Who is ready to SEE Spring??
WHERE TO SEE WILDFLOWERS THROUGHOUT PHOENIX
You better get your hiking shoes on (or cowboy boots like my 5 yr old) and get out to the mountains before all of these amazing wildflowers are gone and the weather hits the 100’s! I have rounded up a few great hikes to take the kids and enjoy the beautiful colors spreading across the trails.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK PRESERVE
South Mountain has a ton of trails to choose from, but the most popular is the Park Main Entrance: 10409 S Central Ave
Trailhead Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Gated entrances will close at 7, but trails remain open until 11 p.m.
Dobbins Lookout is a popular trail.
We also LOVE Hidden Valley Trail via Mormon Loop.
USERY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
Usery Pass is located at 3939 N. Usery Pass Rd. Mesa, AZ 85207
The most popular trail and most kid friendly is the Wind Cave Trail which is 1.5 mile out and back hike. The end of the trail leaves you with a cool view of the valley.
DREAMY DRAW RECREATION AREA
The area around Piestewa Peak has many trails and recreational opportunities. The 3.74-mile Freedom Trail encircles the base of the peak. For full descriptions of all hiking options, visit the Phoenix Parks and Recreation page for Piestewa/Dreamy Draw.
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area: 2421 E Northern Ave
MCDOWELL SONORAN CONSERVANCY
The most recommended kid friendly hike is Tom’s Thumb, but there are five major trailheads: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead and the popular Tom’s Thumb in the north; centrally-located Gateway Trailhead; and Lost Dog Wash & Sunrise Trailheads in the southern area.
SPUR CROSS RANCH CONSERVATORY
Cave Creek’s Spur Cross Ranch conservatory is a must see for all wildflower lovers in the spring!
44000 N. Spur Cross Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331
ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PASS
Thousands of blooms surround the path and mountainsides around Rainbow Valley Trail, a 4.2-mile hike. Access the trailhead from the west end of the main parking lot.
14805 West Vineyard Avenue, Goodyear 85338
For more up-to-date information about wildflower blooms around Phoenix visit the Desert Botanical Garden’s Wildflower Tracking site, which is active in March and April.