From Judy Hedding,
Your Guide to Phoenix.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

The Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park is not only a botanical garden, but it is also classified as a museum. The Desert Botanical Garden covers about 50 acres, and in addition to the the vast array of native plants on display, the garden is home to 139 rare, threatened, and endangered plant species from around the world. Nationally and internationally renowned for its plant collections, research, and educational programs, the Desert Botanical Garden has been operating since 1939.

What is there to see and do at the Desert Botanical Garden?

There are five trails to enjoy during your visit.

1. Desert Discovery Trail
   This is the garden’s main trail with desert plants from around the world. You'll find the oldest plantings on this 1/3 mile trail.
2. Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Trail
   This trail will help you understand how the desert dwellers use desert plants for food, construction, tools, and basket-making. There are hands-on activities on this 1/3 mile trail.
3. Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail
   Learn how colorful desert wildflowers, hummingbirds, and bees interact in the Sonoran desert. Enjoy this picture gallery of the Desert Wildflower Trail!
4. Sonoran Desert Nature Trail
   A 1/4 mile trail where you can enjoy the big picture--desert, mountains, plants, and animals.
5. Center for Desert Living Trail
   This 1/4 mile trail is where you can learn about desert landscaping, gardening, and conservation. The vegetable and herb demonstration garden are always popular. Here you can stop by the Desert House and find out about energy efficiency in the desert.

In the Spring, don't miss the Maxine & Jonathan Marshall Butterfly Pavilion, where you can walk among hundreds of North American butterflies. There are special hours, and there is an additional nominal charge for entering this special exhibit. Enjoy these photos of the Butterfly Pavilion.

Tips for Visiting the Desert Botanical Garden

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Drink plenty of water.
• In the winter temperatures are cool in the morning and warm during the day. In the summer take advantage of cooler morning temperatures. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Make sure you know the signs of heat exhaustion before you go. It's more common than you think--even for locals!
• Leave your pets home.
• There are public park picnic areas close by, but not at the Desert Botanical Garden itself.
• You may encounter local, native wildlife. Stay on the trails.
• Trail Guide booklets are available for sale at the Garden Shop and/or Admissions.
• Guided Trail Tours are offered daily, October through mid-May. There are also weekly Bird Walks, and Summer sunrise and flashlight tours.

So that's it? Not by a long shot! The Desert Botanical Garden has an incredible variety of classes, workshops, and events to enjoy. There are programs for kids, for adults, and even for professional landscapers, gardeners, and photographers. There are musical events, dinners, art programs, cooking classes, hikes, and even T'ai Chi! In the winter, one of the most popular events, Las Nochas de las Luminarias, is held at the Garden. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden official web site for more informational about classes and events.

Desert Botanical Garden Details

Where is it?
The Desert Botanical Garden is located at 1201 North Galvin Parkway in Phoenix. You can see directions and a map here.

When is it open?
The Garden is open every day except for July 4 and December 25. The garden opens early in the morning, and closes at 8 p.m. Some trails close early in the evening. There may be some days when the garden closes early for special events.

What other amenities are there at the Desert Botanical Garden?
There is a cafe, a reading library, and a wonderful garden shop where you can purchase gifts and live plants. Strollers, scooters, wheelchairs and umbrellas are available to rent.

Where can I find discount coupons?
Two-for-one discount coupons are often available through the Entertainment Book. (Buy Direct)

Have more questions?
The Plant Questions Hotline is 480-941-1225, and the Garden Activities Hotline is 480-481-8134.

Enjoy your day at the Desert Botanical Garden!

_{All dates, times, and prices indicated are subject to change without notice.}