Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix: Plan Your Visit
You may not think the words “desert” and “botanical garden” go together. You’d probably expect to see a lot of pokey cacti and very few colors. But my visit to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix quickly proved me wrong. It’s definitely worth a visit. My brother and I had a wonderful time and were amazed at what the gardens had to offer.
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect as you plan your visit.
And if you’re looking for other places to visit while in Phoenix, check out the Phoenix Police Museum, hike Camelback Mountain, or take a day trip to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
What to Bring to the Desert Botanical Garden
Arizona is hot! So if you’re from out of town, don’t show up unprepared to the Desert Botanical Garden. Here’s a list of a few things you should bring with you:
- Sunscreen (spf 30+ works great)
- Hat (a wide-brimmed hat provides the best protection) and sunglasses
- Water bottle (even a Camelbak works)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- and of course… a camera
Some of those items are available at the gift shop, but you can save a few dollars if you bring what you need with you. There are also plenty of drinking fountains around the trails so you can refill your water bottle when needed.
Trail 1: Desert Wildflower Loop Trail
My favorite part of the garden was the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail. When I think of Arizona, I never thought of colorful flowers. But I was amazed by the numerous colors dotting the landscape.
The Desert Wildflower Loop Trail is 1/3 mile long. You’ll see a boulder garden (which wasn’t very colorful), along with a bee garden, hummingbird garden, shade garden and a butterfly garden.
If you’re visiting at the right time of year – namely in the spring and the fall, you can walk into the butterfly pavilion. It was neat to walk the paths lined with colorful flowers while numerous species of butterflies flutter around you. You’ll definitely want to have your camera handy in this section so you can capture the colors of nature.
Trail 2: Desert Discovery Loop Trail
The Deseret Discovery Loop Trail is the main street of trails. The three remaining trails in the Garden branch off from this one. But there’s still a lot to see along this trail, too.
The Cactus and Succulent Galleries had an amazing collection of small cactus. I was able to catch a squirrel exploring the flowers of one of the small round cacti in the area. Not sure what he (or she) was going for in the flower, but it was neat to see some wildlife there, too.
I discovered a lot of trees as well. I was visiting in April, and the yellow flowers on some of the trees added some bright colors to the shaded pathway.
Other spots along this 1/3-mile trail is the Agave Yucca Forest, Quail Run Path and the Heritage Garden.
Trail 3: Center for Desert Living Trail
The first thing that caught my eye in the Center for Desert Living Trail was the sundial. My brother and I even checked our watches to make sure it was accurate. Sure enough, it was!
This area also includes an herb garden and other edible plants. The concept of this portion of the garden is to highlight sustainable desert living.
Trail 4: Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail
The Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail takes you among the tall saguaro cacti. In fact, as pictured above, you’ll get to see a rare Crested Saguaro on the trail. It’s the one with the crown-like formation at the top. I learned it’s a rare genetic formation in the saguaro cactus that forms that weird top.
Along this trail, you’ll also be able to stop and look through a telescope to see some of the surrounding hills and landmarks. A nearby map explains what you’re seeing.
Trail 5: Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail
This final loop looks like the longest of the garden loops. But it’s only 1/3 mile long. Some of the key features you’ll see include:
- A little oasis in the desert (a.k.a. a pond)
- The grasslands of the desert
- Native American dwellings
- Spanish gardens
This portion of the trail is dirt, but it’s still easy to access. We found a beautiful white lily growing along the trail, along with many other flowers that were very picture worthy.
The Details
Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Cost: Adult prices range from $24.95-$29.95, while child admission tickets are $12.95-$15.95. You can purchase your tickets online, but you’ll have to select your visit date.
Hours: During the summer, the garden is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There may be special exhibits or seasonal hours, so be sure and check the website or call them prior to your visit.
Website: https://www.dbg.org/
Phone: (480) 360-9870
Disclosure: I received two complimentary admissions to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
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