The spirit of Arizona’s Western heritage is strong in Cave Creek, located less than an hour away from Downtown Phoenix. The town – which was settled in 1870, decades before Arizona’s statehood – offers many of the things that make the state so special: horseback riding, desert trails and good ol’ cowboy-style line dancing – plus modern crowd-pleasers like art galleries, quality dining and live music.
by Jamie Faye Killin | Photography by Alyssa Buruato
3 Places To Eat
Tonto Bar and Grill
Tonto Bar and Grill has been a locals’ favorite for nearly 30 years and is part of the Rancho Manana Golf Club, which has roots dating back to the Rancho Manana Dude Ranch that opened its doors in the 1940s. The menu continues to pay homage to the state’s roots with Southwestern and Indigenous-inspired cuisine. Classic dishes include Three Sisters salsa and guacamole, golden corn chowder and ancho chile-rubbed filet.
5736 E. Rancho Manana Blvd.
480-488-0698, tontobarandgrill.com
Cowboy Pizza
Opened in 2022, Cowboy Pizza has become a fast favorite thanks to its creative pies – like the Steak & Blue, topped with garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, steak, blue cheese crumbles, crispy onions and aioli.
6920 E. Cave Creek Rd.
480-488-2588, cowboypizzaco.com
Cryin’ Coyote
Cryin’ Coyote is another relative newcomer to the dining scene. Despite the pressures of taking over the beloved Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue location, the barbecue eatery has thrived in its first year with slow-smoked standbys including brisket, pulled pork and ribs.
6130 E. Cave Creek Rd.
480-575-7155, cryincoyotebbq.com
3 Things To Do
Buffalo Chip Saloon & Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
No trip to Cave Creek is complete without visiting the classics. Take in bull-riding at Buffalo Chip, then do some country dancing at the historical Harold’s Cave Creek Corral.
6823 E. Cave Creek Rd.
480-488-9118, buffalochipsaloon.com
6895 E. Cave Creek Rd.
480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com
Cave Creek Regional Park
Cave Creek is known for its preserved desert beauty, and one of the best ways to explore it is Cave Creek Regional Park, which has several trails perfect for biking, horseback riding and hiking. Just come prepared, drink water and explore with caution – especially during the sweltering summer.
37019 N. Lava Ln.
602-506-2930, maricopacountyparks.net
The Finer Arts Gallery
Immerse yourself in Cave Creek’s art scene by exploring The Finer Arts Gallery, a 4,000-square-foot gallery housed in the historical Treehouse building, which is where the Cave Creek Craft Council – now the Sonoran Arts League – started. Today, the space features work by 50 Arizona artists and rotates pieces on a bi-yearly basis.
6137 E. Cave Creek Rd.
480-488-2923, thefinerartsgallery.com
Overnight Option
Prickly Pear Inn
Guests enjoy spacious rooms, mountain views and walkable access to shops and restaurants at this upscale boutique inn.
6268 E. Cave Creek Rd.
480-488-2616, pricklypearinnaz.com
Photo Op
Frontier Town
Complete your trip by snapping a photo with the Frontier Town cowboy sign before perusing the specialty stores.
6245 E. Cave Creek Rd.
480-488-9129, frontiertownaz.com
