Spring is in the air and that means baseball in the Scottsdale area as well as wildflower season.
Wildflowers, but we live in the desert. Yes, Scottsdale, Arizona is located in the desert southwest, but every spring the desert comes alive with a multitude of beautiful wildflowers that is like a colorful rainbow surrounding our vibrant city not to mention it is fantastic time to get out and do a little hiking and enjoy all that the desert has to offer.
In order to really take full advantage of the lush desert beauty, one must get off the beaten path and do a little exploring to really be overcome with the shimmery hues of natural desert flowers that bloom each spring. Flowers such as poppies, globemallow, lupine and the sultry crimson chuparosa are all readily available to see during this time. Our desert wildflowers only bloom between March and early April and then the temperature starts to get too warm for them and they die off.
Just north of the Scottsdale about 90 minutes away is Sedona’s Eagle’s Nest Trail. This is an ideal spot to get away from the city and take a nice 5 mile hike along the trail that leads to the big rock vistas and Cathedral Rock. The park also offers free guided tours and the cost for entry is only $10.00 per vehicle.
Go east of the city about the same distance and you can visit Boyce Thompson Aboretum. This is a great place to discover the intricate beauty and many faces of Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Featured are plants from the world's deserts, towering trees, captivating cacti, sheer mountain cliffs, a streamside forest, panoramic vistas, many natural habitats with varied wildlife, a desert lake, a hidden canyon, specialty gardens and more.
If you want to go south towards Tucson, I would recommend you drive to Picacho Peak State Park. Again about an hour’s drive south of the city, you hike the trails that wind up the peak and overlook a sea of wildflowers. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One of the first recordings was in the 1700s by the Anza Expedition as it passed through the area.
With ideal weather this time of year and the beautiful array of spring time colors throughout the desert, take the time and enjoy the desert wildflowers and other natural treasures we get to enjoy here in Scottsdale Arizona.
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