Cave Creek Recreation Area

Hiking the Cave Creek Recreation Area provides some of the best scenery in the desert, as well as a good variety of walks for the whole family.   

On a recent Sunday two families with kids decided to drive up to Cave Creek Regional Park for a little walk.  We chose the Go John Trail to the Overton Trail because it is a loop – no sense backtracking when you have kids to entertain.

This particular day was cool and a little cloudy, perfect for a walk in the desert.  As spring approaches, this promises to be a wonderful hike to view the wildflowers.  Our hike provided plenty of green desert plants with a few tiny blooms.  The coming weeks will be spectacular with the variety of fauna.

Located northwest of Fountain Hills, this 2,922-acre county regional park sits in the upper Sonoran Desert. Drive west on Shea to Scottsdale Road.  Take Scottsdale Road north to Carefree Highway, then turn west.  Take Carefree Highway to 32nd Street.  Take 32nd street north to the Cave Creek Regional Park.

The Go John Trail loops around a mountain and links with the Overton Trail, offering some challenge with a few good inclines, then leveling out and finally giving way to a pretty flat ending to the 4.5 mile hike.

As is necessary wherever you may hike, water is important when you walk in the desert.  Sunscreen and hats also are recommended. 

Cost to get in to the park is $5 per vehicle.  Most all the trails in the regional park are shared use, non-motorized access. The park is open 365 days a year from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  The regional park offers picnic grounds, a playground, restrooms and overnight camping in limited areas.

This hike was first featured March 2005 and revised February 2007.