Top 14 Things To Do In Cave Creek, Arizona

1. Hike the Go John Trail

This is a 9.5-kilometer (6-mile) round loop trail ideal for all types of activities: hiking, biking, horse-riding, and jogging. A very popular trail amongst locals, it’s moderately difficult and features beautiful scenery throughout. You’ll be, in fact, surrounded by the contrasting colors of the ocher dry terrain and the greyish rocky mountains against the colorful wildflowers and the green tint of the short shrubs and the tall cacti.

Go John Trail

Address: Go John Trail, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States

Website: Go John Trail Trailhead Parking

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6am - 8pm; Fri & Sat: 6am - 10pm

Price: Free

2. Explore the Caroline Bartol Preserve at Saguaro Hill

Caroline Bartol Preserve at Saguaro Hill is one of the 23 preserves that encompass a whopping 680 acres (275 hectares) of land, and are protected by the Desert Foothills Land Trust. Caroline Bartol’s preserve was the very first piece of land purchased by the Land Trust in 1997 after the owner Bartol expressed the desire to leave her property to the Trust. With 6 acres (2.4 ha) to explore, don’t miss the interpretative nature trail along which you’ll learn about the indigenous Saguaro cacti, and the Goldwater memorial for impressive vistas of the area.

Caroline Bartol Preserve at Saguaro Hill

Address: E Grapevine Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States

Website: Caroline Bartol Preserve at Saguaro Hill

Opening hours: Dawn - dusk (daily)

Price: Free

3. Enjoy the awesome view in Spur Cross Ranch Trail

Wondering what to do in Cave Creek? Visit Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. The wide-open areas of the Spur Cross Ranch Trails are the perfect places to enjoy nature, since this preserved area has a lot of desert flora and fauna, including cacti. Also, the view here is so amazing, since if you come in the early morning or late afternoon, you can enjoy a beautiful desert sunrise or sunset. You can also pitch your camp here if you are brave enough to stay in the desert. As a result, the Spur Cross Ranch Trail is the perfect place to enjoy nature and bond with the family.

Spur Cross Ranch Trail

Address: 44000 N Spur Cross Rd, Cave Creek, Arizona

Website: Spur Cross Ranch Trail

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6am - 8am; Fri - Sat: 6am - 10pm

Price: 85 USD (annual pass)

4. Go horseback riding in Cave Creek Regional Park

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Cave Creek, consider going horseback riding. Cave Creek Regional Park houses the original Cave Creek, which served to provide shelter and water to Native Americans, who were mostly left undisturbed by the Spanish colonial rulers since Arizona was a backwater province of Spanish Mexico. In the modern age, the beautiful area of the Cave Creek Regional Park serves as a good place to go hiking or horseback riding, while being able to observe the beautiful scenery and desert plants. However, you really have to bring your own horse. If you want to go camping here, you have to bring your own tent or RV, and you will be able to rough it out while enjoying modern conveniences, since electrical hookups are available, as well as hot showers. Due to this, Cave Creek Regional Park is indeed the place to stay in Cave Creek, Arizona! Just remember to leave no trash behind.

Cave Creek Regional Park

Address: 37019 N 32nd St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA

Website: Cave Creek Regional Park

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6am - 8am; Fri - Sat: 6am - 10pm

Price: 85 USD (annual pass)

5. Browse through the artifacts in Cave Creek Museum

Cave Creek Museum is one of the topmost Cave Creek attractions. It is THE place in the city to visit for those who love history or cultural heritage, for it has exhibits commemorating the history of the city, from the tools of the prospectors who came searching for gold, the First Episcopal Church constructed in the area, and many other artifacts left behind by the pioneer settlers. Also, there are artifacts of the first Native Americans resident in the area, who called what would become Cave Creek their home before the pioneers came (the Spanish and Mexicans preferred to leave them alone since Arizona was a backwater area for them, while the Native Americans would adopt a horse culture from them). As a result, Cave Creek Museum is really a place which preserves the history and heritage of Cave Creek, for future generations.

Cave Creek Museum

Address: D6140 E Skyline Dr, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA

Website: Cave Creek Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Thu, Sat & Sun: 1pm - 4:30pm; Fri: 10am - 4:30pm

Price: 7 USD

6. Walk through Frontier Town lined with lovely boutique shops

Frontier Town in Cave Creek is a well-preserved replica of Frontier Town which preserves the vibes of the Wild West, since it looks similar to the way frontier towns looked like during the times of the Wild West, frontier justice and all. Also, there are many shops you can go to in order to get your souvenirs. There are also activities which replicate the Wild West, but as seen in Hollywood. As a result, if you are a shopaholic, or simply appreciate Westerners, this Frontier Town is THE place for you!

Frontier Town

Address:6245 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA

Website: Frontier Town

Opening hours: 12am - 11:59pm (daily)

Price: Free

7. Check out the historic artifacts in Grace Museum of America

If you are a bona fide history or cultural heritage enthusiast, then Grace Museum of America is for you! This is because it contains artifacts from the entire length of US history, from the early days of the colonial period, up to the modern age. All of these artifacts were collected by the television actress Grace Voss Frederick. These artifacts are more than just political memorabilia, but they also encompass scientific, cultural and everyday objects, like televisions, space travel artifacts, and even exhibits pertaining to the Internet. Also, the two-hour tour is guided, so you will be able to learn a lot from these exhibits. As a result, Grace Museum of America is indeed the go-to place for those who are disciples of history and cultural heritage.

Grace Museum of America

Address: 42088 North Fleming Springs Road Cave Creek, Arizona

Website: Grace Museum of America

Opening hours: By appointment

Price: 10 USD

The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Barry

8. Admire the gemstone art at Rare Earth Gallery

Take a trip to Rare Earth Gallery, a venue that boasts a stunning collection of rare minerals and fossils that offer insight into the earth’s deepest secrets. Located in the heart of Cave Creek, this gallery is quite easy to find, just a short distance from Cave Creek Museum. And you’ll be glad you came here as most of the displays are quite rare, just like the gallery’s name implies. Among the rare minerals is the Congo Chrysocolla Malachite, an attractive green stone that’s native to the Congo. Most of these gemstones are fashioned into jewelry, showpieces or furniture that you can buy at the on-site store. Spare an afternoon to explore the impressive Rare Earth Gallery.

Rare Earth Gallery

Address: 6401 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States

Website: Rare Earth Gallery

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)

9. Hike the challenging Black Mountain Trail

Admire Arizona’s landscape while hiking the 2.2-mile (3.5km) Black Mountain Trail, a steep trail that’s worth the effort. Known as the area’s best workout trail, the hike will take you up Black Mountain via some very rocky terrain. This difficulty is clearly not ideal for younger kids; if you’re looking for a family hike then consider ones like the Overton Trail Loop in Cave Creek Regional Park or P.A. Seitts Preserve Trail below. Black Mountain Trail is for the adventurers who love hiiking on challenging terrain. An American flag marks the peak of the trail and your reward at the top is a breathtaking view of Cave Creek.

Black Mountain Trail

Address: N School House Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States

Website: Black Mountain Trail

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

10. Explore P.A. Seitts Preserve

P.A. Seitts Preserve is an expansive 271-acre (109-ha) nature preserve that endeavors to protect native plants and animals of the area. You can explore the quintessential desert landscape by hiking one of the trails that cut through different parts of the preserve. You can even opt to follow a route that takes you to a higher altitude in the preserve, offering an exceptional view of Cave Creek’s gorge and Black Mountain. Alternatively, venture to the ancient graveyard and check out the burial site of some of Cave Creek’s early settlers. This entire preserve emanates a Wild West feel that makes it quite unforgettable.

P.A. Seitts Preserve

Address: N 52nd St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States

Website: P.A. Seitts Preserve

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

11. Tuck into Western cuisine at Harold's Cave Creek Corral

This typical Western eatery is a popular joint in Cave Creek and is the perfect place to experience the local dishes. Harold’s Cave Creek Corral’s exterior is quaint, leaning on the Old West appeal. Inside, the rustic design is taken even farther, with wood fixtures and huge posters on the walls. However, the true highlight of this restaurant is the food, which is very popular with the locals. The establishment offers sumptuous steaks and chops like filet mignon, New York strip and baby back ribs. There’s also a wide assortment of salads and soups as well as seductive dessert options.

Harold's Cave Creek Corral

Address: 6895 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States

Website: Harold’s Cave Creek Corral

Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)

12. Tour the ethereal Jewel of the Creek Preserve

Though much smaller than P.A. Seitts, Jewel of the Creek Preserve makes up for its small size with a diverse landscape within its premises. This desert oasis feels quite ethereal, like the set of a Western movie. Take the opportunity to explore this 26-acre (10.5-hectare) space that’s dotted with lovely willow trees and cottonwood. You’ll also get to see one of the area’s last perennial streams, which is the lifeblood of the preserve, sustaining the numerous plant and animal life. The hiking trail at Jewel of the Creek Preserve is easy and, thus, perfect for the whole family. Allow your kids to explore the small cave along the trail and let them learn about the birds and insects that are attracted to this oasis. This unusually lush preserve is certainly Cave Creek’s jewel!

Jewel of the Creek Preserve

Address: Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States

Website: Jewel of the Creek Preserve

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

13. Admire local art at Sonoran Arts League

Sonoran Arts League is an art lover’s haven, set up with the aim of promoting the work of local artists and to offer art education. In existence since 1975, the League now has hundreds of members who hail from different parts of the country. If you want a hands-on experience, consider taking part in one of their art activities. Otherwise, you can simply look out for one of their art events held in several venues around Cave Creek. Their work is also prominently displayed in public places in town, including sculptures at entrances to Cave Creek.

Sonoran Arts League

Address: 7100 E Cave Creek Rd #144, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States

Website: Sonoran Arts League

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

14. Go horseback riding at MTM Ranch

Live out your dream of becoming a cowboy or cowgirl at MTM Ranch. This venue attracts visitors who love horses and enjoy taking a ride on them. They offer several ride options, and you’re sure to find an option that’s perfect for you, whether you’re a novice or a professional. The Buckaroo Ride lasts an hour and is tailored for horse-riding newbies, and it’s also perfect for kids. If this is for you, you’ll get to explore part of Saguaro Canyons. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, consider Ocotillo Hill Ride which lasts for an hour and a half and features a mountain climb on horseback. You can choose other rides too, with the most challenging one being the four and a half hour long Petroglyph Tour.

MTM Ranch

Address: 43001 N Spur Cross Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States

Website: MTM Ranch

Opening hours: 6am - 12pm; 4:45pm - 6:45pm (daily)

Price: 60 USD onwards

Cave creek: a city of wonders

In the end, due to its natural wonders, the frontier town, and its beautiful museums, Cave Creek is indeed a city of wonders, for there is plenty to do here, like camping in the natural parks, visiting a frontier town (or at least a replica), or exploring the museums. You can also use the horse trails that the early pioneers used, or hike just like they did. Here are the top five things to do in Cave Creek, so what are you waiting for? Book your trip and rent your RV today, so the wonders of Cave Creek may become truly yours to explore.