Cave Creek Road #42/42B Scenic Drive

In Cave Creek you’ll find spectacular scenery, world class birdwatching, a riparian area teeming with unique wildlife, and a number of Forest recreation amenities to help you enjoy all those natural wonders. On this drive, you’ll get a good picture of what’s in store for you even before you enter the Forest. The soaring cliffs of Cave Creek Canyon, pocked with caves and punctuated with pinnacles, come into view well before you arrive.

This 17-mile loop, which takes you around Silver Peak and through the old mining town of Paradise, offers excellent views of Cave Creek Canyon, as well as numerous wildlife viewing opportunities.

From Portal, follow FR 42 into Cave Creek Canyon. Stop at the Visitor Information Center, just beyond the Forest Boundary, to talk to a host, view exhibits, and pick up books, maps, and brochures. The Visitor Information Center is open year-round (except holidays) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.friendsofcavecreekcanyon.com for up-to-date hours, event schedule, and additional information. Continue following FR 42 up the canyon for about 7 miles to the Paradise Turnoff (FR 42B). Turn right and continue 3 miles to Paradise. Turn right again (still FR 42B) to return to Portal. The loop can be driven in either direction.

If you’d like to stretch your legs along the way, the Cave Creek Nature Trail (accessed from the Visitor Information Center, Silver Peak Parking Area, or Sunny Flat Campground), the Cathedral Vista Trail (accessed from the trailhead on the south side of the road between Stewart Campground and South Fork Road), or the unpaved South Fork Road are short, easy trails with excellent scenery and wildlife watching.

There are no gas stations in Portal or Paradise, Arizona or Rodeo, NM, so be sure to fill up before you arrive. The nearest gas stations are in San Simon, AZ and Road Forks or Lordsburg, NM.

Download the Cave Creek Canyon Recreation Guide.