APRIL SHOWERS

By Teresa Bitler

Every spring, wildflowers bloom in the Sonoran Desert surrounding Phoenix, and Allegiant passengers lucky enough to visit during the peak can enjoy colorful landscapes at popular viewing sites.

Lost Dutchman State Park

The Superstition Mountains in Lost Dutchman State Park explode with color beginning in March and continuing through April. Visitors can take in the park’s brittle brush, desert evening primrose, poppies and other blooms from nearby Ghostfield Ghost Town, while driving by on AZ 88 or on a hike through the park.

For those who want an easy hike, the 1.2-mile, out-and-back, Jacob’s Crosscut, is the best option and known for abundant wildflowers at its intersection with the Siphon Draw Trail. Experienced hikers can take the steep 5.8-mile Flatiron Trail for elevated views of the desert and Phoenix. azstateparks.com/lost-dutchman

Mcdowell Sonoran Preserve

Managed by the City of Scottsdale, this nature preserve covers more than 30,000 diverse acres with varying elevations. The blooms can be viewed from a distance or by entering the preserve at one of four points.

The most popular entrance is at 18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, where hikers can view wildflowers on the 4.5-mile Gateway Loop. From the 23015 N. 128th Street entrance, the Marcus Landslide trail is an easy 3-mile, out-and-back option with rock formations and spring flowers. Nearby, the Taliesin Overlook trail, accessible at 12601

N. 124th Street, offers not only wildflower viewing but views of Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and school of architecture, Taliesin West. mcdowellsonoran.org

White Tank Mountain Regional Park

On the west side of Phoenix, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is the largest park in the Maricopa County Park System and well-known for its spectacular wildflowers. Although visitors can see the colorful flora without entering, the park is best experienced by foot, mountain bike or horseback.

Many of the park’s trails can be challenging, but the Waterfall Canyon Trail is familyfriendly and barrier-free to Petroglyph Plaza, where visitors can see ancient rock art. As its name suggests, the 2-mile trail ends at a waterfall that flows after a heavy rain, but even if there’s no water, spring visitors will be treated to desert blooms along the way. maricopacountyparks.net

Artists

Artwork Mediums

Experiences

Live Event:

Jan. 14–Mar. 26, 2023 | Open Daily 10am–6pm Loop 101 & Hayden rd, Scottsdale, Az 480.443.7695

Learn about our juried artists, view their work and add to your collection by experiencing our show virtually at celebrateart.com.

Where Art Lovers & Artists Connect