The Desert Botanical Garden is a good place to learn how to look at a desert. It sits in Papago Park in Phoenix and has been collecting plants from dry places around the world since 1939. Most of what grows here is built to survive harsh conditions.
October is a good month to visit, because the worst of the Phoenix summer is over. An Arizona afternoon can still be hot, though. The paths lead through stands of cactus and agave, and the planting looks natural.
The saguaros
Most people come to see the saguaros, which grow wild only in the Sonoran Desert. They grow very slowly. One may take decades to reach a few feet tall, and many years more to grow its first arm. Some live for more than 150 years.
The best views show them against the mountains. From the trails, you can see the long ridge of Camelback Mountain behind the cactus.
The butterflies
The seasonal butterfly exhibit is a nice change from all the thorns. Monarchs and other butterflies drift between the flowers and land close enough to photograph. Fall is a good time to see monarchs in Arizona, since they are migrating south.
Practical Info
- Where: 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Papago Park, Phoenix, Arizona.
- Tickets: Timed tickets are sold online. Check current prices.
- When to go: October to April is most comfortable. In the hot months, go as early as you can.
- Butterflies: The exhibit is seasonal, so check whether it is open before you visit.
- Allow: Around two hours, or longer with the butterflies.
