History of the Desert Foothills Scenic DriveFor years, the only way into Cave Creek was via Cave Creek Road, a narrow two-lane road through open desert and there weren't many houses in the foothills. In 1963 Scottsdale Road had just been paved up to the new town of Carefree. It was natural for residents to worry about the future of their beloved desert. Copies of Black Mountain News described the efforts and thinking that led to the creation of the Scenic Drive. A Tiny Community Comes TogetherBefore it was completed almost everyone in the Cave Creek-Carefee area was involved. The local lumber yard provided the wood, businessmen worked evenings constructing the signs, school kids helped with the painting, and numerous other volunteers installed the signs and cleared the areas around the selected plants, which had been chosen by a local botanist. See "Early History ... " for more information this effort. The result was a 17-mile U-shaped scenic drive which ran up Scottsdale Road and back down Cave Creek Road. Dozens of trees and shrubs representing more than 20 plant families were identified by redwood signs. (see Diagram of Plant Sites). A large redwood Drive Entry signs was installed (see Historic Photographs). Over the years Cave Creek residents, like Ted Clark and Jo Walker, contributed their time and leadership to keep the tradition of the Scenic Drive alive. The saga of the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive continues. Take a trip back in time and review these topics: |
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