The Preserve at the Cave

Cave Creek, one of the last free flowing streams remaining in Maricopa County, bubbles up from springs in Tonto National Forest and makes its way through the town of Cave Creek. It is believed by many people that the creek and subsequently the town were named for this unique geological feature - a 100 foot rock shelter carved into the west bank of the flood plain.

Studies of the cave by the Desert Foothills Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society have documented habitation by various cultures, including the pre-historic Hohokam people (ca. A.D. 1 -1450) who built an extensive system of irrigation canals along Cave Creek. The rock art chipped and painted on the walls of the cave and the grinding holes in the floor date from these periods.

Because of the cave's unique history, fragile environment and identification with the town and the creek, the Desert Foothills Land Trust had long felt that it was a significant part of the foothill's heritage, one that should not be endangered. The previous owners of the property, Fred and Cathie Rosenbaum, enthusiastically agreed and worked with the Desert Foothills Land Trust to protect 15 acres including one quarter of a mile of the creek.

In March 1996 the site became a conservation easement under the management of the Desert Foothills Land Trust. In October 1996 an additional conservation easement, donated by Bill and Debbie Burnstein, was added to the Preserve at the Cave, bringing the size to 16.4 acres.

Because the Preserve at the Cave is located on private property and the archaeological and ecological features are very sensitive to disturbance, access to the preserve is strictly limited to six pre-arranged field trips per year. Contact the Desert Foothills Land Trust for more information on schedules and availability.

Photos by Mark Sarantos