Looking for a sunny, scenic desert escape? Explore Queen Creek! Nestled in the southeast corner of the Phoenix metro area, Queen Creek offers a blend of Old West charm, fresh farm experiences, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're here to hike, ride horses, or sample farm-to-table fare, Queen Creek delivers relaxed rural vibes with modern flair.
Queen Creek, AZ Highlights:
- For Families: Feed animals and ride ponies at Schnepf Farms – A working farm with seasonal festivals, petting zoos, U-pick produce, and rides.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike San Tan Mountain Regional Park – Trek desert trails with panoramic views, wildflowers, and native wildlife.
- For Couples: Enjoy wine tasting at Queen Creek Olive Mill – Sample locally pressed olive oils, dine al fresco, and savor Arizona wines.
- For History Buffs: Step back in time at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre – Catch rodeos, barrel races, and equestrian events in a Western setting.
- For Shoppers: Browse unique goods at Queen Creek Marketplace – Discover shops, restaurants, and entertainment in this growing retail hub.
Best Time to Visit Queen Creek, AZ
The best time to visit Queen Creek is during the fall, winter, and spring months (October–April). Temperatures are mild, ideal for hiking, outdoor dining, and attending events at local farms and parks.
How to Get to Queen Creek, AZ
- If you are traveling by car: Located southeast of Phoenix, Queen Creek is easily reached via Loop 202 or US-60, about 45 minutes from Downtown Phoenix.
- By Air: Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) is just 15 minutes away, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is about 45 minutes away.
- By Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate widely in the area, offering convenient travel within Queen Creek and to surrounding cities.
Where to Stay in Queen Creek, AZ
- Recommended for Families: Four Points by Sheraton at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport – A comfortable, modern hotel just minutes from Queen Creek attractions.
- For Couples: Cozy Airbnbs and Guest Ranches – Book a romantic desert getaway or casita with scenic views and southwestern charm.
- For Convenience: Hampton Inn Queen Creek (coming soon) – A new hotel development located near Queen Creek Marketplace and parks.
Best Things to Do in Queen Creek, AZ
1. San Tan Mountain Regional Park
Rating: ★★★★★
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What is San Tan Mountain Regional Park?
- San Tan Mountain Regional Park spans more than 10,000 acres adjacent to the city of Queen Creek, showcasing the beauty of the Sonoran Desert’s peaks and expansive vistas.
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What hiking trails are available at the park?
- The park offers several hiking trails, including the easy and scenic Moonlight Trail and the more difficult 5.1-mile San Tan Trail, which reaches high elevations in the nearby Goldmine Mountains.
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Are the trails open to different types of outdoor activities?
- Yes, all trails are open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
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What amenities are available at the park?
- A nature center is located at the park, offering exhibits on the park’s wildlife and tortoise habitats, along with a gift shop and opportunities to meet park rangers.
San Tan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W Phillips Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, Phone: 480-655-5554
2. Queen Creek Olive Mill
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What is Queen Creek Olive Mill?
- Queen Creek Olive Mill is a family-owned olive oil production company that was founded in 1997 following the owners’ move to Arizona from Detroit.
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How many olive trees are at Queen Creek Olive Mill?
- More than 7,000 olive trees in 16 varieties are showcased throughout the farm.
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Has Queen Creek Olive Mill received any media recognition?
- Yes, the mill has been featured on Food Network, The Cooking Channel, and The Discovery Channel.
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Has Queen Creek Olive Mill won any awards?
- The mill was the recipient of the Gold Award at the 2017 New York International Olive Oil Competition.
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What tours are offered at Queen Creek Olive Mill?
- 45-minute Olive Oil 101 Tours are offered daily, teaching participants about the health benefits of olive oil cooking and allowing tastings of the company’s oils.
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Are private tours available?
- Yes, private tours and tastings may also be booked for groups, including catered lunch and tour packages for student and corporate groups.
Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S Meridian Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, Phone: 480-888-9290
3. Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre
© Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre
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What is Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre?
- Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre is a 38-acre facility conveniently located near Phoenix International Airport and offers five arena spaces for English and Western equestrian riding and events.
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Which organizations are based at Horseshoe Park?
- The park is the home park of a number of equestrian and rodeo organizations, including the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the Arizona Cutting Horse Association, and the Queen Creek Barrel Racing Association.
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What events are hosted at Horseshoe Park?
- A wide variety of events are hosted at the center annually, including horse shows, gymkhana competitions, bronc and bull riding events, and RV and car shows.
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Is there a public-use arena at Horseshoe Park?
- Yes, a community arena is offered for general public use seven days a week.
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What facilities are available at Horseshoe Park?
- The park provides restroom facilities, picnic tables, and manure bin facilities.
Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre, 20464 East Riggs Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, Phone: 480-358-3710
Recommended Queen Creek, Arizona Activities for Families
4. Schnepf Farms
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What is Schnepf Farms?
- Schnepf Farms is a fourth-generation family-owned farm that has been in operation for more than 75 years and is the largest grower of organic peaches in Arizona.
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When is the farm open for picking?
- The farm’s peach and vegetable orchards are available for daily picking between September and early July.
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What special events are held at Schnepf Farms?
- A wide variety of public special events are held throughout the year, including seasonal farm festivals, historical reenactments, classic car shows, and crafting fairs.
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Does Schnepf Farms offer overnight accommodations?
- Yes, visitors can stay at the farm’s Cozy Peach hotel, which offers rooms within eight vintage airstream trailers.
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What amenities are available at the Cozy Peach hotel?
- Each trailer offers its own private fenced-in yard and patio, along with amenities such as flat-screen televisions, microwaves, and barbecue grills.
Schnepf Farms, 24610 E Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, Phone: 480-987-3100
5. Lost Goldmine Trail
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What is the Lost Goldmine Trail?
- Lost Goldmine Trail is an 11.7-mile round-trip moderately difficult trail that traverses the southwestern edge of the Superstition Wilderness, embarking at the Hieroglyphics-Lost Goldmine Trailhead in Gold Canyon.
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What kind of vegetation can be seen on the trail?
- The trail showcases abundant populations of cacti, including teddy bear cholla, ocotillo, palo verde, saguaro, and barrel cacti.
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What wildlife can be spotted along the Lost Goldmine Trail?
- Hikers may spot jackrabbits, coyotes, raptors, and a variety of snake species.
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What is the elevation of the Lost Goldmine Trail?
- The trail reaches a maximum elevation of 2,560 feet and gains 1,435 feet of elevation throughout its course.
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What terrain does the Lost Goldmine Trail pass through?
- The trail passes through a rolling bajada within Barkley Basin.
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Are pets and other animals allowed on the trail?
- Yes, dogs and horses are allowed on the trail.
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Can bicycles be used on the Lost Goldmine Trail?
- Yes, both standard and mountain bikes are allowed on the trail.
- Where can I find a map of the Lost Goldmine Trail?
6. The Pork Shop
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What is The Pork Shop?
- The Pork Shop was opened in 1979 by third-generation Arizona farmer Greg Combs. Today, the old-fashioned butcher shop sells a wide variety of meats.
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What types of meats are sold at The Pork Shop?
- The shop offers top pork rib cuts, hickory-smoked and brown-sugar-cured hams and bacons, lunch meats, smoked sausages, hot dogs, and capicola.
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What gourmet sausage flavors are available?
- Gourmet sausage flavors range from sweet varieties like apple cinnamon to spicy varieties such as green chile and andouille. There is also a wide selection of cheese-stuffed variants.
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Are the products handmade?
- Yes, all products are made entirely by hand in-house.
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Does The Pork Shop offer wholesale or catering options?
- Yes, restaurant wholesale is available, along with special pricing for event catering and regular freezer sales.
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Where is The Pork Shop located?
- 3359 E. Combs Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85140, Phone: 480-987-0101
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