Hiking together
Carefree agrees to help Cave Creek study Black Mountain trails
by Jason Stone

CAREFREE – With the similar goal of reaching the top of the summit, Carefree followed Cave Creek’s lead last week and agreed to spend money to improve access for hikers to the top of Black Mountain.

Town council unanimously approved putting up to $13,500 toward Cave Creek’s study of fixing access to the mountain, particularly off School House Road south of Cave Creek Road.

While that area is technically in Cave Creek, both municipalities have an interest in access to the top because the Bureau of Land Management has made 250 acres atop the vista available, provided there is public access.

“It’s a partnership with the Town of Cave Creek and shows our interest in acquiring the preserve from the BLM,” Carefree Mayor Ed Morgan said. “The land is 70 percent in Carefree. But the only way we can do this is if there is access to the mountain. We just felt that with Cave Creek taking the initiative to get the trail groomed, we would offer to pay for half of the cost.”

Cave Creek opened an official easement for the trail two months ago to begin the process, but large groups of hikers swarmed to the area, angering local homeowners and causing a parking headache.

In an effort to improve the access, Cave Creek agreed in mid‑March to spend nearly $27,000 to hire HDR Inc. to evaluate the trail area. Cave Creek Mayor Vincent Francia then visited Carefree’s monthly town council meeting April 4 to inform the council about the project.

Carefree council voted 6‑0, with Councilman Bob Coady absent, to fund half of Cave Creek’s total study expenditure.

In other Carefree council news, Morgan said the town has another negotiation meeting with Rural/Metro Fire Department scheduled for 1 p.m. April. 26. The town is still in talks with the fire protection and emergency provider for an agreement to cover all residents.

Currently, residences and businesses must individually subscribe for fire service, based on square footage, until Carefree reaches an accord with Rural/Metro and a town‑paid master contract goes into effect.

Town council also voted unanimously to accept the final plat for Phase 1 of Tranquil Trail Estates subdivision and the preliminary plat of Phase 2.

Butte Properties is holding two focus groups this week to provide information on a proposed $100 million retail project for downtown Carefree. The two sessions will begin at 5:30 p.m. April 12 and 13 at Town Hall.

Reach the reporter at jason@thedesertadvocate.com.