Cave Creek Regional Park
Dramatic desert elevations and old-school Arizona singletrack.
About This Trail
Cave Creek Regional Park sits on over 2,900 acres of rugged Sonoran Desert with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,060 feet, and its trails are some of the most scenic in the county park system. The park offers more than 15 miles of multi-use trails, with the 5.8-mile Go John Trail serving as the signature ride — a challenging loop with significant elevation changes and spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding desert plains. The trails here connect to the Maricopa Trail and the broader regional network, including access to the Tonto National Forest. The terrain is classic Arizona desert singletrack: rocky, rugged, with steep pitches and technical descents that reward confident bike handling. What sets Cave Creek apart is the dramatic elevation change — climbs feel earned, and the views from the ridgelines are genuinely stunning. The park also has a competitive mountain bike track for riders who want high-speed, purpose-built riding. For Anthem riders, it's an easy drive east on Carefree Highway, and the Go John loop alone makes the trip worthwhile. Just be aware that this is also popular horse country, so yield to equestrians on the trails.
Highlights
- Go John Trail is a 5.8-mile loop with dramatic elevation changes and some of the best views in the county park system.
- Connects to the Maricopa Trail and Tonto National Forest for extended ride options.
- Elevation range of 2,000–3,060 feet means real climbs and rewarding ridge-top panoramas.
- Competitive mountain bike track available for high-speed, purpose-built riding.
Riding Tips
Ride the Go John Trail counter-clockwise to get the big climb out of the way early and finish with a flowy descent.
The trails are multi-use with heavy equestrian traffic — always yield to horses and announce yourself early.
Bring cash or card for the $10 vehicle entry fee, or invest in a Maricopa County Parks annual pass if you plan to visit regularly.
Connect to the Maricopa Trail from the park for a longer point-to-point ride toward Spur Cross or Lake Pleasant.
Heading to Cave Creek Regional Park?
Stop by Sunset Cyclery first for a pre-ride tune-up, fresh tires, or trail recommendations from people who actually ride here.