There are special places in Arizona where you can get out and explore the desert. Seeing a blooming Saguaro in May or a brilliant red Ocotillo flower are some of the joys of exploring the desert and getting close to the cacti, desert plants and rock formations.
Where to Explore the Desert
I always recommend a visit to Saguaro National Park to folks who are new to the area. The Visitors Center has a great selection of books on desert flora and fauna as well as a great view of a the desert.
Saguaro National Park is home to some of the most majestic Saguaro Cacti I have ever seen. Add to that the beautiful mountains, hiking trails and well-stocked Visitor's Center and you have a "must visit" place in Arizona. Saguaro National Park has miles of hiking trails, but you can easily drive the roads in the park and see the majestic Saguaro Cacti.
Getting There: When you drive down I-10 to Tucson things can get a bit confusing. You'll see signs for Saguaro National Park on both sides of the road, in two places. The park is divided into two parts. Both districts of the park are open from 7:00 a.m. to sunset daily. Both districts of the park offer a visitor center with operating hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except closed on Christmas Day.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
In the Phoenix West Valley there is a marvelous place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy exploring the desert. In the spring, it is a great place for wildflowers. One spring day there were bright yellow Brittlebush. Globe Mallow, Lupine and some fantastic blue flowers along the Waterfall Trail. It's a great place to hike and photograph wildflowers.
In other seasons, you may see cacti blooming and find petroglyphs left there by the first residents of the valley.
Getting There: From Phoenix, travel the 101 west to the Bell Road exit. (If the 303 route is more convenient, you can take the 303 to Olive). From Bell Road, head South on Hwy 303 to Olive. Turn west for 4 miles on Olive to the White Tank Mountain Regional Park entrance. Map
Fees: $6.00 per car. Annual passes are available.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun - Thurs and 10 p.m. Fri & Sat.
Phone: 623-935-2505
Website: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/
Sabino Canyon National Recreation Area Tucson, Arizona
Sabino Canyon, easily accessible from the more urban areas of Tucson, is a must-see when you go to the Tucson area. Sabino Canyon is a part of the Coronado National Forest. It is a great place to enjoy a desert stream environment, see cacti on sheer cliffs and walk up into a canyon.
You’ll enter Sabino Canyon after driving through some very scenic urban areas. If you are fortunate to stay at one of the hillside resorts such as Loew’s Ventana Canyon Resort, you’ll be just a short drive from the canyon.
More Information:
Fees are $5 per car and are collected as you enter the parking area.
The paved road is closed to bicycles on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Bicycles are allowed on other days before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Some trails are open to horseback riders
Sabino Canyon is open 24 hours/day, year-round.
The Sabino Canyon Visitor Center and Bookstore is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Website
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