A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Cave Creek, Arizona

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Tom's Thumb

Classic Hike Route

Tom's Thumb

Birding
strenuous
4 mi
+1,302 ft
North Mountain Loop

Classic Hike Route

North Mountain Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
1.71 mi
+683 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Quartz Loop Trail

Hike Route

Quartz Loop Trail

Views
easy
3.43 mi
+459 ft
Overton Trail

Hike Route

Overton Trail

Views
moderate
3.43 mi
+524 ft
Spur Cross - Dragonfly Loop

Hike Route

Spur Cross - Dragonfly Loop

Views
moderate
3.82 mi
+379 ft
Dixie Mountain

Hike Route

Dixie Mountain

Views
easy
1.58 mi
+682 ft
Pinnacle Peak

Hike Route

Pinnacle Peak

Views
easy
1.94 mi
+441 ft
Ridgeline Summit Trail

Hike Route

Ridgeline Summit Trail

Views
easy
1.57 mi
+546 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Skunk Tank - Cave Creek Loop

Hike Route

Skunk Tank - Cave Creek Loop

Birding
strenuous
10.2 mi
+2,006 ft
Black Canyon Trail: Emery Henderson to Highway 74

Hike Route

Black Canyon Trail: Emery Henderson to Highway 74

easy
12.65 mi
+293 ft
Black Canyon Trail

Hike Route

Black Canyon Trail

Birding
strenuous
155.09 mi
+14,780 ft
Black Canyon Trail: Table Mesa to Emery Henderson

Hike Route

Black Canyon Trail: Table Mesa to Emery Henderson

strenuous
22.22 mi
+1,927 ft
Tom's Thumb from Gateway

Hike Route

Tom's Thumb from Gateway

Birding
strenuous
11.49 mi
+2,418 ft
Windgate to Bell Pass Loop

Hike Route

Windgate to Bell Pass Loop

Birding
strenuous
10.22 mi
+2,071 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Apache Wash Trail Loop

Hike Route

Apache Wash Trail Loop

Spring
moderate
6.61 mi
+162 ft
Elephant Mountain

Hike Route

Elephant Mountain

Views
strenuous
6.67 mi
+1,388 ft
Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve

Hike Route

Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve

Views
moderate
5.67 mi
+756 ft
Union Peak Loop

Hike Route

Union Peak Loop

Views
moderate
7.71 mi
+1,148 ft
Brown's Ranch

Hike Route

Brown's Ranch

Birding
moderate
9.7 mi
+465 ft
Granite Mountain Loop

Hike Route

Granite Mountain Loop

Views
moderate
5.86 mi
+431 ft