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Here Are 10 Places Where You Can See Beautiful Wildflowers in Arizona This Spring

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Are you looking for a different picturesque spot other than the big, red and dry landscapes of Arizona deserts? Lucky for you, Spring is just around the corner and it presents the perfect opportunity for you to see acres of vivid gold poppies and all kinds of beautiful flowers. It means you can take lots of photos with your BFFs and post it on the Gram, or you can simply enjoy the wonderful scenery before you. Check out these cool spots guaranteed to make you fall in love with the wildflowers in Arizona:

1. Picacho Peak State Park (Picacho)

Picacho Peak State Park AZ

Source: Instagram

Get lost in the sea of yellows in the Picacho Peak State Park. It gets beautiful with every step, and offers an interesting contrast to the green and brown hues of the Sonoran Desert. Last year, Michelle Thompson, public information officer for Arizona State Parks, said that the blooming wildflowers in Picacho Peak were the best they’ve seen in 15 years. For this year, we’re sure it will also be as beautiful.

Best Time to Visit: Spring

Location: 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ

Tip: Visitors can hike the trails that wind up the 1,500-foot peak to better enjoy the sea of wildflowers. The ideal time to visit is from 10 am to 2 pm.

2. Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache Junction)

Lost Dutchman State Park Arizona

Source: Instagram

Many people can’t get enough of the blooms on display at the Lost Dutchman State Park. Maybe it’s time for you to see it for yourself. Check out the little bursts of poppies, chuparosas, brittlebush, desert evening primrose, chicory, lupine, and more!

Best Time to Visit: Spring

Location: 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ

Tip: The flowers at this park usually appear a couple of weeks after Picacho Peak State Park sees its blazing colored blooms. With that said, make sure you plan your wildflower viewing trips properly.

3. Red Rock State Park (Sedona)

Red Rock State Park Arizona

Source: Instagram

Be in awe of the best wildflower displays at Red Rock State Park after a wet winter. You can check out evening primrose, California poppies, and globemallows among many others. See what’s sprouting and snap many photos recording viewing experience so you can treasure it forever.

Best Time to Visit: May through mid-June

Location: 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ

Tip: The Red Rock is at a higher elevation, so the wildflower season starts when the moisture levels are high. Visit during early May and be amazed!

4. Saguaro National Park (Tucson)

Saguaro National Park AZ

Source: Instagram

Decide which among the flowers are more standout. The beautiful blooms might take you by surprise, so rest easy and just take in the view.

Best Time to Visit: Spring

Location: 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ

Tip: You can head to the Picture Rocks Road for the best wildflower viewing experience. There is a large parking pullout near it which is just on the right at the bottom of a hill. From there, you can see the wild expanses of poppies and other wildflowers.

5. Arizona Snowbowl (Flagstaff)

Arizona Snowbowl Winter

Source: Facebook

Bring out the adventurer in you and get the most rewarding hike you’ll ever take. You’ll enjoy looking at the mountains, and of course, admiring the height of wildflower season.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring

Location: 9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ

Tip: There are many nature trails available. Find the best spot where you can watch the wildflowers in Arizona in full bloom.

6. Catalina State Park (Tucson)

Catalina State Park Sutherland Trail

Source: Kenne Turner

Don’t commit the mistake of leaving Arizona without first seeing the splashes of color at Catalina State Park. They have a large variety of flowering plants, including cacti and shrubs. What are you waiting for? Plan a hike through the desert and enjoy a magnificent sighting of wildflowers.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring

Location: 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ

Tip: For a more unforgettable experience, you can stay in the campgrounds to enjoy not just the wildflowers, but also the wildlife in the area.

7. Estrella Mountain Regional Park (Goodyear)

Estrella Mountain Regional Park AZ

Source: Instagram

You don’t need to look too far for the best views. Find some of Arizona’s best sightings at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park. The blue phacelia looks incredible.

Best Time to Visit: Spring

Location: 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear, AZ 85338

Tip: There are many different trails in the park, but the best spots where can admire the swaths of color are along the Rainbow Valley Trail, Toothaker Trail or Quail Trail.

8. Bartlett Lake (Carefree)

Bartlett Lake Wildflowers

Source: Twitter

Here’s a heads up. If you’ve never seen the wildflowers in Arizona before, you’ll likely be impressed. But if you’re already familiar with the wildflower sightings in different parks, then we don’t know how this will fare with you. Still, it’s a good destination to see the wildflowers in full bloom. The impressive show of poppies, chuparosa, desert marigold, cream cups, and more is a sight to behold!

Best Time to Visit: Early to late Spring

Address: 20808 E Bartlett Dam Rd., Carefree, AZ

Tip: Look out for the beautiful blooms and feel free to take lots of photos to document your visit.

9. The Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix)

You’ll be passionate about desert plants once you see the beauty the Desert Botanical Garden has to offer. It will open your eyes to the truth that the best plants indeed sprout in some of the hottest and driest parts of the world.

Best Time to Visit: Spring

Location: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix AZ 85008

Tip: Walking along the nature path will prove to be one of your vacation’s biggest moments. The garden comes alive with beautiful wildflowers, and you’d wish you can stay here forever.

10. McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Scottsdale)

McDowell Sonoran Preserve Sunrise Trail

Source: Instagram

Celebrate Spring in the desert and treat your eyes to a wonderful display of lovely blooms. Try doing a wildflower game where you guess the plants in the preserve. That should keep you occupied.

Best Time to Visit: Spring

Location: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Tip: There are more than 200 miles of trails in McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Some of the best wildflower hot spots include the Taliesin Overlook (Lost Dog Trailhead), and the Granite Mountain loop (Granite Mountain Trailhead).

Now that you know the best destinations to see a wonderful bloom, it’s time to start preparing for a wildflower bonanza! Got a destination you think should be part of this list? Share it with us in the comments below.

A writer big on nature, travel, and dogs. If you can't find Errot with her furry pal, then she's probably out exploring.

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