The town of Cave Creek is nestled in the rugged yet scenic desert foothills north of Phoenix and Scottsdale. The Town encompasses approximately 31 square miles. The 2000 population of Cave Creek is 3,728 persons.
The Town of Cave Creek is named for Cave Creek, the small stream that originates in the hills to the northeast and flows southwesterly for 25 miles before reaching the vicinity of Paradise Valley. The stream derives its name from a high, overhanging bluff along its west bank that forms a wide open-mouthed cavern about two miles north of the presentday Town.
Cave Creek can trace its history back 100 years, but Native Americans were living in these hills long before any Europeans came. The Hohokam settled permanently in small villages along Cave Creek to grow crops. These original inhabitants occupied the land from about 800 A.D. until 1400 A.D. and then disappeared. After the departure of the Hohokam, the Tonto Apaches claimed the land.
The discovery of gold in California in 1848 brought thousands of miners to the West. In 1863 central Arizona had its turn at gold rush days. As prospectors explored farther eastward, the Tontos resisted their efforts of expansion and also raided their mining camps. To combat these raiders, the US Army established Fort McDowell, on the west bank of the Verde River in 1865. The actual Town of Cave Creek can trace its beginnings to the Army’s decision.
In 1874 the discovery of a rich gold mine on Gold Hill touched off a gold rush to the area. Tales of great riches to be had soon circulated through mining camps and saloons. As the miners came and went, the land began to attract more permanent settlers.
Jeriah Wood, a young cattleman from Missouri, established a ranch on the east bank of the Cave Creek. By 1877 he had built a home that was called Cave Creek Station. By 1886 there was a need for a one-room schoolhouse, and this was built beside Cave Creek. Mining activity declined around 1894, although it never stopped completely.
In 1924 Cave Creek Road was rerouted eastward and Cave Creek Station slid into oblivion. Only a few traces of the old station remain today. In 1946, electricity and telephones came to Cave Creek, and in 1952, Cave Creek Road was finally paved all of the way from Phoenix. In 1986, The Town of Cave Creek was incorporated.
Today Cave Creek is a vibrant community where the true western experience still exists. Cave Creek is small enough to feature the hospitality of a small town, yet large enough to offer visitors with the complete Arizona experience. Several fine hotels, resorts, Bed & Breakfast inns, and villas are complemented by the town’s many outstanding restaurants and bars. A wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including golf, horseback riding, and desert mountain biking and hiking are available. A thriving arts community also exists which includes numerous fine art galleries and studios.
Many say that Cave Creek offers the epitome of the Arizona experience. Others put it more simply: Cave Creek is Arizona.
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Cave Creek Population: approx. 4,884
Cave Creek to Phoenix: 33 miles
