Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden is a place for the whole family. The 140-acre attraction features five thematic trails highlighting topics like conservation, desert living, and desert wildflowers. There are also specialized tours, horticultural programs, concerts, and more. A great post ahead.

Bring a water bottle (the garden has two hydration stations) and sunscreen, as well as comfortable shoes.

Admission

The Desert Botanical Garden displays 50,000 arid plants from deserts around the world in five thematic trails. Explore towering cacti, alluring succulents, and dazzling desert wildflowers. Special docent-led tours are available to learn more about the Sonoran Desert flora. There are also specialized gardens for nature art, cooking, and wellness.

The Garden is located in Papago Park, a municipal Phoenix park with hiking trails, sports complexes, and a zoo. Combine a visit to the botanical garden with other fun onsite experiences like Music in the Garden live concerts, the Oaxacan Guelaguetza celebration, or the Dog Days at the Garden experience for a complete day out.

Admission to the gardens is free, however, tickets are required for some special events and exhibits. Visitors can save by purchasing a Garden membership which gives year-round access and includes special discounts on tickets. It is a great option if you love to visit the garden regularly as it supports its work as a nationally recognized research center and compelling community attraction.

Exhibits

The Desert Botanical Garden exhibits a unique Sonoran Desert landscape that’s a feast for the eyes and senses. It features five loop trails, each with a distinct desert experience.

Explore the Garden’s unique flora along the Wildflower Trail, learn how Native Americans made yucca fiber brush on the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert trail, or watch as monarch butterflies flutter through the Butterfly Pavilion. The Gardens’ Herbarium and Library also play an important role in botanical research and education.

The Garden’s newest show, Chihuly in the Desert, brings world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly to the Phoenix landscape with his breathtaking display set amongst majestic saguaros and the striking Papago buttes. More places to also visit by clicking here.

Trails

Founded in 1939, the Desert Botanical Garden is an impeccably maintained showplace that also offers horticultural research. The 140-acre garden focuses on the plants that thrive in (and to some extent, the animals and people who live in) the Sonoran Desert that surrounds Phoenix.

The main trail is called the Desert Discovery Trail and is a brick path that leads to the oldest desert plantings and some of the Garden’s most historic collections. The Desert Living Trail takes a more interactive approach and showcases the ways that plants like prickly pears, agaves, and brightly-colored flowers have evolved to adapt to the harsh climate.

It’s best to come early during the summer so you can avoid the afternoon heat, especially if you’re planning on walking the outdoor trails. Remember to bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated while you walk the trails. The Garden has a few dining options but the Patio Cafe is the place to go for quick meals and drinks.

Events

The Garden hosts a few different events throughout the year that are sure to appeal to any visitor. For example, their ‘Butterfly Habitat’ is popular during the spring when they have thousands of butterflies roaming around. This section is also home to a variety of plants that attract these beautiful insects.

The ‘Desert Landscape School’ is an immersive experience that allows visitors to practice their landscaping skills alongside Garden horticultural experts. For the little ones, they have ‘Let’s Grow with Books’ where children education associates lead kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers through weekly themed stories surrounding the garden and desert.

For an eventful night out, head over to their ‘Flashlight Nights’ where you can enjoy the Garden after dark with performances, cool treats, hands-on activities, and creature features! This is perfect for a summer date night or family adventure. The event takes place on the second Friday of each month and your admission includes refreshing welcome drinks, live music, pop-up activities, Garden strolls, and more. Refer to This Web Page.

Driving directions from Brimley’s White Glove Chem-Dry to Desert Botanical Garden

Driving directions from Desert Botanical Garden to Phoenix Zoo