Spring in Arizona is synonymous with near-perfect weather, Cactus League spring training and, of course, wildflower season. The colorful blooms paired with 75-degree days and ample sunshine provide the perfect excuse to lace up your hiking boots and seek out the bright colors contrasting with the desert’s natural landscape.
“Our state is a sight to behold all throughout the year, but especially in spring, when the Sonoran Desert and surrounding areas come alive with color,” says Lisa Urias, CEO of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “We encourage all visitors to review our AppreciateAZ principles for sustainable tourism, to help enjoy and preserve the natural beauty of our spectacular state!”
Here are five top destinations to find Arizona wildflower blooms:
Picacho Peak State Park
Central Southern Arizona
Picacho Peak is famous for its spring wildflower display, especially Mexican poppies. Wildflowers typically start blooming in mid- to late-February and continue through the beginning of March. In addition to the wildflowers, the park offers a visitor center, store, playground, historical markers, a campground and picnic areas. The plentiful hiking trails offer hikers scenic and challenging hikes, so be sure to bring plenty of water and proper footwear.
San Tan Mountain Regional Park
Central Arizona near Queen Creek
In Queen Creek, the San Tan Mountains’ varied elevations and temperatures foster a variety of flowers, from fiddlenecks to scorpionweed, whose lovely purplish blooms belie its fierce name. The best place to spot Mexican gold poppies, lupine and brittlebush is along the west side of the Dynamite Trail, starting from the Goldmine Trailhead, and on the northwest side of the rocky Goldmine Trail.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
70 miles east of Phoenix in Globe
With 105 acres of gardens, five miles of trails and 20,000 plants, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden and a top site for wildflower viewing. Spring is a great time to admire native Sonoran Desert plants at the arboretum, with bloom peaks occurring between mid-March and late-April. Look for California poppies, lupines and purple bladderpod, particularly in the High Trail and Sonoran Desert Upland Area. And all this year, the arboretum is celebrating its centennial with special events and programs.
Oracle State Park
Southern Arizona near Tucson
Situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet above sea level in the Catalina Mountains, Oracle State Park will Arizona wildflowers later in the year. Cooler temperatures and higher elevation means a late start to wildflower blooms, around the end of March or mid-April, with another flowering season between late August and October. You are likely to encounter the mariposa lily in spring, desert lilacs, desert hyacinths, larkspur, morning glory, sand-verbena and poppies. Not only can you see a beautiful variety of flora and fauna, this is also a great spot for birding and family-friendly trails.
Sycamore Canyon
Northern Arizona near Sedona
Sycamore Canyon is the second largest canyon in Arizona, located between Williams and Sedona. This secluded canyon is a hidden gem offering greenery, trails and springtime wildflowers and cactus blooms. You might also see blooming Dudleya: small succulents with flowers on red, orange and yellow stalks.
Remember to enjoy spring responsibly: While enjoying the spectacular spring sights of the Sonoran Desert, be sure to show Arizona some love by following responsible tourism principles that help preserve our natural wonders. Stay on the trails and let the flowers continue to grow (no picking).
Springtime is the perfect season to get out and explore vibrant Arizona wildflowers. For more inspiration, visit VisitArizona.com