atv offroad trail riding

Things to do in the Carefree Cave Creek Area

Explore the Natural Beauty of the Desert Foothills Region

Cave Creek and Cave Creek’s unique position at the edge of the Tonto National Forest provides residents and visitors with unparalleled access to some of Arizona’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. This is not a full list of activities to do in the area.

See many events in the community on the Community Calendar.

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is a crown jewel among Cave Creek’s outdoor attractions. Deep, arid valleys, worn rock outcroppings, and high-elevation mesas that rise to more than 4,000 feet above sea level are all found here. Many trails weave through the canyons and onto the rocky plateaus, and you can explore the entire 2,154-acre area. This preserve is a testament to the area’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

The Spur Cross Trail, a moderate 3.6-mile loop, is a fantastic way to experience the conservation area’s highlights. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the desert sun can be intense, especially during the summer months.

As you explore the diverse trails, you’ll encounter:

  • Ancient Hohokam petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history
  • You might spot coyotes, hawks, rattlesnakes, and more as you stroll past towering saguaro cacti, some of which are over 400 years old. Some pathways pass by abandoned mines, ranches, and Indian ruins, making for an interesting trek through Wild West history.

Cave Creek Regional Park

For those seeking a more developed outdoor experience without sacrificing natural beauty, Cave Creek Regional Park is an excellent choice. This 2,922-acre park offers:

  • Over 11 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding
  • Stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountains
  • Picnic areas and campgrounds for extended stays

The Go John Trail, a challenging 5.8-mile loop, is particularly popular among hikers and mountain bikers for its scenic vistas and diverse terrain. The park also hosts educational programs and events throughout the year, making it a great place to learn about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

Black Mountain Trail

For the more adventurous outdoor enthusiasts, the Black Mountain Trail offers a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views. This steep, 2.5-mile out-and-back trail features:

  • Dramatic elevation changes, providing a good workout
  • Breathtaking views of Carefree and Cave Creek and the surrounding valleys
  • Opportunities to see desert wildlife in their natural habitat

While the trail can be strenuous, the views from the summit are well worth the effort. On clear days, you can see as far as Phoenix and Scottsdale, offering a unique perspective on the Valley of the Sun.

Horseback Riding Adventures

The cowboy culture is alive and well, and there’s no better way to experience it than on horseback. The area’s equestrian traditions offer visitors and residents alike the chance to explore the Sonoran Desert in true Western style.

Go horseback riding across the picturesque Sonoran Desert that showcases the area’s diverse plant and animal life. Your secure mountain horse will transport you on a historic ride as your guide tells stories about the Old West and the mining town.

Several local outfitters offer guided horseback riding experiences suitable for riders of all skill levels.

Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or a first-time rider, a trail ride through the Desert Foothills region desert terrain is an unforgettable experience that connects you with the area’s Western heritage.

Dude Ranch Experiences

For those looking for a more immersive equestrian adventure, the Desert Foothills region is home to several dude ranches. These establishments offer:

  • Multi-day stays in authentic Western accommodations
  • Daily horseback riding activities and lessons
  • Additional outdoor activities such as hiking, target shooting, and cattle drives

A dude ranch experience allows you to fully embrace the cowboy lifestyle while enjoying the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape. It’s an excellent option for families or groups looking for a unique outdoor getaway.

Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails

The Desert Foothills region’s diverse terrain makes it a haven for hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels. The area boasts an extensive network of trails that wind through desert landscapes, offering both challenging routes for experienced outdoor enthusiasts and gentler paths for those seeking a more relaxed adventure.

  1. Elephant Mountain Trail: This 3.5-mile out-and-back trail offers stunning views of the surrounding desert and a chance to see ancient petroglyphs.
  2. Gateway Trail: Located in the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve, this 4.5-mile loop is perfect for those seeking a moderate hike with beautiful desert scenery.
  3. Cave Creek Trail: This 5-mile point-to-point trail follows Cave Creek, offering a unique riparian habitat and the chance to see water in the desert (seasonal).

When hiking in the Desert Foothills region, always remember to bring plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and protect yourself from the sun. It’s also wise to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before setting out, especially during the hot summer months.

Mountain Biking Hotspots

Carefree and Cave Creek is rapidly gaining recognition as a mountain biking destination, thanks to its varied terrain and well-maintained trails. Some popular spots for mountain biking include:

  1. Desert Awareness Park: Offers a network of beginner-friendly trails perfect for those new to desert riding.
  2. Dove Valley Trail: A moderate 7-mile loop that showcases the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
  3. Apache Wash Loop: Located in the nearby Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, this 7-mile loop offers a mix of flowing single-track and technical sections.

For those new to mountain biking or unfamiliar with desert riding, several local bike shops offer guided tours and rentals. This can be an excellent way to explore the area’s trails safely while learning about proper desert riding techniques.

Water Activities in the Desert

While Carefree and Cave Creek are known for their desert landscape, the area also offers surprising opportunities for water-based activities. These aquatic adventures provide a refreshing contrast to the arid environment and are especially popular during the hot summer months.

Bartlett Lake Recreation. Located just a short drive from Cave Creek, Bartlett Lake is an oasis in the desert that offers a variety of water-based activities:

  • Boating and jet skiing: The lake features several marinas where you can rent boats, jet skis, and other watercraft.
  • Fishing: Bartlett Lake is known for its population of bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a popular spot for anglers.
  • Swimming and beach activities: The lake has several designated swimming areas and beaches where you can cool off and relax.

Bartlett Lake’s stunning backdrop of desert mountains creates a unique and picturesque setting for water activities. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway from Cave Creek.

Verde River Adventures

The Verde River, located northeast of Carefree, offers opportunities for more adventurous water activities:

  • Kayaking and canoeing: Several outfitters offer guided trips down the Verde River, ranging from calm floats to more challenging rapids.
  • Tubing: During the summer months, tubing on the Verde River is a popular way to beat the heat and enjoy the scenic desert landscape.
  • Fishing: The Verde River is home to several species of fish, including trout, bass, and catfish, making it a great spot for fly fishing or conventional angling.

These water-based activities provide a unique perspective on the desert environment and offer a cool respite from the Arizona heat.

Frontier Town

Cave Creek’s Frontier Town is an outdoor living history museum that allows visitors to step back in time and experience the Old West:

  • Stroll through recreated Western storefronts and buildings
  • Watch live demonstrations of traditional Western crafts and skills
  • Enjoy outdoor performances and reenactments
  • Check out the unique retail stores

Cave Creek Museum

Additionally, the Cave Creek Museum, while primarily indoors, offers outdoor exhibits that showcase the area’s mining history and Native American heritage. These attractions provide a fascinating glimpse into the outdoor lifestyles of Cave Creek’s early settlers and indigenous inhabitants.

Rodeos and Western Events

Cave Creek’s cowboy culture comes alive through various outdoor events throughout the year:

  • The Cave Creek Rodeo Days include a parade, mutton bustin’, rodeo dances, a golf tournament, three Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) performances, and more to complete a weeklong celebration of an Arizona town’s Western heritage.
  • Wild West Days: This festival celebrates Cave Creek’s Western heritage with outdoor events like gunfight reenactments, live music, and cowboy poetry readings.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

A hot air balloon ride over the gorgeous Sonoran Desert is the best way to view Arizona.

Jeep Tours

Experience majestic mountain shadows and a world-famous Arizona sunset (weather dependent) within the Tonto National Forest. Many tours go through Rackensack Canyon to view the Unique Sonoran Desert Plants & Ancient Hohokam Indians who inhabited the canyon up to 1450 AD. At sunset, experience panoramic unobstructed views of the sky which typically change to shades of pink, red, orange, and purple, with a stunning Desert Mountain backdrop.

Carefree Desert Gardens

An amazing oasis in the desert, the Carefree Desert Gardens is one of only two public botanical gardens in the Greater Phoenix area, located along pedestrian-friendly Easy Street in downtown Carefree. The Gardens have FREE access* and are open 365 days a year. Situated on four acres, visitors can stroll and enjoy rare and fascinating desert plant specimens on a self-guided walking tour, allowing for a visual and emotional connection with nature.

These botanical gardens feature self-guided walking tours, playgrounds for the little ones, events, a giant sundial, and more across four sprawling acres.

Explore one of the largest working Sundials in the U.S.!

Wild at Heart

Wild At Heart is a bird of prey rescue, rehabilitation, and release center. Their main goal is to rescue and rehabilitate wounded owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles before releasing them back into the wild.

Farmers Markets

The Carefree Farmers Market is open each Friday, rain or shine, year-round, and features fresh, seasonal produce, herbs, and flowers, as well as locally created jams, jellies, salsas, fresh baked goods, seafood, and a range of local arts and crafts. Vendors change weekly.

The Cave Creek Farmers Market is held one Saturday a month and features fresh, seasonal produce, herbs, and flowers, as well as locally created jams, jellies, salsas, fresh baked goods, seafood, and a range of local arts and crafts. Vendors change weekly.

Phallic Rock

Phallic Rock, a distinctive geological formation in Carefree, is renowned for its striking resemblance to the male anatomy. This natural sculpture is a result of spheroidal weathering of Precambrian granite, which has shaped it into its unique form over millennia.

Many travelers have found amusement in photographing and sharing this quirky landmark, making it a lighthearted stop during their exploration of Carefree.

Local Restaurants.

The Carefree and Cave Creek area in Arizona offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to a wide range of tastes. Visitors can enjoy authentic British afternoon tea at the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, known for its charming ambiance and traditional offerings.  For Italian cuisine enthusiasts, Pizzicata serves Roman-style pinsa, a lighter, crispier predecessor to pizza, providing a unique dining experience.  Steak lovers can savor premium cuts at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, which combines top-quality meats with a welcoming atmosphere.  In Cave Creek, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral offers a Western-themed setting with American comfort food, live music, and country dancing, embodying the local cowboy spirit.  Additionally, Confluence provides a modern American menu with healthy options, all set against scenic mountain views, making it a must-visit for those seeking a refined dining experience.  This variety ensures that every visitor can find a dining experience to suit their preferences in the Carefree and Cave Creek areas.

Shopping

From one-of-a-kind rocks and minerals, hats, clothing, unique outdoor landscape decorations, and southwestern items, to the wonderful variety of locally created art. There are plenty of places to shop in the Carefree, Cave Creek area to find that special item to take home.

Cave Creek Bike Week / Arizona Bike Week

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in April, this annual event is Cave Creek’s biggest party of the year. Located at the world-famous Hideaway. Live music, motorcycles, bike displays, custom builders, giveaways, vendors, and food and drinks.

These events not only provide entertainment but also offer a chance to experience Cave Creek’s vibrant community spirit in an outdoor setting.

The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce create an annual community guide and services directory which provides very resourceful information to residence and visitors.