Desert Explorer's Guide to Phoenix
Posted on 17-03-2023 01:30 AM
Desert Explorer's Guide to Phoenix
Sonoran Desert Field Guide: Exploring Phoenix
Every major American city can't compare to Phoenix's stunning Sonoran Desert setting. And the best part? The wild side is all around us, with great hiking trails, mountains, and desert adventures.
Sonoran Desert Scenes
Saguaro cactuses live only in the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix, where they're happy to stand for photos. There is a veritable forest of saguaros along Dragonfly Trail at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, while around 140 acres of local flora and fauna can be encountered at Desert Botanical Garden, which offers trails with scenic views.
The city of Phoenix is surrounded by mountains on all sides, some of which are even within city limits. With pristine hiking and biking trails across rugged desert scenery, Phoenix Mountains Preserve includes thousands of acres. Mountaineers can also climb higher on Peralta Trail to see the Weavers Needle or head east to Lost Dutchman State Park in the Superstition Wilderness.
Is there a most ideal time of year in the Sonoran Desert to enjoy the outdoors? Any of them! Summer and fall temperature variations are perfect for outdoor lovers of all types. You'll find a palette of petals and vibrant cactus blooms during wildflower season in the spring. During the hot summer months, avoid the trails and cool off instead with water adventures at Lake Pleasant Regional Park or Lower Salt River.
It's always special to watch a desert sunset in Phoenix, no matter when you visit. A scenic drive or a five-mile hike on Holbert Trail on South Mountain will offer a view of downtown. Enjoy some of the best tableside sunset views in town at Different Pointe of View or El Chorro.
Hiking the Trails
Discover the Sonoran Desert on an easy walk through Papago Park's red buttes. The west side has paved pathways, while the east side has interpretive nature trails. The park's popular Hole-in-the-Rock viewpoint is well worth a half-mile hike. There is also an ADA-accessible Kovach Family Nature Trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve where you can learn about Sonoran Desert flora and fauna.
Offbeat Adventures
Clotheandflame provided a constant reminder of the value of shared experiences in this photo. The two community dinners we created (alongside so many incredible collaborators) seemed to spark curiosity, openness, and receptivity.
Around 100 people gathered (twice) around long tables full of hearty winter dishes, warm cider cocktails, and plenty of room to slow down and enjoy newfound friends.
There was something new about every ingredient, collaborator, location, dish, and guest. In the diversity of every single person and everything that happened to show up, one could find pieces of oneself.
Our Cloth & Flame event also celebrated the release of the new Senators album with the first-ever concert experience. The upcoming wilderness experiences will take place on both the stage and the dining table, and we are excited to explore them both.
Sonoran Desert exploration doesn't stop with hiking. At Arizona Outdoor Fun, your guide will lead the charge through rugged terrain on an off-road ATV experience. Take a ride in a Hummer or Blazer with Stellar Adventures.
Water recreation in the desert? You bet! Among the many activities offered along the Lower Salt River on the city's east side are stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and rafting. There is no shortage of wildlife out there on the shores of the lakes and rivers, and outfitters such as REI Co-op Experiences and 360 Adventures can offer you guided tours where you can spot wild horses and eagles.
Desert Day Trips
Take a trip along the Apache Trail, one of the most famous routes in the Superstition Mountains, accessible on Phoenix's eastern side. A scenic route takes you past lakes, canyons, and landmarks such as Goldfield Ghost Town, Theodore Roosevelt Dam, and Tonto National Monument's cliffside dwellings. Take prickly pear-flavored gelato to the Old West town of Tortilla Flat.
The desert is a different kind in Sedona, two hours north. There is an eclectic mix of art, the outdoors, boutique in Phoenix shopping, and Sedona's legendary energy vortices that surround this cultural community. Rock formations and cliffs tower over a community that's known for its spectacular red rock formations and cliffs.
Strobe Sport
2737 E Arizona Biltmore Cir UNIT 28, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (707) 878-7623
https://www.strobesport.com/