Attractions

Giant Sundial is a Carefree Landmark The famous giant sundial has been attracting people to Carefree since 1959. It is the third largest working sundial in the Western hemisphere. Located in Sundial Circle, this ancient time telling instrument measures 90 feet in diameter. The sundial is made from a steel frame and covered in anodized copper. The metal gnomon, or shadow casting portion of the dial, stands 35 feet above the plaza and extends 72 feet. A sunburst of colored glass hanging from the gnomon completes the sundial.

The Desert Foothills area offers a number of fun and interesting attractions. A visit to an old fashioned 1883 gold mine or a museum is a great way to check out local history, be entertained and educated at the same time. 
The Cave Creek Museum offers a look at local history with displays of Indian artifacts and pottery, cowboy memorabilia from the Old West, and items from the gold rush days. 

Native American contemporary fine art and traditional items can be viewed at the Heard Museum North.
Local ranches offer scenic breakfast of sunset horseback rides as well as entertainment!

Some of the local and surrounding attractions include:

Bartlett Lake -- Located 48 miles from downtown Phoenix and 17 miles east of Carefree. Tonto National Forest Campground, handicap accessibility, and safety features provide for safe, enjoyable recreation, including hiking, boating, water-skiing and fishing! (602) 622-7104

Cave Creek Mistress Mine -- Located about 10 miles northeast of Carefree, this old-fashioned 1883 gold mine is truly a landmark worthy of a stop if you're interested in local history; address is 45402 N. Seven Springs Rd. on the way to the Seven Springs Campgrounds.  No admission fee to mine; includes old-style rock shop, specializing in local rocks; museum section ($1.00 admission) includes display of antique mining tools and equipment; working mine still done by hand, similar to how it was done in the 1880s; geology lessons offered. Open daily; groups are welcome for tours, dinners; student field trips, call (480) 488-0842.

Cave Creek Museum -- From horse soldiers to resort developments-- the foothills have been a spectacle of historic dimensions. Much of the spectacular history is yours to see and enjoy at the Cave Creek Museum. Open October through May 1pm to 4:30pm. Closed Monday, Tuesday, and holidays. Free admission (480) 488-2764

Cave Creek Recreation Area -- Hiking trails, camping, and  RV hookups available. Located off of Carefree Highway and 32nd Street. Call (623) 465-0431 for more information

Tonto Hills -- Located east of Carefree, the area is home to a giant Kachina; motorists can see it on their way to Bartlett and Horseshoe lakes and Seven Springs campground, an excellent place for an autumn or spring picnic.

Taliesin West -- The Arizona home and architectural school of famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.  Located south of Carefree / Cave Creek in northeast Scottsdale, various tours  recorded tour update call (602) 860-8810  or (602) 860-2700 for reservations.
Giant Sundial is a Carefree Landmark
The famous giant sundial has been attracting people to Carefree since 1959. It is the third largest working sundial in the Western hemisphere. Located in Sundial Circle, this ancient time telling instrument measures 90 feet in diameter. The sundial is made from a steel frame and covered in anodized copper. The metal gnomon, or shadow casting portion of the dial, stands 35 feet above the plaza and extends 72 feet. A sunburst of colored glass hanging from the gnomon completes the sundial.