Cities

Cave Creek

Nestled in the desert foothills, Cave Creek is a magnet for outdoor adventures, cowboy heritage and live music.

Pull into any parking lot in Cave Creek, and you're likely to see a Tesla, a Harley and a horse (firmly tethered to a hitching post, of course) parked side by side. This random crew pretty much sums up the spirit of this town located near the northern reaches of Greater Phoenix. It's modern, a bit rebellious, yet rooted in the West. With a history that includes ancient peoples, gold mining, ranching and dam construction—all of which you can absorb at the most excellent Cave Creek Museum—this scenic town is filled with nods to the cowboy life, wide-open spaces, and fun eateries and watering holes.

Release your inner cowboy

Cowboy boots and a Stetson might garner you strange looks elsewhere. Not in Cave Creek, where the "Old" West is still very "now." Saddle up for a trail ride with Arizona Horseback Adventures in the surrounding conservation area, or join Cave Creek Trail Rides for a loop through a vast, scenic regional park (they'll even loan you boots, chaps and hats for those Instagram shots).

In downtown Cave Creek, learn to two-step at Buffalo Chip Saloon, which serves barbecue, beer and bull-riding competitions that draw "real" working cowpokes. Nearby, Frontier Town is a recreated 19th-century Western town, with a faux Boot Hill cemetery and gallows, plus modern amenities like shops and a restaurant. In spring, mark Cave Creek Rodeo Days on your calendar, when the town hosts a parade, dances and a professional rodeo.

And to dine on true Arizona foraged cuisine with a side of cowboy culture and hospitality make sure to include Tonto Bar & Grill at Rancho Manana. This staple in the community has strong ties to the heritage of the area focusing on Native American ingredients and the stories of the property's past.

Wide-open spaces

With access to pristine stretches of the Sonoran Desert, Cave Creek makes it easy to hike, bike and explore Cave Creek outdoor activities. Cave Creek Regional Park has unfettered views, looping trails and—if the winter rain gods are benevolent—hillsides filled with spring wildflowers. Check out the park's nature center for interpretive exhibits. Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area has seven miles of trails that weave along the waters of Cave Creek itself, through riparian zones and past archaeological sites.

Nearby, Tonto National Forest's Seven Springs offers a circa-1934 Civilian Conservation Corps-built picnic site and campground, shaded by towering sycamores. The trail from the site crosses Cave Creek several times. Seek more watery adventures at Bartlett Lake, an oasis in the desert with a marina for watercraft rentals. Anglers with their own boats will appreciate the solitude of Horseshoe Reservoir.

Change your tune

Live music is a big source of Cave Creek entertainment, luring day-trippers, vacationers and local "Creekers" alike to local venues. Opened in 1935 as a watering hole for workers building nearby Bartlett Dam, Harold's Cave Creek Corral is a landmark where music is on the menu weekly. Live music and all things motorcycle pair up at the lively Hideaway Roadhouse, while Carefree Spirits Distillery offers vodka and bourbon tastings plus laid-back acoustic music. The Grotto Cafe's indoor seating and shady patio are the perfect places to kick back with musical interludes on weekend afternoons. At the architecturally striking Raven's View, enjoy wine, light repasts and music, far from crowds. Want other options? Cave Creek Music on Facebook is a clearinghouse for who's playing what and where.

Visit City Website

More to Discover Near Cave Creek

Meet the Makers

Eric Watson of Watson's Hat Shop

In Arizona, we know about cowboy culture; and no piece completes the look more than the iconic cowboy hat. And many, whether it's an authentic...

Heritage & Culture

Contemporary Cowboy Fun

From dude ranches to themed bars, cowboy culture is alive and well in Arizona. Discover the state's Western heritage, and get in on the action,...

Cities

Scottsdale

Looking to upgrade your travel experience? Welcome to Scottsdale, Arizona's vacation destination for fine dining, upscale shopping and luxury...

Cities

Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is located in the central region of the state. People may know it for its year-round sun, desert...

Cities

Mesa

Go big in Mesa, Arizona's third-largest city, where fan-favorite sports, art attractions, and outdoor adventure attract visitors on a large...

Search Filters

Search Results

Family Activities

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

The nonprofit McDowell Sonoran Conservancy manages the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in partnership with the City of Scottsdale. More than 650...

Family Activities

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Experience an evening of chivalry, revelry, sport and pageantry inside our magnificent 11th century style castle. Feast on a sumptuous...

Family Activities

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)

Explore the world through music at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). This unique museum, which displays instruments and objects from...

Spas & Luxury

Natural Radiance Med Spa

Natural Radiance Med Spa is the only med spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, that completely integrates the aesthetic and wellness arts. Led by...

Family Activities

Octane Raceway

Octane Raceway - America's Best Kart Racing. Octane Raceway features high-speed electric karts, 1/3 mile indoor/outdoor track, trackside...

Family Activities

OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of America's largest aquariums and has won numerous awards including Best Kids...

Spas & Luxury

Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia

Nestled at the base of breathtaking Camelback Mountain, in the exclusive enclave of Paradise Valley, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at...

Spas & Luxury

Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary

Set amid the magnificent landscape of Scottsdale, Arizona, the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary is inspired by the splendor of the Sonoran...

Sports

Peoria Sports Complex

Peoria Sports Complex is a baseball complex and Spring Training Home of the Seattle Mariners & San Diego Padres. There are twelve...

Spas & Luxury

The Phoenician

Immerse yourself in luxury at one of our three distinctive lifestyle experiences at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale....

Spas & Luxury

Porter VRM

Porter Vacation Rental Management specializes in luxury vacation rental hospitality. With rentals under management in Scottsdale, Phoenix,...

Road Trips & Itineraries

REI Co-op Adventure Center

The REI Adventure Center in Scottsdale offers adventures for all, including guided hiking, road and mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, and...

Discover

Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.