DESERT BEAUTY

Discover the Sonoran Desert on a visit to Phoenix

By Teresa Bitler

Phoenix sits in the northern part of the Sonoran Desert, one of only four deserts in North America. But unlike the stereotypical desert, the Sonoran Desert is lush with saguaro cactus, mesquite trees, creosote bushes and similar vegetation. For Allegiant passengers who haven’t explored this diverse landscape yet, winter is the perfect time to check it out.

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN

The 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport showcases 50,000 desert plants, many from the Sonoran Desert. However, visitors who want to learn about the Sonoran Desert specifically can do so on the Sonoran Desert Nature and the Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert trails. Regardless of the trail, all have signs giving information about the plants on display and boast colorful artwork by Rotraut (through May 14, 2023).

Visitors learn about the Sonoran Desert plants at the Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden has five themed trails

The Desert Botanical Garden showcases Sonoran Desert plants

After dark in December, garden goers passengers can visit Las Noches de las Luminarias, a popular holiday event featuring more than 8,000 luminarias. dbg.org

MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK

This 21,099-acre regional park at the base of the McDowell Mountains offers visitors more than just hiking trails. Its Nature Center introduces visitors to the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Programs like nighttime creature walks are available, too.

For those who still want to hit the trails, the park has more than 50 miles of multiuse trails. Physically-fit hikers can get a workout on the 15.3-mile Pemberton Trail while those who simply want to enjoy the desert can hike the easy 3.1-mile North Trail. maricopacountyparks.net/mcdowell-mountainregional-park

DESERT BELLE

At Saguaro Lake, the Desert Belle treats passengers to an 80-minute narrated cruise that tells the story of the local Sonoran Desert as well as points out geological formations. Passengers often spot bighorn sheep, bald eagles, wild horses, deer or bobcats from their seats on the boat’s openair upper deck or climate-controlled lower deck. In addition to the basic narrated cruise, Desert Belle hosts live music cruises on the weekends, craft beer cruises on Fridays (for those 13 years and up) and wine cruises (also for those 13 and up). desertbelle.com

Mountain biking is a popular way to explore the Sonoran Desert

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the Desert Botanical Garden

SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK

One of the largest municipal parks in the country, South Mountain Park has 50 miles of Sonoran Desert trails to explore. Visitors can set out on foot or book a trail ride through Ponderosa Stables arizona-horses.com

Companies like Cactus Adventures offer guided hikes and mountain bike rides on the park’s trails. cactusadventures.com

Those who want a less strenuous way to experience the desert can drive to Dobbins Lookout for amazing views of the park and downtown Phoenix. No matter the activity, visitors should bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen, even in the winter. phoenix. gov/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain