Summary
Cave Creek is situated in Maricopa County, Arizona, just a short distance north of Phoenix. The town has a permanent population of approximately 5,000, which increases significantly during the peak tourism season, due to Cave Creek and the nearby Carefree area serving as an excellent base for exploring the broader region.
Situated in the Sonoran Desert, this area has supported human life for centuries before any evidence of European settlers. The Hohokam Indians inhabited this area long before written history commenced.
The elevation in Cave Creek results in slightly cooler temperatures compared to Phoenix, providing a clean and pristine natural environment. There is a plethora of day trip options available alongside immediate attractions. If your interest is piqued, consider these 15 activities in Cave Creek that may further enhance your enthusiasm.
1. Cave Creek Regional Park
This expansive 3,000-acre park sits at an altitude between 2,000 and 3,000 feet and is a true delight for anyone seeking fresh air and physical activity. Whether you prefer hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, this park has something to offer you.
The Go John Trail is arguably the most frequented trail, covering just under 6 miles in a loop. The vistas along the trail and throughout the park are breathtaking, providing an exhilarating sense of being remote from civilization.
If you prefer a more manageable distance, try the Slater Trail, which is merely half the distance of Go John Trail. Additionally, for history enthusiasts, trails leading to former gold-mining sites may be of interest.
2. Black Mountain Trail
If you are in search of a more challenging experience, the Black Mountain Trail is an excellent option. This trail is a straightforward up-and-back route that entails climbing over 1,000 feet along a distance of approximately 2.2 miles.
Proper hiking boots are essential as the terrain can be steep and rocky in sections. Dogs are permitted but must remain leashed and under control. While the initial false summit may be disheartening, persevere, as the true summit offers stunning 360-degree views.
One of the trail’s highlights includes the vibrant seasonal wildflowers.
3. Cave Creek Museum
After completing your hike on Black Mountain, consider visiting the museum located at its base. Established in 1970, Cave Creek Museum is approaching its 50th anniversary.
Primarily organized by volunteers, the museum emerged from a community effort to preserve local history. The public’s enthusiastic response to exhibitory appeals led to the expansion of displays in subsequent years.
Exhibits include prehistoric artifacts such as tools and pottery, illustrating desert life from centuries past. Furthermore, the museum offers comprehensive insights into the region’s settler, mining, and military history.
4. Desert Foothills Library
In the early days of settlement, when the population was merely a few hundred, this library operated on a mobile basis, with books stored in various locations. Presently, the library boasts an impressive collection, enabling visitors to enhance their understanding of regional history or simply enjoy a work of fiction.
The library hosts community events throughout the year, catering to a variety of age groups and interests. Currently, the expansion of the library on Schoolhouse Road is underway, allowing individuals to learn about its storied history through a dedicated publication.
5. Play Golf
Arizona has gained recognition for its golf scene, featuring courses where players may encounter areas of bare rock and sand if they stray from the manicured fairways. Players can look forward to beautiful desert landscapes as they navigate the courses.
Water is wisely managed to maintain the quality of tees, fairways, and greens, rather than allowing heavy “rough” areas to develop.
Local public courses include Rancho Manana, Legend Trails, and Dove Valley Ranch, while private options such as The Boulders, Desert Forest, and Tatum Ranch Golf Clubs are also available.
6. Cave Creek Cave
The proprietors of the private land managed by Desert Foothills Land Trust, where this cave is located, are pleased to offer group tours of the site multiple times each year. This cave bears a rich history, including its use by marauding Apaches seeking shelter from the weather and cavalry during an 1876 raid.
While some individuals were killed upon emerging in the morning, the majority of the group managed to evade capture and return home. Participants in the tour will uncover further historical details about this site, which has been occasionally referred to as “massacre cave,” a label that adds to its dramatic history.
7. MacDonald’s Ranch
MacDonald’s Ranch promises an enjoyable outing for the entire family, regardless of whether individuals are adept horse riders or not. It offers a remarkable experience for riding enthusiasts but includes much more to explore.
Enjoy a taste of the “Wild West” through stagecoach rides and cowboy-themed picnics, making it suitable for groups of any size and special occasions for families or friends.
Younger visitors will appreciate the zoo and pony rides in a secure environment, ensuring a fantastic day out right at Cave Creek’s doorstep.
8. Spur Cross Ranch
The Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area features trails suitable for hikers, bikers, and equestrians alike. Among experienced hikers, the Elephant Mountain trail stands out as particularly popular, though it is classified as difficult. The breathtaking scenery is a well-deserved reward for conquering this trail.
This route leads into Tonto National Forest, which is the largest national forest in Arizona, encompassing nearly 3 million acres. Noteworthy highlights include opportunities to observe the nesting bald eagles that reside there annually.
For those seeking an easier trek, the Metate and Towhee Trails provide more accessible options.
9. Frontier Town
This recreation of a Wild West town offers a delightful experience. Historically, most frontier towns featured a main street spanning the length of the settlement, which is emulated in this design. Visitors can observe the gallows where outlaws faced public execution and Boot Hill, the burial site for the deceased.
Enjoy ample photographic opportunities to capture memories with family against a “Wild West” backdrop.
Shops within Frontier Town offer a diverse array of distinctive souvenirs from the Cave Creek visit, including jewelry, clothing, and various trinkets available to purchase before departing.
10. Carefree Desert Gardens
It is common to underestimate a desert as an unexciting expanse of sand. However, these beautiful gardens located in the heart of Carefree effectively dispel such notions.
As one of just two botanical gardens in the valley, visitors will encounter a wide range of vegetation capable of thriving even in seemingly inhospitable conditions. The gardens feature well-organized displays of bushes, cacti, and other plants, complete with descriptions of each species.
Often described as an oasis within the town, these gardens should undoubtedly be included in your plans when visiting the area.
11. Wild at Heart
This facility has become a refuge for numerous raptors; while some may never return to the wild due to survival challenges, others are rehabilitated and released back into the Sonoran Desert.
It is uncommon to get close to birds of prey; however, at Wild at Heart, such opportunities are available. Visitors are encouraged to arrange their tours in advance, as the clinic plays an educational role in raising awareness about raptors, with staff members also visiting schools to share information.
12. Grace Museum of America
Established by Grace Voss Frederick, this museum aims to educate visitors about significant events and periods in American history, offering a broad array of topics spanning from early history to modern advancements.
The museum features displays focused on diverse subjects, ranging from electricity to candlelight, as well as scientific achievements from television and computers to space exploration.
This educational charitable organization excels in fulfilling its mission and as such, contacting the museum to arrange your tour in advance is advisable.
13. Rare Earth Gallery
Nature serves as a prolific artist, offering a vast array of materials, textures, and colors. At Rare Earth Gallery, visitors will discover a collection of remarkable examples of art created from these natural elements. If you are in search of something unique for your home or office, this gallery may very well have what you seek.
Crafting artwork from nature’s bounty presents a fascinating challenge, and the Gallery showcases many items that exemplify this endeavor beautifully. Take a stroll and see the artistry for yourself.
14. The Boulders Resort & Spa
Exploring new destinations can often be tiring, thus vacations should serve as a means to unwind. One effective way to enjoy the natural beauty of Cave Creek while ensuring you are revitalized for the next day’s adventures is to visit the expansive 33,000-square-foot spa at The Boulders Resort & Spa. Although you do not need to be a hotel guest, advance reservations are recommended.
Anticipate a comprehensive selection of treatments ranging from massages and skincare to luxurious private rooms, hot tubs, and pools, all enhanced with champagne and chocolates. Even if your getaway isn’t particularly active, taking the opportunity to pamper yourself can be quite rewarding.
15. Carefree Sundial
This sundial, recognized as a significant landmark for nearly 60 years, ranks among the largest sundials in the United States, casting a 35-foot shadow along the pavement.
Designed by architect Jo Wong and solar engineer John Yellott, this structure boasts dimensions of 72 feet in height and 90 feet in diameter, aligning perfectly with the North Star. Constructed from steel with anodized copper plating and gnomon, the sundial offers stunning photographic opportunities against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert on sunny days.
