Cave Creek first attracted attention because of it's flowing stream as early as 850 AD, when Hohokam and other groups of Indians called the area home. When gold was discovered nearby, in the 1870's, settlers moved in to stake their claims. It was then that a Phoenix businessman, William B. Hellings decided to build a road to Cave Creek, and join up with an army road that had been put in from Prescott, to ferry supplies between the forts.  Today, Cave Creek Road follows most of that original path. 

     Cave Creek Station was the first permanent settlement, constructed in 1877, shortly after the discovery of gold, when a number of mines were being worked in the area. Travelers to the area back then also enjoyed nearby springs providing a nice stopping off point.  If they were to come back today, they would still see one of the stagecoach stops,  Harold's Corral,  doing a booming business .  In the early days, the saloon was filled with a host of characters, recalled in  The Carefree-Cave Creek Foothills History book. One of the favorite summer pastimes at Harold's was to see who could sit on a 200-lb block of ice the longest!  In later years, visitors might catch Cave Creek resident, actor Dick Van Dyke playing the drums in an impromptu band onstage. 

     After incorporation,  the Town of Cave Creek attracted a number of distinctive shops and stores, in addition to popular coffee and wine bars, and  became a new cult favorite. Dining can be found in such diverse restaurants as the critically-acclaimed gourmet restaurant "Binkley's", which can be booked up weeks in advance,  to  burgers and fries at Big Earl's Greasy Eats in a converted retro gas station! Visitors can enjoy the weekly bull riding at the Buffalo Chip to sampling unusual beer at the new Tap Haus. 

     Movie crews have always enjoyed the charming town, winding around the base of Black Mountain, and Cave Creek has become a favorite weekend short drive for Phoenicians, anxious for a taste of the country, close to home.  From homestead ranches to luxury horse properties, equestrian activities are the rule in Cave Creek. Hiking and recreation opportunities abound, from the sprawling Spur Cross National Recreation Area to the Black Mountain Summit Trail. When the weather's good, expect to see hundreds of tricked-out motorcycles coming up to Cave Creek to the famous "Hideaway Bar", and make that "thousands" during Arizona Bike Week.  There's something for everybody who visits this Best of the West town!