Posted By Visit Mesa Team
February 10, 2023
A Guide to Queen Creek Arizona
Offering the convenience of the city with the comfort of the country, Queen Creek is a short drive for a big experience.
Find yourself surrounded by beautiful mountain views and small-town friendliness as you enjoy unique dining, entertainment and outdoor experiences in Queen Creek, Arizona.
Whether you're interested in exploring the Wild West on horseback, or slowing the pace to enjoy a glass of wine or delectable treat in an unexpected desert location - an olive or peach grove - Queen Creek offers unrivaled experiences for foodies, outdoor fanatics and shoppers.
Experience one of Queen Creek's signature events at the Roots N' Boots Queen Creek Rodeo, in the spring! This signature event celebrates Arizona history, culture, and the rural heritage of this blossoming community. Activities include: barrel races, a carnival, a rodeo dance, an expo, petting zoo, the always fun Mutton Bustin’ ride for younger cowpokes, and live entertainment all day and night. On Sunday, the event hosts the Arizona Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association who put on a show you won’t forget.
Farm-To-Table
Ever tasted a peach fresh off the tree?
Did you know that Extra Virgin Olive Oil can have flavors ranging from mild, creamy, grassy and fruity, to peppery, bold and rich?
When was the last time you chose and picked the vegetables your family would eat that night?
Queen Creek is the home of Arizona's only working olive mill, and Schnepf Farms, which was designed as an "Arizona Treasure" by the governor. Whether your tastes run simple and sweet or rich and savory, we have treats in store for you! Queen Creek offers dining experiences for every palate and price range.
Queen Creek is on the forefront of organic, heritage foods, including Hayden Flour Mills at Sossaman Farm. Sossaman Farm grows acres of different heritage grains, including White Sonoran wheat, ancient barley, buckwheat and others, which are then milled by America’s first solar powered mill, Hayden Flour Mills. Featured in the documentary “The Grain Divide,” these partners are working together to educate visitors about the use of ancient grains.
Western Experiences
It's not your average horseplay here in Queen Creek, Arizona! Don't miss one of the many equestrian events taking place throughout the year at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, including the annual Roots N' Boots Queen Creek Pro Rodeo. Don't mosey, because you’re in store for an authentic Western rodeo, a cowboy mounted shooting competition or even a fast-paced barrel race!
Most events taking place at the park are free for spectators, and while you’re in the area, don’t miss out on your opportunity to take a horseback ride through the beautiful San Tan Mountains!
While you’re here experiencing the cowboy lifestyle, take the opportunity to practice your aim at Ted’s Shooting Range. With firearm training and special events available throughout the year, stop by and try out a cowboy-style six-shooter or shotgun - all in the comfort of an air-conditioned range.
Outdoor Fun
Queen Creek is known for its beautiful, well-manicured parks, including Desert Mountain Park and Founders' Park. There are also miles of trails in the area that provide safe travel by foot, bicycle or horseback through the Queen Creek and Sonoqui washes and San Tan Mountains. And don't miss the new 4,100-square-foot splash pad right in the heart of Town Center!
Test your hiking skills on one of the many trails through San Tan Regional Park or join the park rangers to find scorpions, desert animals, or even meteors on one of their guided tours.
Area Parks
Queen Creek Sonoqui Wash – Visitors can stay active and plan a scenic stroll along the Queen Creek Sonoqui Wash Trail. The 3.5-mile pathway carves through the Town of Queen Creek and is popular for horseback riding, roller blading, power walking and is often used as a thoroughfare by the local cycling community. On the Sonoqui Wash Trail, you’ll weave in and out of the rural desert setting as you take in the natural landscapes and scenery.
Desert Mountain Park – With two sand volleyball courts, two lighted basketball courts, an equestrian staging area and access to the popular Queen Creek Sonoqui Wash Trail, Desert Mountain Park is the perfect spot to plan a picnic or get active on your vacation. For the kids, there are two playgrounds (one designed for 2-5 year olds, one designed for 5-12 year olds) and sports fields for them to burn off energy, with plenty of benches and shaded ramadas throughout the park.
Founders’ Park – In the heart of Queen Creek is Founders’ Park, a uniquely-crafted 11.5 acre park with a softball field, basketball courts, lighted skate park, horseshoe pits, community center and shaded picnic tables. The 4,000-square-foot splash pad provides kids of all ages with cool water fun and enjoyment from March to October!
Queen Creek Botanical Gardens
The Queen Creek Botanical Gardens inspire and educate about elegant edible plants, showing the future of sustainable food production in landscaping. The 10-acre Gardens feature the only fully-operational industrial-age water mills in the American Southwest, shops, and themed demonstration gardens.
The Gardens will provide a place to escape, enjoy the beauty of nature, and learn more about food security through community resources. Fruits, vegetables and other food produced at the Gardens will be available for purchase at the gift shop, or through a weekly produce-subscription service.
Shopping
From small, family owned boutiques to large-scale superstores, Queen Creek has a number of shopping centers, including the historic Town Center area.
Be sure to check the event calendar to join in on shopping opportunities such as Vintage and Vino, taking place each year at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, and the Queen Creek Block Party. These events offer shopping from traditional stores, as well as crafters, artisans and home-based businesses.
Did all that shopping make you hungry? Head to Queen Creek’s Town Center every Friday night for the Food Truck Feastival. Taking place from 5-9 p.m., admission is free, and there are food trucks for every craving!