Cave Creek

Some of the most spectacular sights of the desert await you just a short drive north of Phoenix and Scottsdale. When you feel like leaving the hustle and bustle behind, the places to go for some relaxing fun are the Towns of Carefree and Cave Creek.

Located in the foothills north of Phoenix, Cave Creek and Carefree Arizona are adjacent towns with a unique natural environment in common but contrasting personalities. The air is cooler and cleaner than in the city and the location is ideal for day trips south to Phoenix or north to Sedona, Prescott, Jerome, and Flagstaff. With so much going for them, it’s hardly surprising that these sister communities have been capturing the hearts and imaginations of countless visitors for well over a century.

In Cave Creek you’ll find the Wild West still alive

In Frontier Town and in the authentic rough and tumble saloons from the 1930’s, such as Harold’s, where you are likely to see motorcycles parked next to the horse someone rode in on. A wide range of restaurants from fine dining to cowboy cookouts find a peaceful coexistence there. The restaurants line Cave Creek’s main road along with fun western stores, art galleries and specialty shops like those in the new Stagecoach Village shopping and dining district. Hiking, biking and horseback riding through natural Sonoran Desert terrain are also inviting Cave Creek activities. The lovely Rancho Manana resort, with its acclaimed golf course, spa, and restaurant, top off Cave Creek’s amenities.

Carefree has a reputation for its beauty

The unique rock outcroppings and boulders that are visible for miles and its recreational amenities — including its upscale resorts with gorgeous golf courses, tennis and spa facilities and shopping. Downtown Carefree has quaint shops and boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and a small amphitheater that hosts the farmer’s market and cultural events. In the center of town you’ll see the largest sundial in the country. Overall, Carefree is characterized by its charming small town feel and quaint street names.

We welcome you to Cave Creek and Carefree, and invite you to experience the beauty and allure of this fascinating area of Arizona. Some of the most spectacular—and serene—sights await you, and two towns full of gracious hosts eagerly anticipate your visit.

Golfing

Both towns offer a choice of several world-class golf courses, situated among some of the most beautiful desert landscapes you will ever see. Public courses include the beautiful Rancho Manana Golf Club, boasting some of the state’s most breathtaking views, along with Dove Valley Ranch and Legend Trails Golf Club. Private courses feature the popular Tatum Ranch Golf Club and other well-known spectacular places such as Desert Forest Golf Club, and The Boulders

Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding

The Cave Creek / Carefree area offers a variety of trails for exploring on foot, bicycles and horseback. There are excellent trails through Cave Creek Park that range from short and easy to somewhat difficult. The most popular and challenging is the 4.8-mile Go John Trail, which is amenable to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Guided trail rides through the park on horseback are available from late autumn through the spring. Rangers provide a variety of free, guided hikes and activities for visitors of all ages throughout the year. 

Spur Cross has a number of trails from a flat wide path crisscrossing the stream to a hike up into the  mountains of Skull Mesa. Many of these beautiful trails are open to mountain bikers and horseback  riders. Seven Springs Recreation Area has been a popular destination since the early 1900’s. Extensive  hiking trails lead from the desert floor to changes in higher elevations. A lovely picnic site under large  sycamore trees along the creek is an inviting drive, and the Civilian Conservation Corps tables and stone  walls are still in use today.

Hayrides, cowboy cookouts, guided horseback rides and other entertainment are provided at MacDonald’s Ranch just south of town, Cave Creek Trial Rides in Cave Creek Regional Park and Arizona Horseback Adventures outside of Spur Cross Ranch.

https://www.cavecreek.org

http://www.cavecreektrailrides.com

https://macdonaldsranch.com

https://www.carefree.org