If you've only played golf in downtown Scottsdale, you haven't seen what the Sonoran Desert can really do to a golf course. Drive 30 minutes north on Cave Creek Road and the strip malls and resort corridors give way to towering saguaros, jagged granite boulders, and open desert that stretches to the Tonto National Forest. This is Cave Creek and Carefree territory — two small towns that trade Scottsdale's polish for something grittier and more authentic.
The golf here matches the landscape. You won't find manicured resort corridors or condo-lined fairways. Instead, you'll play through natural washes, around ancient boulder formations, and across terrain where javelina, roadrunners, and the occasional bobcat share the course with you. For golfers who want desert golf without the tourist-town feel, Cave Creek and Carefree deliver the real thing.
Quick Reference
| Course | Type | Green Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| (South) | Resort | $159-$329 | Best desert scenery in Arizona |
| Public | $55-$157 | Affordable desert golf with elevation | |
| Private (Desert Mountain) | Members only | Jack Nicklaus design with valley views | |
| Private (Desert Mountain) | Members only | Strategic target golf, 126 bunkers |
The Courses
Boulders Golf Club (South Course)
Address: 34631 N Tom Darlington Dr, Carefree, AZ 85377 Green Fees: $159-$329 (dynamic pricing, peak season Jan-Apr) Par/Yardage: Par 71, 6,917 yards
The is the reason most golfers make the drive to Carefree, and the South Course is the one you can actually play without a membership. Jay Morrish designed both the North and South courses in the mid-1980s using a minimalist approach — routing holes through the existing boulder formations rather than blasting them out of the way. The result is golf holes that look like they belong here, not like they were forced into the desert.
The South Course is the more dramatic of the two layouts. Several holes thread directly through massive granite boulder piles, some of which are 12 million years old and tower 30 feet above the fairway. You'll hit approach shots over natural rock outcroppings and putt on greens framed by boulders the size of houses. The 2022 renovation added TifEagle Bermuda greens that roll true and fast, a major improvement over the old surfaces.
Insider tips:
- The North Course is members-only. Don't show up expecting to play 36 holes on both tracks.
- Book 90 days out through their online system for the best dynamic pricing. Peak season rates in February and March often hit $300+, but shoulder months like November and late April drop to the $160-$200 range.
- Afternoon rates after 1 PM can save you $50-$80 during peak season. The back nine plays into the sunset with some of the best light you'll find on any Arizona course.
- This course gets cart-path-only conditions more often than you'd expect — the terrain is naturally rugged, and after rain events, they protect the desert floor.
Rancho Manana Golf Club
Address: 5734 E Rancho Manana Blvd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 Green Fees: $55-$157 Par/Yardage: Par 70, 6,016 yards (back tees)
sits on the site of a 1940s dude ranch, and that laid-back character still defines the place. This is a Troon-managed facility that punches well above its price point. At under 6,100 yards from the tips, it's not a bomber's course — but the elevation changes, blind shots, and tight desert corridors demand shotmaking over raw distance.
The front nine routes through Cave Creek Wash, climbing steadily in elevation. By the 5th or 6th hole, you can see Camelback Mountain behind you, Mummy Mountain to the south, and the Tonto National Forest ahead. The back nine wraps around a large lake and finishes with two par 5s in the last three holes, sandwiched around a par 3 with water running down the entire right side. Bill Johnston's design makes the most of limited yardage by asking for precision at every turn.
Insider tips:
- This is one of the best value plays north of Scottsdale. Summer rates drop to $55, and even January-March rarely exceeds $130 for a morning tee time.
- The course plays shorter than the yardage suggests because of significant downhill shots on several holes, but don't let the distance fool you — the slope of 128 comes from the tight landing areas and desert carry shots.
- The practice facilities are solid: driving range, short-game area, and putting green. Arrive 30 minutes early and use them — cold starting at Rancho Manana leads to a lot of desert ball searching on the opening holes.
- Club rentals run $60 per round, reasonable for the area.
Chiricahua Golf Course (Desert Mountain Club)
is the fifth Jack Nicklaus design at Desert Mountain and one of six courses available to members of this massive private community. At 7,347 yards and par 72, it's the most visually dramatic of the Desert Mountain layouts, with eight holes playing downhill, nine uphill, and one that plays sideways along a ridge.
The course climbs from 3,000 feet to 3,300 feet in elevation, and from the Chiricahua Clubhouse — an Italian-inspired structure perched on the hillside — you get panoramic views of the entire Phoenix metro area. Golf Digest has ranked Chiricahua on its Second 100 Greatest list, and it regularly appears among Arizona's best private courses.
Access: Members and guests only. If you want to play Chiricahua, you'll need a member invitation. For details on , initiation fees start at $250,000 for full golf access to all six courses.
Outlaw Golf Course (Desert Mountain Club)
The takes a different approach than its sister courses at Desert Mountain. Where Chiricahua rewards power, Outlaw demands placement and strategy. The layout features 126 bunkers and greens that range from 5,000 to 14,000 square feet — some of the largest and smallest putting surfaces you'll find on the same course.
Nicklaus designed Outlaw to require controlled distance off the tee rather than maximum yardage. It's the course Desert Mountain members choose when they want to think their way around 18 holes instead of overpower them.
Access: Members and guests only. Same Desert Mountain membership applies.
Why Cave Creek & Carefree for Golf
The Desert Experience Without the Resort Markup
Scottsdale's resort corridor charges a premium for the desert golf experience, and you're often playing alongside condos and hotel rooms. Cave Creek and Carefree deliver authentic Sonoran Desert golf without the resort packaging. The Boulders is technically a resort course, but it feels nothing like TPC or Grayhawk — you're playing through wilderness, not alongside a hotel pool.
Fewer Crowds, Better Pace of Play
During peak season (January through April), Scottsdale's top public courses run 4.5 to 5-hour rounds regularly. Cave Creek and Carefree courses generally move faster because they're off the main tourist radar. Rancho Manana in particular rarely backs up, even on winter weekends.
The Towns Themselves
Cave Creek is a legit Western town — dusty roads, motorcycle bars, and Harold's Cave Creek Corral, a roadhouse that's been serving cold beer and live country music since 1935. Carefree skews more upscale with art galleries, the Carefree Desert Gardens sundial, and boutique shopping. Together they offer a completely different post-round experience than Scottsdale's Old Town bar scene.
After your round at Boulders, grab dinner at the Horny Toad in Cave Creek — it's been there since 1974 and the ribs are still the move. If you played Rancho Manana, the Tonto Bar & Grill is five minutes away and does elevated Southwestern cuisine without the resort price tag.
Getting There
| From | To Cave Creek/Carefree | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Scottsdale | Via Scottsdale Rd north | 25-30 min |
| Old Town Scottsdale | Via Pima Rd to Cave Creek Rd | 30 min |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport | Via SR-51 north to Cave Creek Rd | 40-45 min |
| Kierland/North Scottsdale | Via Scottsdale Rd north | 15-20 min |
Take Scottsdale Road or Pima Road north until it turns into Cave Creek Road. The drive itself is worth it — you'll pass through Pinnacle Peak area and watch the development thin out until you're surrounded by open desert. Rancho Manana sits just west of Cave Creek Road in town, while the Boulders is a few miles further north in Carefree on Tom Darlington Drive.
Seasonal Planning
| Season | Months | Conditions | Green Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | Jan-Mar | Perfect 70-80°F, firm fairways | $130-$329 |
| Shoulder | Apr, Nov-Dec | Warm days, cool mornings | $80-$200 |
| Summer | May-Sep | 100°F+, overseeded rough dormant | $55-$159 |
| Overseed | Sep-Oct | Courses may be closed or cart-path-only | Varies |
Peak season tip: January through March is prime time, but February is particularly busy when the draws tens of thousands of golfers to the area. Book Cave Creek and Carefree courses well in advance if you're visiting during tournament week — many golfers play here the day before or after their Stadium Course round.
Summer tip: If you can handle teeing off at 6 AM before the heat sets in, Rancho Manana at $55-$70 is one of the best summer deals in the greater Scottsdale area. You'll be done by 9:30 AM and headed to breakfast while the temperature is still reasonable.
Pair It With Nearby Courses
If you're spending a few days in the area, combine Cave Creek and Carefree rounds with these nearby courses:
- — 15 minutes south in North Scottsdale. Two Tom Weiskopf designs that rank among Arizona's best public courses.
- — 10 minutes east in Fountain Hills. Another Scott Miller desert design with mountain views.
- Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club — Just south in Cave Creek, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout that's more affordable than Troon North with similar desert terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play both courses at the Boulders?
No. The North Course is restricted to members of the Boulders Club. Public play is available on the South Course only. It's worth calling ahead to confirm availability, especially during peak season when member play can limit public tee times.
Is Rancho Manana walkable?
Technically yes, but with the elevation changes and desert terrain between holes, most golfers ride. The course allows walking but doesn't offer pull carts. If you're determined to walk, bring water and plan for a longer round.
How do I get access to Desert Mountain courses?
Desert Mountain is a private community with . You need either a full membership (starting at $250,000 initiation) or an invitation from a current member. There's no public access or resort guest play.
What's the best time of year to play in Cave Creek?
Late October through mid-December and late March through April offer the best combination of comfortable weather and reasonable pricing. You'll dodge peak-season crowds and still get 70-80°F temperatures with sunshine. January and February have the best conditions but the highest prices and most competition for tee times.
Are there other golf courses near Cave Creek I should know about?
Yes. Tatum Ranch Golf Club is a semi-private course in the area that sometimes offers public tee times. Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club sits just south of Cave Creek proper and is fully public. Both are solid alternatives if Rancho Manana and the Boulders are booked.
Should I stay in Cave Creek or commute from Scottsdale?
The Boulders Resort & Spa (Hilton Curio Collection) is right at the golf club and is a top-tier option if you want to wake up and walk to the first tee. Otherwise, the 25-30 minute drive from Scottsdale is easy and scenic. There's no traffic heading north in the morning — the commuters go the other direction.
