Dragonfly Trail
A 1.7-mile loop in Cave Creek, AZ, featuring saguaro forests, shaded canopies, and an old mine. Kid & dog-friendly!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Water may flow, fewer crowds
Dragonfly Trail
Best Time
Water may flow, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1.7-mile loop in Cave Creek, AZ, featuring saguaro forests, shaded canopies, and an old mine. Kid & dog-friendly!
"The views of the Saguaro Cactus and Mountains will never get old to me. "
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Download your trail map before you go! :iphone:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be rocky in places. Good hiking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Saguaro Cactus Forest
Trailhead area
Towering saguaros create a classic Arizona desert landscape. Perfect for photos!
Shaded Canopy
Lower sections of the trail
Experience a surprising contrast with shaded areas and fall leaves.
Old Mine Entrance
Along the trail
Observe a historical mine entrance from a safe distance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Creek
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Download your trail map before you go! :iphone:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be rocky in places. Good hiking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Kid-Friendly (with caveats)
Best for kids 4+, younger ones may need carrying. :child:
Bring Water
No facilities on the trail. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Download your trail map before you go! :iphone:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be rocky in places. Good hiking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Kid-Friendly (with caveats)
Best for kids 4+, younger ones may need carrying. :child:
Bring Water
No facilities on the trail. Stay hydrated! :droplet:
Dog-Friendly Trail
Leashed dogs are welcome on this loop! :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Dragonfly Trail for its spectacular views of saguaro cacti and the surprising contrast of shaded forest areas. The trail is generally easy to follow and offers a unique desert hiking experience. However, some note that the creek bed is often dry, and the final approach road can be challenging after rain.
"This was a wonderful trail to hike. The views are spectacular as you get to hike along side the saguaro cacti. There are parts of this hike that remind me of the Midwest with the trees and fallen leaves. It was beautiful. The signs were very clear and you can follow the trail easily.
There are parts where there is no service so be sure to download the map before you go"
Ninorta Kasso
"We love this trail and come as often as we can. Spur Cross has some of the best trails and views around. It’s even better after it rains. Dragonfly can feel a little challenging, but is good for all skill level. I could spend all day here."
Janelle
"Overall, Dragonfly Trailhead offers a fun hiking experience with the added bonus of an old mine to observe from a safe distance. The trail provides a nice outdoor adventure, though depending on when you visit, note that seasonal water may not be flowing despite what many pictures make it look like. No such water was flowing during our mid-February visit.
The approach to the trailhead requires navigating a dirt road for the final mile or so, which might be challenging for some vehicles, especially during or after wet weather. Parking is limited in the main lot, though we were fortunate to find a space. There are signs indicating additional parking areas for busier days.
An interesting feature along the trail is an old mine entrance. We respected the posted warnings and observed it only from the designated safe area. It appears that local wildlife has adopted the entrance as shelter, which adds an interesting ecological element to the hike.
As I mentioned in the beginning, it's worth noting that during our mid-February visit, there was no water flowing in the creek bed. Hikers hoping to see the waterway active might want to plan their trip for a different season when precipitation is more likely.
No additional facilities or amenities were found, so hikers should come prepared with water and other necessities for the trail.
My wife and I had seen this hike on a list of "kid friendly" hikes. That said, it was pretty rough for our toddler and I ended up carrying her a lot of the way. Our thought is 4+ years old and you'll be good. Any younger and expect to carry them a bit.
Should you visit Dragonfly Trailhead, I hope you enjoy the natural beauty and historical elements as much as we did!"
Scott Ferreira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dragonfly Trail is located at Jewel of the Creek Preserve in Cave Creek, AZ. You can park at the main Jewel of the Creek lot or use overflow parking further up the road. Be aware that the final mile to the trailhead is a dirt road, which can be challenging after rain.
The last mile is a dirt road. It's manageable for most vehicles, but can be challenging, especially during or after wet weather.
Limited parking is available at the main trailhead. Overflow parking is available further up the road, and signs indicate additional areas for busier days.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching trailheads in Cave Creek. It's best to plan for a personal vehicle.
No, cell service is unreliable on the Dragonfly Trail. It's highly recommended to download offline maps before you start your hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Dragonfly Trail at Jewel of the Creek Preserve is free to access.
The preserve is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's always a good idea to check local park information for specific hours.
No advance booking is required for the Dragonfly Trail. It's a public access trail.
There are no bathrooms available at the Dragonfly Trail trailhead. Please plan accordingly.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the Dragonfly Trail, making it a great option for hiking with your furry friends. +1
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Dragonfly Trail is a 1.7-mile loop, making it a relatively short and manageable hike. +2
The trail is rated as easy and is suitable for most skill levels, though some find it a bit rocky.
You'll experience a variety of scenery, including classic saguaro cactus forests, shaded canopies with fall leaves, and potentially a dry creek bed. +1
Yes, it's generally considered kid-friendly, but best for children aged 4 and up. Younger toddlers might require carrying.
The creek bed is often dry, especially outside of the spring season or after significant rainfall. Don't expect flowing water year-round.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the majestic saguaro cacti, the unique contrast of shaded forest areas, and the historical mine entrance. Early morning light is particularly beautiful.
Absolutely! The diverse desert landscape, mountain views, and unique flora offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the saguaros and avoiding harsh midday sun.
Yes, you can observe and photograph the old mine entrance from a designated safe area. Respect all posted warnings.
The trail itself offers numerous viewpoints, especially where the saguaros are abundant and along the sections with contrasting vegetation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Dragonfly Trail
One of the most striking features of the Dragonfly Trail is the dramatic shift in landscape. You'll start by hiking through a classic Arizona saguaro cactus forest, offering iconic desert views and fantastic photo opportunities.
For those interested in history, the trail also passes by an old mine entrance. Visitors are advised to observe this feature from a safe distance, respecting all posted warnings.
The Jewel of the Creek Preserve
While the Dragonfly Trail itself is free to access, the preserve is a testament to the importance of protecting Arizona's unique desert ecosystems. The preserve aims to maintain the natural habitat for local wildlife and preserve the scenic beauty for recreational use.
It's important to note that the creek within the preserve is often dry, especially outside of the spring season or after substantial rainfall. Many photos may depict the creek flowing, but visitors should manage expectations, as water is not a constant feature.
Best Practices for Your Visit
When it comes to footwear, sturdy hiking shoes are highly recommended due to the rocky terrain in certain sections.
Finally, remember that the Dragonfly Trail is dog-friendly, so you can bring your leashed canine companions along for the adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit