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Sporadic winter rains have led to some spring growth in the Phoenix desert and mountain preserves. Overall, perennial wildflower growth is very limited, compared with the widespread activity of spring 2008. Blooms are limited mainly to Brittlebush, globemallow and desert marigold. There are reports of some limited lupine or poppy blooms mainly along roadways.

If you do head out to enjoy the show, please stay on established, signed trails at all times and refrain from picking flowers.

Trail and Hiking Information

Mexican Gold Poppy

Brittlebush




Lupine




Desert Globemallow

The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area has widespread blooms of wildflowers around several trailheads and along the overbank trails. A dozen different species are in bloom in these areas. All paved trails at Rio Salado are ADA accessible and perfect for strollers. The best viewing is around the 7th Avenue Equestrian Staging Area, 2801 S. 7th Ave., or from the Central Avenue access at 2439 S. Central Ave.

South Mountain Park
Blooms are mainly restricted to desert marigold, brittlebush and globemallow, with limited to now growth in annual flowers such as Mexican gold poppy, pictured at left. Brittlebush, globemallow and desert marigold are all in bloom, along with some seasonal flowering of some cactus including Hedgehog.

Historically, large displays of spring blooms can be found in the western part of the park. The Bajada Trail and the sections of the National Trail that run through the western end of the park offer viewing on foot. However, access to San Juan Road is limited. The area surrounding the roadway leading to the Gila Valley overlook also is a good viewing area. In localized areas, northern-facing slopes are prime wildflower spots.

Visitors can access these areas through the main preserve entrance at Central Avenue south of Dobbins Road. Staff at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center is available Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for questions. The center is located to the south of the main road before the main entrance gate.

The north-facing slopes accessible from the Pima Canyon and Beverly Canyon entrances of the park also are a great spot for wildflowers.

Piestewa Peak
Trail 8, the Quartz Ridge Trail, typically runs through impressive blooms. The trailhead is at 40th Street south of Shea Boulevard.

Several trails around Piestewa Peak are accessible from the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area and are good spots for wildflower viewing.

Dreamy Draw
Hillsides and washes surrounding Trail 100 out of the Dreamy Draw trailhead at Northern Avenue and Highway 51 often are covered in blooms.

Camelback Mountain
Both the Cholla Trail and the Echo Canyon area are good spots for wildflower displays. These trails are generally more strenuous than the others listed here with significant elevation gain.