comes from the fact that the ruins are located on the property of the Sears-Kay Ranch, which was founded by J.M. Sears around 1887.

It's a steep, but short, walk up the hill to the ruins which are perched atop a mountain. You have a 360 degree view of the untouched land to the north and can even see city lights to the south. The ruins are rock bases of walls that supported the buildings. There are signs throughout the small village that tell you about the people who lived here and how each structure was used. There are approximately 40 room sites that would support about 100 people. It is noted that the village was occupied from about 1050 to 1200. It's amazing that there are any signs of the village still remaining.

The village was part of a network of Hohokam villages that stretched throughout the state. The Hohokam's are ancestors of today's Pima Indians, and were farmers more than hunters. This is evidenced by the terraces below the housing area that were used to plant and grow squash, corn and beans. They also harvested native plants and traded with their neighbors. This tribe was well known for designing and building elaborate canal systems, which were the forerunners of the valley irrigation systems for agriculture.

The village looks down on the Camp Creek which is usually dry. I always contemplate the fact that water would have had to come from that creek.

This is a great hike for young children as it is a short walk, and it is fun to walk among the houses and try to imagine living there so many years ago. Give it a try, it's worth the drive. Plus, you will be able to experience history while getting some exercise.