Top 10 Things to do in Carefree and Cave Creek, Arizona
Written and Photographed by Nicole Bandes
Cave Creek and Carefree, Arizona are two neighboring towns that offer a haven for outdoor activities, cowboy culture, fabulous food, and fine art. There’s something here for just about everyone.
The two towns have a combined population of less than 10k. But they are just a short drive from the major cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale and offer ample sites and activities to be enjoyed.
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10. Drive Carefree Highway – The Gordon Lightfoot song by the same name was inspired when he passed by this area. Admit it, you have the song going through your head now… Officially named State Route 74, Carefree Highway takes you through some breathtaking high desert scenery in the northernmost part of Phoenix.
9. Hike Spur Cross Trail – The Spur Cross Conservation Area has several trails including one that leads to petroglyphs. The mountain views and desert vistas will keep your eyes off the trail and on the horizon as you traverse hikes ranging from easy to hard. And if mountain biking is more your speed, there are trails for that too.
8. Channel Your Inner Cowboy/Girl with a Horseback Ride – Whether you are a greenhorn or a seasoned cowboy/girl, get ready to don your boots and hat. Choose one of the sunset trail rides for a truly memorable experience while witnessing one of Arizona’s amazing sunsets. Or go for the history and geology and choose the Clay Mine Ride. There are a lot of options for Trail Rides in the area so shop around and choose one that works well for you.
7. Golf Rancho Mañana – If golf is your thing, you can’t go wrong visiting the Valley of the Sun with nearly 200 courses in the Greater Phoenix area. But few of them are as stunning as Rancho Mañana. My golfer husband says this is one of his favorite courses. While the pars are short, the course is very challenging with lots of dramatic elevation changes. How else are you going to get such amazing views? You’ll get the feel of an old west dude ranch including a good chance of running across some wildlife!
6. Have a Picnic Lunch at Carefree Sundial – Arguably, the largest sundial in the United States (though this is hotly contested), the Carefree Sundial was built in 1959. The sundial is covered in copper, a fitting tribute to Arizona being the leading producer of copper in the US. Sundial Circle Plaza is a beautiful little town park with an event stage, splash park, and pet stations throughout. Bring a picnic and enjoy a taste of the desert on paved walking paths throughout. While there, grab a picture of the intersection of Ho Hum Road and Easy Street!
5. Go on a Shopping Adventure – Whether you are in the market for a great southwest souvenir or some beautiful one-of-a-kind art, there’s something for everyone here. With plenty of places to shop, you will find cute boutiques like Udder Delight that sell natural skin care products made from goat’s milk. Or shops with nothing but hot sauce and hot sauce-related products! There are antique stores and places to pick up a new pair of boots and fitted hat. Almost all of the shops are locally owned and operated.
4. Fancy a Cuppa Tea? – Once upon a time, it was considered high-class to have a tea set in the old west. Today you can kick off the cowboy boots, shake out the trail dust, and put on your Sunday best and favorite bonnet for tea at the English Rose Tea Room.
3. Hitch Up at Harold’s – There are a lot of choices for amazing food in Cave Creek and Carefree and some bring the Wild West feel right to the patio. Harold’s Corral is a local favorite for a Sunday morning trail ride and breakfast. Yes, riding horses through Cave Creek is normal and Harold’s provides the corral to keep the horses while the locals enjoy a leisurely meal before hitting the trail back home.
2. Bull Riding at Buffalo Chip Saloon – For that true Western experience, Buffalo Chip Saloon offers the perfect opportunity to grab some grub and watch, or ride, the bulls. Yep, you read that right. On certain evenings, anyone can sign up to ride a live bull. Not quite adventurous enough to ride? They also offer dance lessons and live bands.
1. Frontier Town – With a sign right out of a 50’s roadside attraction, Frontier Town can’t be missed. Dubbed as “Nearly Famous” this little town right in the center of Cave Creek replicates the old West buildings and offers TONS of great photo ops that are perfect for your next Instagram selfie.
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