Dragonfly Trail - Cave Creek, AZ
Dragonfly Trail – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Cave Creek, AZ
Dragonfly Trail is a scenic spot for dog owners seeking pet-friendly outdoor adventure in Cave Creek, Arizona. Nestled within the beautiful Spur Cross recreation area, this trail offers a peaceful loop hike with easy-to-moderate terrain, kid-friendly routes, and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the desert landscape lined with majestic saguaro cacti. Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great choice for those looking for dog-friendly hiking in the Phoenix area.
The trail is known for its diverse ecological features, including a seasonal creek bed and old mine entrance (observe safely from a distance), as well as sightings of local wildlife like rabbits. While there are no built-in amenities such as restrooms, water fountains, or waste stations, the natural beauty and relatively low foot traffic—especially in the early morning—make this a local favorite. Parking is limited in the main lot, but additional overflow areas are sometimes available on busy days. If you’re planning to explore pet-friendly trails in Cave Creek, Dragonfly Trail is a solid choice for families, beginners, and experienced hikers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Dragonfly Trail? Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they remain leashed.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is no fenced or designated off-leash dog area at Dragonfly Trail.
- Is the trail wheelchair accessible? No, the trail does not have a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the Dragonfly Trail connects with other Spur Cross area trails popular among hikers and pet owners.
- Is there shade available? There is some natural shade along the trail from trees and canyon walls, but there are no covered or built shelters.
- Where is the best place to park? There is limited parking at the main trailhead lot, with signs for overflow parking during busy times.
- Is the park good for kids? Yes, the trail is kid-friendly, though very young children may need to be carried in some sections.
- Are restrooms or water fountains available? No, there are no restrooms or water sources available—come prepared with your own water.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some areas may be muddy or challenging to access after rain, and the approach road can be tricky in wet weather.
- Are there directions or trail signs? Yes, the trails are well-marked with signs, but there may be areas without cell service—downloading a map is recommended.
Reviews
We came around 6 am. Cool breeze fresh not too strong sun, so peaceful with so many babies rabbits along the way, we do only small Dragonfly circle. I love it.
This was an easy trail hike for beginners and nice for the kiddos. We did see a rattle snake on the path just be aware
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!
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.
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