Desert Botanical Garden is a favorite destination all year round. It is located centrally among the cities of Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix. It is a great place for learning about the desert and enjoying its beauty.
Over the years, during the summer months, the flashlight tours have become very popular. They are self-guided tours with flashlights on paved trails with various learning and entertainment stations along the trail. The docents at the booths are knowledgeable and engaging. This year's theme of the flashlight tours is the sensory experience of the desert at night - see it, hear it, touch it.
I like to start my evening walk while it's still twilight - it gives me an opportunity to see some of the creatures that scurry in the garden, take a few photos, marvel at their feather and skin patterns. And watch from the high points how the light gradually start to light up around the valley.
Is this the same Spiny Lizard that I just saw on the Board at the entrance? He blends with the gravel so well, unafraid, he posed for my camera for a few moments, and then scurried to the cactus across the road.
The docent, telling the story of this rescued lizard.
Flashlight tours are on Thursday and Saturday evenings from 7pm to 9:30 pm.
The general admission is:
- adult: $24.95
- youth: $12.95 (3-17)
- children under 3 are admitted free.
It is worth checking websites like Groupon for current promotions - you may find a two-adults+kids annual membership for $60.
Local libraries also have free one-time culture passes for visits to local points of interest, and those passes include Desert Botanical Garden, too.
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