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Cave Creek Ranger District
Cave Creek Ranger District is the first district on Tonto National Forest. It is located in the farthest left hand corner of the forest, and is notable for the water, hiking, and horseback riding recreation. It consists of over 570,000 acres (approximately 230,000 hectares) of Desert, Semi-Desert Grassland, Chaparral, and Pinyon-Juniper types of vegetation. The Verde River flows through this entire district; Horseshoe and Bartlett Reservoirs are located here.
Watershed protection was one of the most important reasons that the Tonto National Forest was established. Since then, the Salt and Verde rivers have had six dams constructed. While the dammed water is of great value for irrigating fields and for domestic use, it is also very popular with thousands of people who recreate in its waters every year.
Water recreation ranges from the simple to the sophisticated. Some activities require highly mechanized equipment, while other popular activities only require a swimming suit. Whatever your preferences, the Tonto National Forest has plenty to offer when it comes to water recreation.
There are also commercial partners who provide a variety of water-based recreation opportunities.
Contact information:
Address: 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Phone: (480) 595-3300
Fax: (480) 595-3346
Activities
Campground Camping
Areas for Campground Camping at Cave Creek Ranger District
- Bartlett Flat Shoreline Area
- Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point
- Civilian Conservation Corps Campground
- Horseshoe Campground
- Mesquite Campground
- Riverside Campground
- SB Cove Shoreline Area
Group Camping
Areas for Group Camping at Cave Creek Ranger District
Dispersed Camping
Areas for Dispersed Camping at Cave Creek Ranger District
Lake and Pond Fishing
Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Cave Creek Ranger District
- Bartlett Flat Shoreline Area
- Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area
- Horseshoe Campground
- Horseshoe Reservoir
- Jojoba Day Use and Motorized Boat Launch
- Ocotillo Boat Launch
- Rattlesnake Cove Day Use Area
- SB Cove Shoreline Area
- Yellow Cliffs Day Use and Motorized Boat Launch
River and Stream Fishing
Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Cave Creek Ranger District
Day Hiking
Areas for Day Hiking at Cave Creek Ranger District
- Bronco Trailhead
- Cave Creek Trail 4
- Cave Creek Trailhead
- Cottonwood CR. Trail 247
- Davenport Wash Trail 89
- Deadman Trail 25
- Dutchman Grave Trail 22
- Highwater Trail 20
- Jojoba Trail 511
- Lost Spr. Trail 279
- Palo Verde Trail 512
- Quien Sabe Trail 250
- Red Hills Trail 262
- Rock Creek Trail 42
- Sears Trail 90
- Sheep Creek Trail 88
- Skull Mesa Trail 248
- Skunk Tank Trail 246
- Verde River Trail 11
- West Fork Trail 260
- Wet Bottom Trail 269
- Willow Basin Trail 224
- Willow Trail 223
Horse Camping
Horse Riding
Areas for Horse Riding at Cave Creek Ranger District
- Bronco Trailhead
- Cave Creek Trail 4
- Cottonwood CR. Trail 247
- Davenport Wash Trail 89
- Deadman Trail 25
- Dutchman Grave Trail 22
- Highwater Trail 20
- Lost Spr. Trail 279
- Palo Verde Trail 512
- Quien Sabe Trail 250
- Red Hills Trail 262
- Sears Trail 90
- Sheep Creek Trail 88
- Skunk Tank Trail 246
- Verde River Trail 11
- West Fork Trail 260
- Wet Bottom Trail 269
- Willow Basin Trail 224
Viewing Wildlife
Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Cave Creek Ranger District
Viewing Scenery
Areas for Viewing Scenery at Cave Creek Ranger District
OHV Trail Riding
Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Cave Creek Ranger District
Interpretive Areas
Areas for Interpretive Areas at Cave Creek Ranger District
Picnicking
Areas for Picnicking at Cave Creek Ranger District
- Cave Creek Trailhead
- Needle Rock Day Use Area and Non-Motorized Beach
- Ocotillo Boat Launch
- Rattlesnake Cove Day Use Area
- Sears Kay
- Seven Springs Picnic Site
- Sheeps Bridge
- Yellow Cliffs Day Use and Motorized Boat Launch
Group Picnicking
Boating - Motorized
| Hours of Operation: | All four seasons during good weather |
|---|
Areas for Boating - Motorized at Cave Creek Ranger District
- Bartlett Flat Shoreline Area
- Bartlett Marina
- Horseshoe Reservoir
- Jojoba Day Use and Motorized Boat Launch
- Ocotillo Boat Launch
- Yellow Cliffs Day Use and Motorized Boat Launch
Boating - Non-Motorized
Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Cave Creek Ranger District
- Bartlett Flat Shoreline Area
- Box Bar Shoreline Area and River Access Point
- Catfish Point Dispersed Camping Area
- Horseshoe Campground
- Horseshoe Reservoir
- Jojoba Day Use and Motorized Boat Launch
- Mesquite Campground
- Needle Rock Day Use Area and Non-Motorized Beach
- Ocotillo Boat Launch
- Rattlesnake Cove Day Use Area
- Riverside Campground
- SB Cove Shoreline Area
- Sheeps Bridge
- Yellow Cliffs Day Use and Motorized Boat Launch
Swimming
Areas for Swimming at Cave Creek Ranger District
Alerts & Warnings
- 03-12-03-24-57 Whitlow Fire Emergency Closure Order Reduction
- 03-12-02-24-51 Oak Flat Ceremonial Closure
- 03-12-04-24-04 Colcord Campground Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-03-24-52 Forest Road 287 Area Closure
- 03-12-01-24-53 Jojoba Boat Launch Temporary Closure
- 03-12-03-24-50 Siphon Fire Trails Closure Order
- 03-12-03-24-47_Boulder Fishing Pier Temporary Closure
- 03-12-01-24-45 Wildcat Reduction Closure Order
- 03-12-00-24-43 West Fire Emergency Closure
- Equestrian Users Please Be Aware
- 03-12-06-24-27 Tonto Creek Crossing Road Closures
- 03-12-03-24-13 State Route 88 FishCreek Closure
- Federal Holiday: offices closed Monday, October 14.
- 03-12-00-23-36 Target Type Restrictions Order
- Amended - Apache Lake Closure - Lower Burnt Corral Campground remains closed
- Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures
- Occupancy and Use Restrictions
- Update on State Route 88 (Apache Trail) - August 18, 2021
- Redmond Fire Road Closure