Seven Springs Recreation Area
Located just north of the town of Cave Creek in the Tonto National Forest, this recreation area includes a picnic area and campground, both built by the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps. The site sits at about 3,5000 feet above sea level and offers a good mix of habitats, including Upper Sonoran Desert as well as a mix of deciduous riparian trees like sycamore, cottonwood, and willow. The recreation area is part of the Cave Creek Ecosystem Important Bird Area. Hiking trails can be accessed through the campground.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: From the town of Carefree, go north on Cave Creek Road (Forest Road 24) for 18 miles to Seven Springs. The last nine miles of FR 24 is gravel road that is narrow in parts with some blind curves.
Latitude: 33.966771
Longitude: -111.866638
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: Tonto National Forest pass required ($8); camping is $9 per night
Best time to visit: Spring and Fall
Habitats: Desert, Pine-oak Forest, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Dirt road access to the site can be closed following rain events.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Costa’s Hummingbird, Juniper TItmouse, Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay, Zone-tailed Hawk
Charismatic: Lesser Goldfinch, Phainopepla
Contact Information
Tonto National Forest
US Forest Service
2324 E. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: 480-595-3300
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35203
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L189680
Additional Resources:
Arizona Important Bird Areas Program
Tonto National Forest Passes
