For nearly a century, the gates of Cattle Track Arts Compound have remained mostly closed, quietly preserving a piece of Arizona’s artistic and frontier past. On April 25 and 26, that changes as the compound opens to the public for its First Annual Cattle Track Tour, a free two-day event offering a rare glimpse inside one of the Valley’s most distinctive creative communities.
Tucked along a stretch of desert land in Scottsdale, the compound dates back to the 1930s, when it served as a route for pioneers driving cattle and sheep across early Arizona. Over time, it evolved into a living arts community, where weathered studios, hand-built structures, and open-air workspaces reflect both the rugged landscape and the creative spirit that has defined the property for generations.
During the tour weekend, visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore areas of the compound that are rarely accessible, stepping inside artist studios and historic buildings that have long been part of its quiet, creative rhythm. The experience is immersive by design, with live art demonstrations, music drifting through the property, and the chance to see artists actively working in their spaces.
The compound’s legacy is rooted in the artists who have called it home. Notable names like Philip C. Curtis, Fritz Scholder, and Louise Nevelson helped shape its reputation as a place where creativity thrives off the beaten path. Today, that legacy continues with a mix of resident and guest artists.
More than a dozen resident artists will open their doors during the tour, joined by visiting creatives who will display and sell their work. Guided walking tours will lead guests across the desert grounds, offering insight into the history, architecture, and people that make Cattle Track so unique.
Organized in partnership with Scottsdale Leadership through its Project Lead It Forward initiative and supported by the City of Scottsdale, the event is as much about preservation as it is discovery. For those who go, comfortable walking shoes are a must – the terrain is pure desert, after all – but the reward is a meaningful look at a piece of Arizona history that continues to inspire. Learn more at Cattle Track Arts & Preservation.
