Cave Creek Regional Park
Cave Creek Regional Park
Cave Creek Regional Park
4.5
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Restaurants
10 within 3 miles
Attractions
45 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
298 reviews
Excellent
218
Very good
67
Average
11
Poor
2
Terrible
0
worms2u
Washington DC106 contributions
Feb 2020
Made the mistake of coming here with expectation of an hour or two of just casual roadside site-seeing and paid $7 to enter, only to drive a short loop and leave about 30 minutes later. Looks like a popular and good destination for horseback riding and there are some significant hiking trails. It looks to be a good destination for overnight RV stays. For a casual, easy walk (rather than hiking per se), the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area nearby seemed more approachable, perhaps more interesting, and free (but very limited parking).
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ginny S
Lexington, KY50 contributions
Aug 2019
We loved our hikes in the park and my kids loved the desert themed playground! The cactus swing was their favorite. The views in the park are amazing and I LOVE all the saguaro cacti. We were there in August so it was hot but a great early morning activity. The desert is just amazing. The park is a great place for mountain bikers as well. My kids enjoyed watching them on the trails. The nature center is awesome and the Gila monster and rattlesnake were really fun. The volunteer was great with information about the area for us. We are from the eastern part of the U.S. so the desert was a whole new experience for my 3 kids.
Written May 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian Redd
Phoenix, AZ30 contributions
May 2020
What a great place to hike! Especially now with social distancing, the park, at least when I was there, was pretty empty. I think it's because of the $7 entry fee. If you have a Maricopa County pass or don't mind paying the fee, I highly recommend it! One thing, the park is pretty big, so I'd recommend downloading the app, Avem. It will help you find all park amenities including camp sites!
Written June 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mojomo
Texas6,492 contributions
May 2020 • Family
Needed to get out and stretch our legs and still maintain some social distancing.
So we drive to Cave Creek regional park.
This was late afternoon and Mother’s Day Sunday, so thankfully not many people there.
The parking slots near the trails and restrooms were marked off with cones so that it was every other space, unlike what we’d encountered over at McDowell Preserve & Lost Dog Wash trail.
We used a bathroom facility that had good air flow and regular toilets, sink & hand soap dispenser.
The parkland is very nice. Lots of Saguaro peppered around. Also noted lots of chollo and fish hook cacti.
We saw wild rabbits & a few lizards dart across the roads and trails.
We got there late enough in the afternoon that the mountains formed some shade on the trail.
We took the Go John trail and I loved the fact that it was not so rocky that you could actually look around and enjoy the scene, rather than have to constantly watch your step. We did some of that (watching our steps) too, just as a precaution against possible rattlesnakes. Thankfully we did not see any.
The trail was really nice and clearly marked, although I don’t think it indicated the length. It was a good gradual accent, not too difficult, that allowed for nice views.
My only gripe was the gnats/flies. I assume that is what they were. They were extremely pesky! My daughter in particular was swarmed. We had no bug spray, so my husband put sunscreen on her legs. Not sure if that helped. They did not bother me as much. As soon as I realized they were not biting or stinging, I tried to ignore them.
We only walked about 40 minutes on the trail because of these.
As we headed out of the park, the view was great. There were streaks of scattered showers streaming here & there. Lightning off in the distance.
Saw some saguaros in bloom!
So we drive to Cave Creek regional park.
This was late afternoon and Mother’s Day Sunday, so thankfully not many people there.
The parking slots near the trails and restrooms were marked off with cones so that it was every other space, unlike what we’d encountered over at McDowell Preserve & Lost Dog Wash trail.
We used a bathroom facility that had good air flow and regular toilets, sink & hand soap dispenser.
The parkland is very nice. Lots of Saguaro peppered around. Also noted lots of chollo and fish hook cacti.
We saw wild rabbits & a few lizards dart across the roads and trails.
We got there late enough in the afternoon that the mountains formed some shade on the trail.
We took the Go John trail and I loved the fact that it was not so rocky that you could actually look around and enjoy the scene, rather than have to constantly watch your step. We did some of that (watching our steps) too, just as a precaution against possible rattlesnakes. Thankfully we did not see any.
The trail was really nice and clearly marked, although I don’t think it indicated the length. It was a good gradual accent, not too difficult, that allowed for nice views.
My only gripe was the gnats/flies. I assume that is what they were. They were extremely pesky! My daughter in particular was swarmed. We had no bug spray, so my husband put sunscreen on her legs. Not sure if that helped. They did not bother me as much. As soon as I realized they were not biting or stinging, I tried to ignore them.
We only walked about 40 minutes on the trail because of these.
As we headed out of the park, the view was great. There were streaks of scattered showers streaming here & there. Lightning off in the distance.
Saw some saguaros in bloom!
Written May 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T.C.
Massachusetts22 contributions
Oct 2019
Free parking and entry with a wonderful visitor center. Make sure to bring lots of water and wear comfortable shoes. Even though many parts are rocky, there are low-impact trails (make sure to grab a guide map!). I have knee problems and was able to enjoy a long hike. We saw lots of little lizards and a tarantula hawk!
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim S
Bellevue, WA69 contributions
Jan 2023
Wonderful desert hiking with miles of trails. Some good peaks to climb for a great view. In the winter, the snakes are snug in their dens hibernating, so no risk there. There is one canyon with running water, so when the snakes do come out (late March), that's where they hang out. I did most of my hiking in Jan-Feb and saw zero, but when we came back on an 84F day in late March, we saw 3 rattlesnakes in one hour by the creek. A great place to hike.
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JimRiesterer
Edina, MN6,039 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
A wonderful and relaxing walk amidst towering saguaro cactus along a creek.
My wife located this on a hiking app and as we were looking for something not too strenuous (I had a cold) and we were up near carefree anyway, sought this out, you find it along a gravel road and there is a small parking lot (maybe trim for 12 cars). Enter the trail by goingg through the iron gate. There are a couple of different circular routes -all well marked. We went on the longer, Dragonfly trail that walked along tHe ridge before decenting down to the creek. There were two Stream crossing with small wooden bridges placed over the 6” deep water. (I tHink it may have rained recently when we were there in late January).
We spent maybe an hour on our hike. Parts of the trail are quite rocky so you’ll want sturdy shoes and there is some modest up and down but definitely on the easy side so this is fine for all ages. As with all trails a bring some water.
The best part of the walk is through towering cactus-easily 50 feet high all with crazy gnarled limbs. We got some great pictures.
Highly recommended
My wife located this on a hiking app and as we were looking for something not too strenuous (I had a cold) and we were up near carefree anyway, sought this out, you find it along a gravel road and there is a small parking lot (maybe trim for 12 cars). Enter the trail by goingg through the iron gate. There are a couple of different circular routes -all well marked. We went on the longer, Dragonfly trail that walked along tHe ridge before decenting down to the creek. There were two Stream crossing with small wooden bridges placed over the 6” deep water. (I tHink it may have rained recently when we were there in late January).
We spent maybe an hour on our hike. Parts of the trail are quite rocky so you’ll want sturdy shoes and there is some modest up and down but definitely on the easy side so this is fine for all ages. As with all trails a bring some water.
The best part of the walk is through towering cactus-easily 50 feet high all with crazy gnarled limbs. We got some great pictures.
Highly recommended
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seabrookgal
Beverly, NJ540 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Cave Creek Regional Park was our first stop on an extended trip to Arizona. It was a nice beginning for us. Our main goal was to see the large number of saguaro cacti in the area. Although there is a lot to do here, for us it was a quick stop for some photo ops.
The park fee is $7 per car. There is apparently also camping here. There is a nice visitor center and gift shop. There are also picnic tables and a landscaped garden. But why many people seek out this park is the hiking trails. We weren't interested in hiking, so we didn't see some of the more "famous" cacti, including the Michelin Man. But we did see a large photo of it in the Visitor Center. We did enjoy the garden, identifying the plants, trees and flowers that were on display.
The park fee is $7 per car. There is apparently also camping here. There is a nice visitor center and gift shop. There are also picnic tables and a landscaped garden. But why many people seek out this park is the hiking trails. We weren't interested in hiking, so we didn't see some of the more "famous" cacti, including the Michelin Man. But we did see a large photo of it in the Visitor Center. We did enjoy the garden, identifying the plants, trees and flowers that were on display.
Written May 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amelulu
Hartland, WI199 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Excellent park with hiking trails for every level of hiker!
The park offers picnic tables and grills, a visitor center and small gift shop, restrooms and a variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers.
Today we hiked approximately 4 miles starting at the Slate Trail head which connects to the Quartz Trail and then ending on a short section of the Go John Trail before connecting with the last leg of the trail to the parking area(s) along the main roadway.
The trails offer awesome views of the park, cactus, and many forms of rocks, Ace were a s wildlife. We saw and heard many birds, a roadrunner and the very early beginnings of some wild flower blooms.
The Quartz Trail takes you to some higher elevations without it being too strenuous of a climb to the beautiful scenery overlooking many valleys, and the beautiful park from various vantage points. There are several memory benches to rest on along the way.
Be sure to take plenty of water and protein snacks to enjoy on your hikes.
You will see the "Michelin Man" cactus and the "Three Amigos" cactus on the Slate and Quartz/Go John trail where they intersect.
The park offers picnic tables and grills, a visitor center and small gift shop, restrooms and a variety of hiking trails for all levels of hikers.
Today we hiked approximately 4 miles starting at the Slate Trail head which connects to the Quartz Trail and then ending on a short section of the Go John Trail before connecting with the last leg of the trail to the parking area(s) along the main roadway.
The trails offer awesome views of the park, cactus, and many forms of rocks, Ace were a s wildlife. We saw and heard many birds, a roadrunner and the very early beginnings of some wild flower blooms.
The Quartz Trail takes you to some higher elevations without it being too strenuous of a climb to the beautiful scenery overlooking many valleys, and the beautiful park from various vantage points. There are several memory benches to rest on along the way.
Be sure to take plenty of water and protein snacks to enjoy on your hikes.
You will see the "Michelin Man" cactus and the "Three Amigos" cactus on the Slate and Quartz/Go John trail where they intersect.
Written March 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B0bK
Bluffton, SC19,436 contributions
Nov 2021
We camped here for a week and LOVE the place. Sites are for the most part very large and secluded from your neighbor. The park offers lots of bike, hiking, and horse trails.
Great place to stay when exploring the area.
BObK
Great place to stay when exploring the area.
BObK
Written November 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a site map showing the RV camp sites and their location?
Written August 12, 2015
Karen E
Phoenix, Arizona
Is there anything happening in January, 2015? Other then the 101 class? I'd like to bring some out-of-town visitors but would like to know if there'll be pressings or such going on. Thanks.
Written January 22, 2015
I am sure you went to the website -- I saw some activities with the Ranger at the end of January. Have fun!
Written January 25, 2015
deborah j
Scottsdale, Arizona
Is there an off leash dog park attached? If not, where can I find one? Dog park search leads me nowhere.
Debbie Junker
Written January 5, 2015
Please double check with Pleasant Harbor RV/Marina but not at Cave Creek.
Written January 6, 2015
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