Located just north of Phoenix, Arizona, Cave Creek is a rustic town that has managed to preserve much of its Old West charm and history. From cowboy bars to western boutiques, Cave Creek offers visitors a chance to experience a bit of the Wild West while taking in the beautiful desert landscape.
The Old West Is Alive in Cave Creek
While many towns in the Southwest claim to have a rich Western heritage, Cave Creek truly lives up to that claim. Once a mining camp and later a ranching community, the town has managed to hold onto much of its frontier flavor. Unlike many other towns that have developed into modern suburbs, Cave Creek has remained true to its roots.
Visitors can take a stroll down Cave Creek’s historic main street, where they’ll find stores that sell everything from cowboy boots and hats to Native American jewelry and pottery. The town’s Western-style restaurants offer up hearty meals of steak, ribs, and other meats cooked over an open flame.
One must-see attraction in Cave Creek is the Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, which has been serving up drinks, food, and live music for over 60 years. There, visitors can watch bull riding competitions, learn line dancing, and try their hand at a game of horseshoes.
Exploring Desert Beauty
Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, Cave Creek offers visitors a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The desert is home to many unique plants and animals that are not found anywhere else in the world.
One of the best ways to experience this beauty is by taking a hike or a horseback ride through the desert. There are many trails that wind through the desert hills, offering stunning views of the landscape. Some of the popular trails include the Go John Trail, the Elephant Mountain Trail, and the Spur Cross Trail.
Another way to take in the desert beauty is by visiting one of the area’s parks. Cave Creek Regional Park offers camping, hiking, and horseback riding opportunities, as well as stunning desert scenery. The park is home to many different types of cactus, as well as wildlife such as the desert tortoise, javelina, and Gila monster.
Keeping The Western Spirit Alive
While Cave Creek has managed to hold onto much of its Old West charm, it is also a modern community that is committed to preserving the town’s Western heritage. The Cave Creek Museum, located in the heart of town, offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of the area, from the prehistoric Hohokam Indian tribe to the mining and ranching days.
The town is also home to many Western-themed events throughout the year, such as the Cave Creek Rodeo Days, which takes place in March and includes a parade, a rodeo, and other festivities. In February, the town celebrates the Wild West Days, a weekend-long event that includes a costume parade, a chili cook-off, and live entertainment.
A Must-Visit Destination
With its rich Western heritage and stunning desert scenery, Cave Creek is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the Wild West. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or simply soaking up the charm of the Old West, Cave Creek has something for everyone.