March 9, 2010

Plentiful rain has brought waves of color to the Phoenix Desert Preserves, meaning Valley residents can see spectacular spring blooms close to home. To make wildflower viewing easy, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has created an online guide to good locations to catch spring blooms. The release below also lists preserve areas that traditionally have boasted dense spring wildflower growth. The Wildflower Viewing Guide is viewable online on the Trails and Desert Preserves link in the Parks and Recreation Department homepage at phoenix.gov/parks.

Wildflowers typically are at their peak through late March. Those that do head out to enjoy the spring growth should stay on established, signed trails at all times and refrain from picking flowers.

Though many popular varieties such as lupine and Mexican gold poppy have yet to appear in large numbers, many other species such as brittlebush (yellow), desert globemallow (orange), scorpionweed (purple) fiddleneck and goldeneye are blooming in many areas.

South Mountain Park

The area surrounding the roadway leading to the Gila Valley overlook also is a good viewing area. Visitors can access this area through the main preserve entrance at Central Avenue south of Dobbins Road. 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 Area

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 that are accessible from the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area also 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.

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