Best Places in Arizona to See Wildflowers
The past rain in Arizona has created exciting opportunities to see and photograph wildflowers. Landscapes throughout Arizona are bursting with an abundance of wild flowers. Like the dynamic sight-seeing opportunities in the Grand Canyon state, wildflowers vary depending on the areas. Pest’R Us are not only pest control specialists—but wildflower scouts as well! To beckon the spirit of spring growth, we have put together a list of the best places in Arizona to see Wildflowers.
Flagstaff, Arizona is Not Only the Ponderosa Pine Tree Capital of the World
Seasonal weather and varied soil types naturally accommodates wildflower growth. Visitors in Flagstaff typically flock to the Snow Bowl in the wintertime when the ground is frozen over. Many visitors are enthralled by the fields of Sunflowers that spread around Flagstaff’s countryside. Visiting the hiking trails around the Snow Bowl exposes visitors to hundreds of different plant types. The Snow Bowl area of Flagstaff contains some of the most dynamic sights in Arizona—and some of its most dynamic fields of wildflowers.
Cactus Blooms in Saguaro National Park
A unique experience in Tucson is witnessing the cactus blooms around Saguaro National Park. The deserts around Tucson houses some of the oldest and biggest Saguaro cacti in the state. The park brims with vibrant colors and stretches of blooming cacti after seasonal storms and monsoons. Saguaro National Park is close to 143 miles of trails winding around untamed desert areas. There is a reason why Tucson is dubbed the Saguaro capital of the world and seeing its seasonal cactus blooms is a one-of-a-kind botanical experience.
Lost Dutchman State Park—A Premier Botanical Area in the East Valley
The Superstition Mountains are noted for their mineral-rich areas that are relics of the Old West. Hikers are often astounded by the sheer number of wildflowers around the Superstition Mountains during more pleasant months. With spring around the corner, visiting our local desert and mountain areas enriches the seasonal experience of living in Arizona. Lost Dutchman State Park—located in Maricopa County—has a splendid diversity of cacti and wildflowers. Even larger than Saguaro National Park, Lost Dutchman State Park offers a panoramic view of the Sonoran desert.
Usery Mountain Park, Another East Valley Destination
A special treat for East valley residents is the “Wild for Wild Flowers!” even offered by Maricopa County Parks and Recreations. Instead of attempting to hike around Usery Mountain Park with a wildflower manual, park rangers offer hands-on information about wild flower species. Like Lost Dutchman State Park, Usery Mountain Pass has an abundance of trails (and wind caves) that provide a striking view of the desert in bloom. This colorful desert vista begins in February and lasts until the drier Spring months.
Arizona is certainly an interesting place for a variety of seasonal experiences. We encourage you to get out in these warmer months before the extreme temperatures and the outdoor activities become more challenging.