Cave Creek Regional Park
Although its namesake ironically bypasses the park, there are plenty of non-water activities available at Cave Creek Regional Park, located north of Phoenix – you can even rent a horse to take out on a guided ride! Originally the territory of the Hohokam, Akimel O’odham, Yavapaiv Apache, and O’odham Jewed, it was established as a park in 1963. Comprising 2,922 acres, it is administered by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation.
The 10 Essentials
ACTIVITIES:
- bird-watching
- camping
- equestrian
- hiking
- mountain biking
- picnicking
- scenic drive
- stargazing
- trail running
HIGHLIGHTS:
Horse rentals (Cave Creek Trailrides)
Archery instruction
Stargazing program
Multiple historic and prehistoric cultural sites
HABITAT:
Sonoran desert; saguaro / paloverde & desert wash communities. Elevation ranges from around 2,000′ – 3,060
AVAILABILITY:
Open year-round; 6a – 8p. Ideal seasons are late fall through spring. Check park website or call for current open hours.
AMENITIES:
Nature Center (8a – 4p daily)
Amphitheater (reservable)
15+ miles of multi-use trails rated easy to moderately-difficult
Equestrian staging area
1 full hookup campground with 55 reservable campsites with access to restrooms with hot showers
4 reservable group picnic ramadas with tables, grills, outlets, trash, water, fire pit
51 individual picnic sites with tables & grills
Restrooms in picnic areas & most trailheads
Playground
Classes, guided walks, and interpretive programming
PERMITS / FEES:
Park entry is $7/vehicle or annual passes are available for $85.
Hke / Bike / Equestrian entry is $2 or annual passes are available for $30.
Annual passes include access to all Maricopa County Parks.
Camping is $32 / night (not including group options); an $8 non-refundable reservation fee may apply.
Additional fee information can be found here.
SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS:
The park includes part of the Cave Creek Ecosystem Audubon Important Bird Area.
The 315-mile Maricopa Trail passes through the park.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Kid-friendly
Dog-friendly (must be leashed and licensed)
ADA: Some facilities are accessible.
Transit: N/A
NEAREST SERVICES:
Cave Creek and Carefree are full-service towns.
HEADS-UP!
Risks include: heat-related disorders, exposure, flash flooding, rattlesnakes, numerous species of spiny cacti.. do NOT hug the teddy bear cholla!
Fire bans are in effect seasonally; gas stoves and grills are not allowed when there is an ‘extreme fire ban.’
Fires are not allowed anywhere outside of designated places.
Flora & Fauna
Despite its relatively small area, a broad diversity of plant and animal species make Cave Creek home, including:
-
Lucy’s warbler
-
Desert lavender
-
Gila monster
-
Giant millipedes
-
Bell’s vireo
- Catclaw
-
Sonoran desert tortoise
-
Desert hackberry
-
Wind scorpions
-
Elf owl
Wind: 2mph NW
Humidity: 15%
Pressure: 29.72"Hg
UV index: 0
70°F
68°F
66°F
64°F
88°F / 63°F
70°F / 54°F
66°F / 55°F
72°F / 57°F
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