This hike was not too far from Phoenix and I saw the biggest Cati ever on this hike The drive into the conservation area is breathtaking as you see so many cacti on the hills. Take a look for Elephant Mountain as you drive in. I hiked on a Sunday and there was a table with two people sitting there taking money. It is $3/person and they don't accept credit cards. I only had $2 in cash and they let me in. However, it was worth the $3 as the ranger gave me a map and highlighted things of the trails.
I did the Dragon Fly trail and also the Metate Trail. You don't have to do both. However, both are very different hikes. Metate Trail was 2 miles and had the biggest cati I have ever seen. The Metate trail is easy and had a lot of kids on it. The Dragon Fly trail had some inclines, but still not too difficult. Both trails very well marked.
Parking is a little deceiving as there is a small parking lot before you enter the ranch. I was told that if you park there, you can enter the Dragon Fly trail from there.