Highlands Lands
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS


The Cave Creek area bursts with Western history, magnificent scenery, fine and funky art galleries, recreational opportunities and an eclectic array of shops and restaurants. Whether you walk, bicycle, ride a horse or drive a car, the best attractions northeast of Phoenix are just minutes from your home in the Highlands at Canyon Ridge.
Historic Sites

Remnants of prehistoric Indian societies and late 19th- to early 20th-century gold, silver and copper mining activity are abundant in the Desert Foothills that surround Cave Creek. Rocks etched with symbolic Hohokam Tribe drawings are scattered throughout the desert terrain, and abandoned mines that turned out to be richer with history than booty are still visible on some mountains.

Spur Cross Ranch and the Sears-Kay ruins in the Tonto National Forest are two local preservation areas to visit for Hohokam relics. The Go John Canyon Preserve offers glimpses of Hohokam ruins, the Old Stage Trail and the site of Cave Creek's original cemetery.

Tours of Cave Creek area mines are available by jeep (Rackensack Tours) and on horseback (Cave Creek Trail Rides).

For an in-depth overview of Cave Creek's Hohokam and mining history visit the Cave Creek Museum or its Website.



Recreation and Relaxation

Living in the Highlands at Canyon Ridge is better than taking a vacation. You can hike, go horseback riding, cycling, boating, golfing or swimming, play tennis, or get a tan or spa treatment any day of the week, and return to the comfort of your own bed every night.

      Hiking, Horseback Riding and Cycling
Go John Canyon
Cave Creek Recreational Park
Spur Cross Ranch Preserve
Tonto National Forest

      Boating
Bartlett Lake

      Golf and Spas

The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa
Rancho Manana
Dove Valley Ranch
Troon North




Art Galleries and Shops

Since the early 20th century, the unparalleled scenery and sunlight has beckoned highly-respected artists from all over the world to settle in the Cave Creek area. You can discover and purchase their works—which represent every medium and style—in local galleries, outdoor art shows and in their home studios.

For more information about Cave Creek area artists, art shows and art galleries visit the following Websites
Sonoran Arts League
Thunderbird Artists Art Festivals
Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce Website
El Pedregal



Cowboy Bars and Fine Dining


You still occasionally see horses tied to the hitching posts outside historic Harold's Cave Creek Corral and the Buffalo Chip Saloon, two of Cave Creek's most notorious watering holes. No matter what kind of dining experience you crave, from tea room, coffee house or wine bar fare to classic French cuisine, you'll find it in and near Cave Creek.

Tonto Bar & Grill
Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse
Cave Creek Coffee Company
English Rose Tea Room
Harold's Cave Creek Corral

For more restaurants see: Cave Creek Restaurant Listing.