Spring seems to come earlier in the Grand Canyon State than most other parts of the country. In fact, flowers typically start to bloom in February as the weather warms up, especially in Southern Arizona. If you're ready to embark on a colorful spring adventure this year, this flower road trip in Arizona is a warm way to welcome the season.
With seven stops and 241 miles, this spring road trip should be taken over the course of two or three days. You can use the Google Maps link to customize the trip to your needs -- feel free to add or delete stops along the way!
1. Carefree Desert Gardens
At only 4 acres, Carefree Desert Gardens may be small but it's no less impressive than other botanical gardens in the state! Here you will see a variety of cacti and other desert plants as well as the famous Carefree Sundial. This garden is free to visit.
2. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
While I normally hike here in winter, the desert landscape really comes alive during the early spring when the cacti and desert flowers are in bloom. Among the flowers you may see dotting the landscape are Mexican gold poppies and lupine. Take a hike along one of the many trails such as the Sunrise or Bootleggers trails for your best chance to see wildflowers in the spring.
3. Desert Botanical Garden
While the Desert Botanical Garden is open year-round, spring is the perfect time to visit. Among the colorful spring flowers to look out for upon your visit are Texas mountain laurel, Parry's penstemon, and palo verde. This botanical garden also hosts a spring plant sale in case you're looking to add to your own garden!
4. Boyce Thompson Arboretum
As Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a must-visit. Most interesting of all is the fact that it has plants from deserts all around the world. When you visit this spring, keep your eyes peeled for the variety of wildflowers growing here like desert zinnia, the California poppy, Arroyo lupine, and owl clover. It's a kaleidoscope of color during springtime here!
5. Lost Dutchman State Park
Spring is quite a colorful time of year at Lost Dutchman State Park. Hike one of the park's trails and look out for a variety of wildflowers that are native to Arizona. You may spot Arizona Rosemallow which is a type of hibiscus or yellow Brittlebush growing along the mountain trails.
6. Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden
Set in a Fountain Hills neighborhood, this small botanical garden is absolutely lovely and worth a visit on your way up to our last stop in Pine. Take a stroll along the path and take in all the beauty here. There are interpretive signs with information on some of the plants you'll see as well as benches where you can take a rest. This is such a peaceful spot in Fountain Hills!
7. Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm
I have to say, I love this little spot in Pine and always visit when I'm in the area. This lavender farm grows three varieties of lavender that include Provence, Grosso, and Royal Velvet. After viewing the purple blooms growing, head into the gift shop and check out all of the products made with lavender. What a way to welcome spring!
Ready to take this flower road trip in Arizona? What are some of your favorite things to do in spring in Arizona? Let us know!
If you plan on taking this road trip and need overnight accommodations, take a look at the vacation rentals on Vrbo.
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