Overview
Cave Creek is a small town north of Phoenix and part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is a popular destination for equestrians, bikers, and those seeking high-end resort lifestyles.
2 sights · 13 things to do · 6 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Cave Creek
Black Mountain Summit Park
Has a number of good trails, suitable for hiking and mountain biking.
Rancho Mañana Golf
A former dude ranch turned golf course.
Cave Creek Museum
Has a number of exhibits examining the history of the Cave Creek area, from pre-Columbian to the end of the 19th century.
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
Between the town of Cave Creek and Tonto National Forest, the Spur Cross conservation offers a wide expanse of trails through a fertile section of the Sonoran Desert, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback r…
Arizona Horseback Adventures
Guided horse rides through Spur Cross.
Cave Creek Trail Rides
Guided horse rides through Cave Creek Park.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 106°F; winter lows dip to about 45°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Phoenix)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix — 27 mi away (major hub). Directions
- AZA Mesa Gateway Airport, Mesa — 40 mi away. Directions
Cave Creek is most easily accessed by heading north of Phoenix on I-17.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $10–$79 a night (typical $64), from 4 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$50, mid-range ~$140, comfortable ~$240.
Options are grouped as Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Cave Creek Museum, Flat Tire Bike Shop, Rancho Mañana Golf
- Lunch El Encanto
- Afternoon Extreme Arizona ATV Rental, Black Mountain Summit Park
- Dinner Big Earl's Greasy Eats
- Evening Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse
Day 2
- Morning Cave Creek Trail Rides, Cave Creek Fiesta Days
- Lunch Tonto Bar and Grill
- Afternoon Spur Cross Cycles, Thunderbird Arts and Wine Festivals
- Dinner The Horny Toad
- Evening The Hideaway
Day 3
- Morning Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Arizona Horseback Adventures
- Lunch Le Sans Souci Restaurant
- Afternoon Wild West Days, Hidden in the Hills Artists' Studio Tour
- Dinner Barro's Pizza
- Evening Harold's Cave Creek Corral
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Cave Creek is most easily accessed by heading north of Phoenix on I-17.
Get around
The entire town is connected through a network of horse, hiking and mountain bike trails.
See
See Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
Between the town of Cave Creek and Tonto National Forest, the Spur Cross conservation offers a wide expanse of trails through a fertile section of the Sonoran Desert, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. See Hohokam ruins and petroglyphs. Guided tours available.
Do
Outdoor activities
Do Black Mountain Summit Park
Has a number of good trails, suitable for hiking and mountain biking.
Festivals and fairs
Do Wild West Days
Takes place annually at the end of October or early November. Parades, rodeos, car shows, arts and crafts, food, music, and various other events.
Buy
Shop Art galleries
Cave Creek has many fine art galleries along its main street. The second Friday of every month is Art Night – the studios stay open until 9PM.
Eat
Budget
Eat Big Earl's Greasy Eats
A 1950s style burger joint. On Friday nights, classic car enthusiasts can be found in the parking lot.
Eat Barro's Pizza
A popular pizza shop in Cave Creek. Customers can either eat in at the store or take out. Delivery is extra.
Mid-range
Eat El Encanto
Fine Mexican dining in a romantic setting. Large duck pond and live classic guitar on the weekends.
Eat The Horny Toad
Fried food and tourist kitsch.
Splurge
Eat Le Sans Souci Restaurant
Fine French dining. Come for dinner or the four course Sunday brunch.
Eat Tonto Bar and Grill
Next to the Rancho Mañana golf course. Casual gourmet version of Cartwrights.
Drink
Drink The Hideaway
Famous biker bar. Look out for local Sonny Barger.
Drink Harold's Cave Creek Corral (Gavigan's)
Local cowboy bar/restaurant with a strong Steelers following. Live music and line dancing. Play poker with the locals and get a few tips on your stocks while you're at the table.
Drink Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse (The Chip)
Green Bay Packers/Cowboy bar. Live bull ridding on Thursday nights. Free dance lessons. Rival bar of Harold's Corral.
Sleep
Camping
Go next
- The town of Carefree shares a main street with Cave Creek.
- Cave Creek is often associated with North Scottsdale (Arizona)
Nearby
Carefree
City / town · 2 listings · 2 mi away
Anthem
City / town · 5 listings · 11 mi away
Fountain Hills
City / town · 2 listings · 20 mi away
Scottsdale
City / town · 63 listings · 23 mi away
Phoenix
City / town · 190 listings · 23 mi away
Agua Fria National Monument
Park · 2 listings · 23 mi away
Peoria
City / town · 8 listings · 24 mi away
Glendale
City / town · 21 listings · 24 mi away
My experience
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