Jewel of the Creek Preserve
A little desert adventure in Cave Creek!
This gem in Cave Creek is a must for desert family photos. You'll find beautiful saguaros, lush desert, tall grasses, trees, and greenery throughout the preserve. We’ll hike in a bit to reach some of my favorite spots, but it’s worth the walk!
During the winter and spring months, there is often running water in the creek bed, which can make for some amazing photos. I also love the fun walking shots we can get here.
What Makes Jewel of the Creek Special?
I love the variety here! You get the classic Arizona desert with saguaros and desert plants, along with beautiful trees, greenery, tall grasses, and the creek bed.
The desert is especially beautiful when it’s in bloom, typically September–November and February–April. These are some of my favorite times to capture your family surrounded by the desert.
When Should We Go?
Evening light is my favorite time to photograph here. Parking is very limited, so plan to arrive early and give yourself a little extra time for the hike into the preserve.
What Should We Wear?
I recommend avoiding green shades since you can easily blend into the desert greenery. Instead, choose colors that complement the desert and help your family stand out against the natural background.
Ready for a Little Desert Adventure?
If you love the Arizona desert and want something a little different for your family photos, Jewel of the Creek might be the perfect spot!