Arizona’s rainy winter days have given way to the sunshine and 70’s of early spring, and perhaps most exciting of all, a diverse southwest region getting ready to burst with wide swaths of yellow, red, white, orange, blue or purple flowers. The Arizona wildflower superbloom is also the perfect excuse to plan a quick road trip.
“There’s nothing like the unique, vibrant colors of the Sonoran Desert and our wet winter has set the stage for a truly spectacular spring across our beautiful state,” says Lisa Urias, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “Whether you live here or are visiting for Cactus League Spring Training, planning a day trip to experience brilliant desert wildflowers is a must-do activity.”
As the Grand Canyon State gears up for a rare Arizona wildflower superbloom this year, pack the camera, plenty of water and your comfy hiking shoes and check out these top five places to get a peek at this natural wonder, courtesy of the Arizona Office of Tourism.
Picacho Peak State Park
Central-Southern Arizona near Eloy
Picacho Peak is a premier destination to see blooming wildflowers and cacti in Arizona, with bushels of incredible golden blooms throughout. Desert wildflowers here offer a unique and beautiful contrast to the green and brown hues of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Experience the trails as they wind through a colorful sea of yellow, orange, purple and red wildflowers during the Arizona wildflower superbloom, with each step exposing new beauty along the way. Plants, shrubs and cacti are all blooming, with spectacular displays of golden California poppies blanketing the mountains in bright colors.
Lost Dutchman State Park
Central Arizona near Apache Junction
In addition to searching for the Lost Dutchman’s fabled gold mine, the other treasure that is much more easily found at this park is a wide diversity of wildflowers. It also boasts one of the most distinctive backdrops around. In addition to a newly added four-mile mountain bike loop trail, the park also offers camping, cabins and extensive trails through the Superstition Mountains, as well as lower trails perfect for hikers of all abilities.
Catalina State Park
Southern Arizona near Tucson
Catalina State Park is fed by snowmelt through two large washes, which deliver cooler temperatures and beautiful wildflower blooms that last a bit longer. Its large variety of flowering plants, shrubs and cacti is really a sight to behold. Park visitors are encouraged to venture out along the park’s eight trails on foot, horseback, or bicycle, all the while enjoying the scent of aromatic wildflowers. Arizona wildflower superbloom’s longevity makes Catalina a great visit toward the end of March, after hopefully seeing the beauty of a few other parks across the state!
Alamo Lake State Park
Western Arizona between Wickenburg and Parker
Making the trip out west to Alamo Lake State Park offers visitors an Arizona wildflower superbloom view off the beaten path. The park has so much to offer, like amazing blooms that blanket the landscape in March and early April alongside cabins, campgrounds and world-class fishing. The high desert getaway is covered in brittlebush flowers and blooming palo verde trees along the shores and hills surrounding the lake, which makes for amazing views. The juxtaposition of bright yellow starbursts among desert landscapes is a bucket list item begging to be checked off.
Red Rock State Park
North Central Arizona near Sedona
Red Rock State Park is primed for a fantastic showing of wildflowers later in the season. This Sedona-area park in the north-central part of the state is well-known for amazing hiking, with beautiful red rock backdrops. But keen visitors also keep their eyes pointed down to catch sight of late-season flowers, cacti and trees blooming throughout the park.