Activities


Best Hikes in Cave Creek, Arizona
High Peaks & Honky Tonks
Cave Creek isn’t just a destination; it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing a summit or a cold beer at a historic saloon, it’s all within reach.
Best Hikes in Cave Creek, Arizona
Black Mountain Trail (Walkable from the house)
The signature hike of Cave Creek and one of the best viewpoints in the Phoenix area.
Distance: ~2.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,050 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Highlight: Incredible 360° views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains.
It’s a short but steep climb, making it a great sunrise or sunset hike.
Spur Cross Ranch – Dragonfly Loop
A beautiful desert hike through a protected conservation area.
Distance: ~3.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Wildflowers, desert creek areas, and great mountain scenery.
One of the most scenic hikes in the Cave Creek area.
Spur Cross Ranch Loop
A longer loop that explores the full preserve.
Distance: ~5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Desert wildlife, riparian areas, and mountain views.
Great for guests who want a longer morning hike.
Jewel of the Creek Preserve
Hidden gem with peaceful desert scenery.
Distance: ~3–4 miles depending on route
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlight: Quiet trails, bird watching, and spring wildflowers.
Often much less crowded than other Cave Creek trails.
Elephant Mountain Trail
One of the more adventurous hikes in the area.
Distance: ~6–7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highlight: Big elevation gains and rugged desert terrain.
Excellent for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.
Go John Trail (Cave Creek Regional Park)
A classic Sonoran Desert loop.
Distance: ~6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Giant saguaros, desert ridges, and panoramic views.
Quartz Trail
Great trail for sunset hiking.
Distance: ~3–4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Quiet desert trails with beautiful evening light.
Brown’s Ranch Trail System (Scottsdale)
One of the largest trail networks in the region.
Distance: Multiple routes (2–10 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlight: Scenic granite boulders and wide desert views.
Very popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
🎉 Cave Creek Festivals & Annual Events
🤠 Cave Creek Rodeo Days
One of the town’s biggest traditions celebrating its cowboy heritage.
When: Late March
Events: PRCA rodeo competitions, parade, bull riding, live music, and western vendors.
Location: Cave Creek Memorial Arena
This week-long celebration is one of the most authentic Arizona rodeo experiences.
🏍 Cave Creek Bike Week
Huge motorcycle rally that draws thousands of visitors.
When: Early April (about 10 days)
Highlights: Live music, stunt shows, biker rides, vendors, and parties at local bars like the Hideaway and Buffalo Chip.
It’s one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in Arizona.
🍷 Cave Creek Fine Art & Wine Festival
Outdoor art and wine tasting event at Stagecoach Village.
When: January and spring editions
Highlights: Local artists, wine tastings, food vendors, and live music.
A great event for visitors who enjoy art, food, and desert scenery.
🎨 Stagecoach Village Fine Art & Wine Festival
Another popular spring art event.
When: March
Highlights: Fine art exhibits, crafts, wine tastings, and local cuisine.
🤠 Wild West Days
One of Arizona’s largest western festivals.
When: Fall
Highlights: Cowboy reenactments, gunfight shows, live music, and western markets.
🎶 Taste of Cave Creek
A food and music celebration featuring many local restaurants.
Highlights: Restaurant tastings, drinks, and live entertainment.
🖼 Art at Frontier Town
Regular art markets and craft shows.
When: Several weekends throughout the year
Highlights: Local artists, crafts, handmade goods, and desert market atmosphere.
🎸 Live Music Festivals & Events
Cave Creek has a huge live music scene with weekly events at local bars and saloons.
Popular venues include:
Buffalo Chip Saloon
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
The Hideaway
Some locals even call Cave Creek “the Nashville of Arizona” because of its constant live music scene.
🌄 Best Sunset Spots in Cave Creek
Black Mountain Summit
Distance: Walkable from the house
Why it’s special:
The hike to the top of Black Mountain rewards you with 360° views of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale, and surrounding mountain ranges. At sunset, the sky lights up with oranges, reds, and purples.
⭐ One of the best sunset viewpoints in the entire Phoenix area.
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
A peaceful desert preserve just minutes away.
Highlights
Wide desert valleys
Mountain backdrops
Incredible colors during golden hour
Great for a quiet sunset hike or photography.
Cave Creek Regional Park
About 10 minutes away, this park offers scenic desert trails and elevated viewpoints.
Best sunset trails
Go John Trail
Quartz Trail
You’ll see saguaro forests glowing in the evening light.
Rancho Mañana / Tonto Bar & Grill Patio
One of the most relaxing sunset spots.
Why guests love it
Elevated desert views
Great cocktails and dinner
Beautiful golden-hour lighting
Perfect if you want to watch sunset with a margarita or glass of wine.
Bartlett Lake Overlook
About 30 minutes away but worth the drive.
Highlights
Mountain reflections on the water
Desert cliffs and dramatic skies
One of the most photogenic sunset locations in the area
Your Backyard Firepit 🔥
Sometimes the best sunset is right at the house.
Your property sits at the base of Black Mountain with open desert views in every direction, making it a perfect place to watch the sun drop behind the mountains.
Enjoy:
Outdoor firepit
360° desert views
Incredible stargazing once the sun sets
Top 10 Restaurants in Cave Creek, Arizona
The Grotto Café
A favorite breakfast and brunch spot with a relaxed patio. Known for breakfast burritos, sandwiches, fresh coffee, and a great local vibe.
El Encanto Mexican Restaurant
Beautiful courtyard restaurant with fountains and twinkle lights. Excellent Mexican food and margaritas in one of the most scenic patios in Cave Creek.
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
Historic cowboy bar and restaurant serving steaks, barbecue, and American classics, with live music and dancing most nights.
The Horny Toad
A Cave Creek institution since the 1970s known for fried chicken, ribs, steaks, and western comfort food.
Tonto Bar & Grill
Upscale southwestern dining located at Rancho Mañana Golf Club with beautiful desert views and creative seasonal menus.
Local Jonny’s Tavern & Café
Casual local favorite offering breakfast, burgers, tacos, craft cocktails, and live music on weekends.
Z’s House of Thai
Highly rated spot for authentic Thai food including curries, pad thai, and spicy noodle dishes.
Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse
Legendary Cave Creek cowboy bar with BBQ, steaks, live bands, and real bull riding events on certain nights.
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro
Popular Arizona chain serving Chicago-style pizza, Italian classics, and a lively family-friendly atmosphere
Big Earl’s Greasy Eats
Classic Route 66–style diner famous for burgers, shakes, and retro vibes.

Black Mountain Trail (Walkable from the house)
The signature hike of Cave Creek and one of the best viewpoints in the Phoenix area.
- Distance: ~2.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~1,050 ft
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Highlight: Incredible
360° views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains.
It’s a short but steep climb, making it a great sunrise or sunset hike.

2. Spur Cross Ranch – Dragonfly Loop
A beautiful desert hike through a protected conservation area.
- Distance: ~3.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlight: Wildflowers, desert creek areas, and great mountain scenery.
One of the most scenic hikes in the Cave Creek area.

Skiing & Winter Sports
Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in nearby alpine resorts like Les Avants, Villars, and Glacier 3000, all easily accessible from Montreux.

Lavaux Vineyard Tours
Discover the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with wine tastings and scenic walking trails overlooking Lake Geneva.






























