There’s no place more enjoyable for learning about the plants and wildlife of Southern Arizona than this impressive natural history park. Within a desert setting, it encompasses a botanical garden, a variety of animal habitats, and a museum.
t Visitors strolling along the walkway through the museum grounds
Experience Phoenix and Southern Arizona
t The nocturnal ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) at sunset in the grounds of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A 2-mile (3-km) walkway winds through the grounds, passing more than 1,200 native plant species. Take the half-mile- (800-m) Desert Loop Trail to see coyotes and javelinas in wide, natural enclosures. Head for the Mountain Woodland section to see a mountain lion, a black bear, and endangered Mexican gray wolves. Other exhibits give you close-up views of creatures ranging from comical prairie dogs to scary snakes. Docents are stationed along the trail to answer questions and give hands-on demonstrations of interesting facets of desert life. You can also attend informative presentations in the lecture theater.
Did You Know?
Although they look like wild boars, javelinas are not pigs. They are a type of peccary, a New World species.
Insider Tip
Visiting
Plan to stay a minimum of two hours here, but to see everything at a leisurely pace you could easily spend half a day or more. There is little shade on the Desert Loop, so sun protection is a must. You’ll enjoy your visit more if you take it slow and allow rest breaks from the desert heat.
EXPERIENCE Phoenix and Southern Arizona
Highlights |
Raptor Free-Flight ShowDon’t miss this awesome program, held twice a day in winter, when trainers work with hawks, owls, and other birds of prey to demonstrate their power, intelligence and beauty in flight. After the show, some of the birds pose for great close-up photos. |
Hummingbird AviaryArizona is home to many species of native and migrating hummingbirds. Dozens of these colorful little birds hover and dart across your path as you walk through this delightful enclosure. You may even see a tiny nest. |
Cat CanyonIt’s rare to see these elusive desert predators in the wild. Cat Canyon provides a rocky habitat where you can get a look at bobcats, ocelots, and others. |
Riparian CorridorRivers and streams provide a shady oasis in the desert heat. Here you’ll find playful river otters, shy coatis, and nimble bighorn sheep clambering over their rocky home. |
Cactus GardenAlong the trail are beautiful native cacti and succulents, from fat blooming barrels to prickly pears to fuzzy teddy bear chollas and towering saguaros. |