Cave Creek Horse Properties for Sale

Cave Creek calls itself the place "where the Wild West lives," and for horse owners that's more than a slogan. The town has acreage zoning that allows horses, miles of multi-use trails right from many backyards, and two big riding areas close by: Cave Creek Regional Park and Spur Cross Ranch. If you want room for horses about 33 miles from downtown Phoenix, this is one of the best places in the Valley to look.

Cave Creek horse property at a glance
  • Horse zoning: Desert Rural (DR) zones, from DR-43 up to DR-190
  • Rule of thumb: 2+ contiguous acres in a DR zone gives you the right to keep horses
  • Riding nearby: Cave Creek Regional Park, Spur Cross Ranch, Tonto National Forest, the Maricopa Trail
  • Town trails: many lots back up to or are crossed by town trails
  • Utilities: some properties are on wells and septic, so check both
  • Nearby: Carefree, Desert Hills, New River and north Phoenix

See Cave Creek horse properties below Call Terry: 602-483-4665

Where you can keep horses in Cave Creek

Inside the Town of Cave Creek, horses go with the Desert Rural (DR) zones: DR-43, DR-70, DR-89 and DR-190, named for their minimum lot sizes in square feet (DR-190 is about 4.4 acres). Barns, corrals and horse shades are limited to the DR zones. The smaller R-35 and R-18 residential zones don't allow horses.

The town's notice to property buyers puts it simply: owning at least two contiguous acres in a DR zone gives you the right to keep horses and other livestock. The code also limits how many ranch animals you can keep per acre, and it requires corral fences to sit back at least 12 feet from property lines. Before you buy, I confirm the zoning on the exact parcel with the town, because the rules depend on the zone, not just on how much land there is.

Next door, Desert Hills and New River are unincorporated Maricopa County, so the county's zoning applies there instead. The county's Rural-190 zone, for example, lists corrals for keeping horses as a permitted use. Many buyers looking for horse property around Cave Creek end up comparing homes on both sides of the town line.

Riding trails and equestrian spots

  • Cave Creek Regional Park: more than 11 miles of shared trails, including the 5.8-mile Go John Trail, plus a horse staging area. Guided rides are also available in the park.
  • Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area: a 2,154-acre preserve about 5 miles north of town, open to horses, with a staging area and trails that lead toward the Tonto National Forest.
  • Town trail system: Cave Creek's multi-use trails link the regional park, Spur Cross, the national forest and the 300-plus-mile Maricopa Trail. Many residential lots back up to or are crossed by these trails.
  • Cave Creek Rodeo Days: a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo held every spring at Cave Creek Memorial Arena since 1977, with a parade down Cave Creek Road.

What to check before you buy horse property

Horse property is different from buying a regular house. These are the things I check with every buyer:

  • Zoning and acreage: confirm the parcel's DR zone (or county zone) and that the land is contiguous.
  • Water: parts of the area aren't served by the Cave Creek Water Company and rely on wells. If there's a well, ownership has to be transferred with the Arizona Department of Water Resources. If the well is shared, the agreement should be in writing and recorded with the county.
  • Septic: sewer isn't available everywhere. Arizona requires the seller to have the septic system inspected before the sale, and the buyer files a transfer notice with ADEQ after closing.
  • Washes and flood zones: desert washes are part of the landscape. You can check a parcel on the Flood Control District of Maricopa County's floodplain viewer.
  • Roads and access: some properties are reached by private roads the town doesn't maintain, and washes can make roads hard to use after big storms. We check the access easements on the title report.
  • HOA rules: where a property has an HOA, its CC&Rs can limit animals or structures even when zoning allows them.

Buying horse property with Terry

I help buyers sort out which properties actually fit their horses: the zoning, the layout, room for a barn or arena, trail access, and water. Some homes in the Cave Creek area also have FHA or VA loans a buyer may be able to take over. See assumable homes in Arizona.

Selling your Cave Creek horse property

Horse buyers shop for features: arena size, stalls, turnout, trail access and water. I make sure your listing spells those out so the right buyers find it. Read how to price your Arizona home to sell, or call me for a pricing plan.

Questions buyers ask

How much land do I need for horses in Cave Creek?
The town's guidance is at least two contiguous acres in a Desert Rural (DR) zone. Always confirm the zoning and animal limits for the specific parcel with the town.

Can I ride from my property to the trails?
Often, yes. Cave Creek's town trails connect to Cave Creek Regional Park, Spur Cross Ranch and the Tonto National Forest, and many lots back up to them.

Are horse properties in Cave Creek on wells?
Some are. Properties outside the Cave Creek Water Company's service area use wells, so we review the well, any shared-well agreement and the ADWR paperwork.

Is Desert Hills or New River part of Cave Creek?
No. They're unincorporated Maricopa County, so county zoning and services apply there.

More to explore

Moving to Cave Creek guide · Tatum Ranch · Scottsdale horse properties · Queen Creek horse properties · Arizona horse properties · All Cave Creek homes for sale

Looking for horse property?
Tell me what your horses need and I'll find properties with the right zoning, layout and trail access. Call or text Terry Day, REALTOR®, DeLex Realty: 602-483-4665.

Zoning, animal limits and trail details come from the Town of Cave Creek, Maricopa County and state agencies, and they can change. Confirm the rules for any specific parcel before you buy.

Cave Creek Horse Properties for Sale

31440 N 44th Street, Cave Creek
$1,599,999
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7085783 MLS ⋅ 3,908 SqFt.
Picture-Perfect Living Begins Here! Welcome to an extraordinary luxury estate where timeless elegance meets resort-style living on an expansive 1.05-acre lot. A circular driveway, 3-car garage, RV gate & parking, and beautifully manicured desert landscaping with mature trees add both grandeur & privacy. Beyond the gated courtyard, a charming porch, tranquil fountain, and stacked-stone fireplace create an impressive introduction to this exceptional residence. The interior exudes elegance with soaring ceilings, plantation shutters, abundant natural light, modern light fixtures, recessed lighting, neutral palette, and tile & wood flooring throughout. You'll love the spacious, desirable open-concept floor plan! Enhanced by a stacked-stone fireplace & media center in the welcoming living space The formal dining room is paired with a wet bar. At the heart of the home, the gourmet chef's kitchen showcases granite counters, tile backsplash, custom birchwood cabinetry, a large waterfall island w/breakfast bar, and professional-grade SS appliances w/gas cooktop & double wall ovens. Just off the front entry is the versatile den with two built-in desks & bookshelves. The owner's retreat has patio access, a walk-in closet, and a lavish ensuite with dual sinks, soaking tub, & tiled shower. Two secondary bedrooms share a pass-through bath, while the other bedroom offers direct access to the backyard. Laundry room with a sink, cabinetry for ample storage, 2 washers and 2 dryers. EXPANSIVE BACKYARD, designed for ultimate relaxation and entertainment! The full-length covered patio overlooks an elaborate paver terrace, putting green, built-in BBQ, outdoor shower, and a stunning heated Pebble Tec pool & spa. With generous open space for horses, RVs, trucks, recreational toys, or future additions, the possibilities are truly remarkable. Plus fantastic views as your daily backdrop! An exceptional blend of luxury, privacy, space, and resort-inspired living, this remarkable estate offers a rare opportunity to experience the very best of sophisticated Arizona living. What a RARE find! Pool professionally drained, cleaned and refilled 9/2026 2 AC units - 1 new 2023 1 new 2024 New water heater 2024 Turf & putting green installed 2026

31440 N 44th Street, Cave Creek

42650 N 52nd Street, Cave Creek
$5,900,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 7053214 MLS ⋅ 4,000 SqFt.
Hidden View Ranch is a rare 82.66-acre legacy property where Cave Creek flows through the heart of the ranch. Bordered by the Spur Cross Conservation Area and State Trust Land, it offers exceptional privacy, direct access to protected open space, and breathtaking mountain views in every direction. Improvements include a nearly completed custom residence with attached guest casita, a separate 1,600-square-foot home, a barn with apartment, six-stall horse barn, kennel building, and three productive water wells. The original historic Dick Van Dyke homestead is rich in history and natural beauty. This extraordinary property offers limitless potential as a premier equestrian estate, family compound, luxury retreat, or generational legacy ranch. See further information click the more tab. Hidden View Ranch is a truly extraordinary Arizona legacy property offering a rare combination of history, natural beauty, privacy, water resources, and equestrian amenities. Encompassing 82.66 acres in the heart of one of the most scenic and protected landscapes in the Desert Southwest, this remarkable ranch presents an opportunity that is becoming increasingly difficult to find and impossible to duplicate. Originally established as the historic Dick Van Dyke Homestead, Hidden View Ranch occupies a unique setting where Cave Creek seasonally flows through the property, creating a lush desert oasis unlike any other in the region. Mature cottonwoods, native vegetation, and abundant wildlife thrive along the creek corridor, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape. The property is bordered by both the Spur Cross Conservation Area and State Trust Land, ensuring exceptional privacy while providing direct access to thousands of acres of protected open space. The result is a ranch that feels both secluded and expansive, with uninterrupted mountain views stretching in every direction. Water is among the most valuable assets in the Southwest, and Hidden View Ranch is uniquely positioned in this regard. In addition to the natural presence of Cave Creek, the property benefits from three productive water wells that provide a reliable and valuable water supply for residential, agricultural, and equestrian uses. These water resources significantly enhance the ranch's long-term value and offer flexibility for future expansion and development. The improvements on the property have been thoughtfully designed to support a wide range of uses, from luxury ranch living and equestrian pursuits to guest accommodations and multigenerational ownership. The nearly completed main residence reflects exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, blending timeless design with modern comfort. An attached guest casita provides additional living space for visitors or extended family members. Complementing the main residence is a separate 1,600-square-foot home that can serve as guest quarters, staff housing, or a private residence for family members. Equestrian facilities are a central component of the ranch. The property includes a barn with an apartment, a separate six-stall horse barn, and ample room for arenas, paddocks, training facilities, and expanded horse operations. The surrounding landscape offers exceptional opportunities for trail riding and outdoor recreation, with immediate access to vast stretches of protected land. A dedicated kennel building further enhances the versatility of the property and supports a variety of ranch and sporting lifestyles. Beyond its existing improvements, Hidden Valley Ranch offers tremendous future potential. Whether envisioned as a world-class equestrian estate, a private family compound, a luxury retreat, a working ranch, or a conservation-minded legacy property, the ranch provides an unparalleled foundation for a wide range of possibilities. The combination of acreage, water, privacy, protected surroundings, and substantial infrastructure creates a unique opportunity for an owner to shape the property according to their vision while preserving its remarkable character and heritage. The ranch consists of two separate contiguous parcels, a 67.66 acre parcel that is completely vacant and a 14.993 acre parcel that has the homes and facilities located on it. It is more than a ranch; it is a legacy property of exceptional quality, historical significance, and lasting value--a rare opportunity to own one of Arizona's truly remarkable private estates.

42650 N 52nd Street, Cave Creek

34752 N 49th Street, Cave Creek
$1,350,000
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 7033870 MLS ⋅ 3,201 SqFt.
Located in a prime Cave Creek location on 2.5 acres, this updated custom Territorial home offers the perfect mix of privacy, convenience, and Arizona lifestyle living. Enjoy mountain views, stunning sunsets, and direct access to miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, all while being within walking distance to local amenities. Recent upgrades include a new 6-ft block wall surrounding the entire property, luxury vinyl flooring throughout the main living areas, new carpet in the bedrooms, new baseboards, custom master closet built-ins, new automatic blinds, and new leach lines. The open floor plan features warm finishes, quality cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a new refrigerator. Flexible layout offers 3 bedrooms plus a large office, theatre ro , optional 4th bedroom with separate exterior entrance--ideal for guests or a private workspace. The backyard is built for entertaining with a Pebble Tec pool, new Bullfrog above ground hot tub, spacious covered patio, outdoor kitchen with sink, grill, refrigerator, and fireplace, all positioned to take in the views. There is also a beautiful garden & orchard with citrus and plum trees! Equestrian amenities include a 3-stall mare motel and a large 219' x 107' arena with room to rope, rein, or team pen. Circular driveway, RV parking, and plenty of room to add an RV garage complete this exceptional property. Roof just recoated (June 2026), New AC (June 2026) and new leach field for septic (2026).

34752 N 49th Street, Cave Creek

31055 N 56th Street, Cave Creek
$7,900,000
5 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 7027213 MLS ⋅ 3,599 SqFt.
Santolina Farm is one of Arizona's most established and specialized equine facilities, offering a rare opportunity to own a fully equipped breeding, rehabilitation, and performance horse operation. Positioned on almost 10 acres, this property has been developed into a comprehensive equine facility designed for serious horsemen, breeders, veterinarians, trainers and professionals alike. Santolina Farm has built a reputation around quality, care, and advanced equine services. The infrastructure of this facility sets it apart. It is currently being used as a state-of-the-art breeding facility that includes stallion collection, mare breeding, embryo transfer and cryogenic semen services (all USDA approved). The new owner may continue these services or make it into their own amazing equestrian property. Beyond their breeding program, the farm is uniquely equipped for equine conditioning and rehabilitation, including an on-site equine swimming pool, offering a level of care and training environment rarely found in private ownership opportunities. The grounds include 47 oversized indoor insulated stalls with all the lights on timers, grooming areas, wash racks, paddocks, round pen, pasture area and a riding arena with automatic sprinklers to help with dust mitigation, creating a turnkey setup for both daily operations and high-level horse care. The stalls have rubber mats with a drainage system. The grooming areas and the breeding room have high quality rubber floors. Six of the indoor stalls are equipped with cameras to monitor the horses from the house and office. There is a beautiful primary residence, two apartments and several offices throughout the property. This property is located within minutes from Downtown Cave Creek, Westworld and so many other amenities. All of this as well as a beautiful 3600 square foot home, two separate apartments and several areas that offer office space.

31055 N 56th Street, Cave Creek

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