Welcome to Cave Creek
Quick Facts About Cave Creek
Founded in 1870
Incorporated in 1986
Elevation range: 1,804-3,924 feet
Land area: 37.91 square miles
Population (est. 2025): 5,238
Age:
Under 20 years: 12.5%
65 years and over: 41.5%
Median: 60.3 years
Gender:
Male: 48.3%
Female: 51.7%
Cave Creek boundaries: Watch video of jurisdictional boundaries
Education level:
High school graduate: 20.4%
Associate degree: 5.2%
Bachelor’s degree: 26.5%
Graduate degree: 23.6%
Household income:
Less than $49,999: 32.3%
$50,000 ‐ $99,999: 24.2%
$100,000 ‐ $199,999: 28.2%
$200,000 or more: 21.9%
Median: $102,589
40th Anniversary With 156-Years of History
Cave Creek celebrates its incorporation.
Cave Creek, founded in 1870, began as a mining and ranching community and served as a stop for the U.S. Cavalry. Today, the town proudly showcases its Western heritage, maintaining its "Old West" appearance and charm while offering boutique shopping, art galleries, unique restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
The town will celebrate its 40th Anniversary of incorporation in 2026 after years of striving to maintain its independent character. Residents agreed to incorporate on July 6, 1986. In addition to its iconic charm, Cave Creek is a destination for some of the most remote and rugged hiking in the Phoenix metro area. Visitors can experience native plants and wildlife at Cave Creek Regional Park, which is part of the Maricopa County Parks system.
Cave Creek is also celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, which offers numerous miles of hiking trails. These range from easy walks along the creek on the Dragonfly Trail to more challenging treks up Elephant Mountain. Another experience for visitors is the Jewel of the Creek Preserve, a desert oasis filled with towering cottonwood and willow trees along Cave Creek, bordering the Conservation Area. The year-round presence of water supports a myriad of plant and animal species. Many visitors opt for horseback riding to explore the desert, while others use mountain bikes to navigate the rugged terrain and enjoy the spectacular views. The trails in Cave Creek provide physical challenges and breathtaking scenery for everyone.
Residents of Cave Creek proudly refer to themselves as "Creekers." This community is diverse, comprising artists, writers, cowboys, retirees, snowbirds, and working professionals. Where else in Arizona can you find an Italian sports car parked next to a '57 Chevy, a new Corvette, a Harley-Davidson, a pickup truck, and a horse? It's what makes Cave Creek a unique Western town like no other.
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area Celebrates its 25th Anniversary - January 9, 2026
On January 9, 2001, then-Arizona Governor Jane Hull, Maricopa County Supervisor Jan Brewer and Mayor Vincent Francia of the Town of Cave Creek signed documents that ensured the conservation of the 2,154-acre Spur Cross Ranch, designating the land as a limited-use public recreation and conservation area. The park has shared ownership between the town, the state, and Maricopa County. Maricopa County Parks Department operates and maintains the conservation area. The multi-use area features hiking, biking, and horseback riding on eight trails, as well as a segment of the 315-mile Maricopa Trail.
The conservation area holds deep historical significance, with nearly 90 documented archaeological sites that reflect use by the Hohokam people between approximately A.D. 500 and 1250. Petroglyphs attributed to the Hohokam are scattered throughout the landscape, offering lasting evidence of their presence. In later centuries, the Apache and Yavapai peoples traveled through the area as part of seasonal movements and trade routes.
Beginning in the late 1800s, prospectors and miners arrived in search of gold and other minerals. Several historic mines remain within the conservation area, including the Maricopa, Phoenix, Mashackety, and Catherine mines, marking an era of exploration and settlement.
In 1928, the land entered a new chapter with the establishment of the Spur Cross Guest Ranch. Over the decades, the ranch passed through a series of owners who adapted the land to reflect changing times, from a working cattle ranch to a destination for visitors seeking an authentic western experience. This guest ranch era represents an important transition from resource extraction to recreation, helping preserve the area’s natural and cultural character while welcoming guests to experience its rugged beauty.
Life in this rural desert community is rich and rewarding, treasured by both Cave Creek residents who have been here for generations, and those who have recently moved here. It’s important that new property owners and homeowners know that life in Cave Creek is different from life in the big city. The Town government cannot provide the same level of service that big city governments provide. The information included in this Town of Cave Creek’s version of "The Code of the West" is designed to help you make an educated an informed decision as you consider purchasing or developing land in the Town of Cave Creek.