Most of the country might follow the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” but Arizona operates on a different timetable. Rainfall through December, January, and February gives the desert a much-needed douse of water, and the native plants take advantage of the annual sudden bountiful moisture and put on an exquisite and colorful wildflower display.
When do the Wildflowers Appear?
March is the best month to catch the amazing site of color painting the desert, but some wildflowers start blooming in late February and linger into early April. The exact date to see the best wildflower displays can't be predicted precisely, but the most spectacular concentration of wildflower blooms is almost always in March. The more rain the Phoenix area gets in January and February, the better the display will be.
Arizona is known for its beautiful winter weather—and particularly its dry weather. These annual storms might be surprising to some visitors heading to the area seeking sunshine, but they provide the desert with necessary water for the year to come. One beautiful side-effect is the way the desert leaps to life when water is available, and quickly puts on a lush, blooming display. It's a sight not to be missed.
Where to See Wildflowers
The Phoenix metropolitan area is surrounded by mountain ranges and great hiking opportunities. South Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and the Superstition Mountains are three areas likely to have magnificent wildflower displays in the springtime, and are easily accessible from any part of the Phoenix area. Need something a little more tame, or perhaps wheelchair accessible? Try walking the easy, well-groomed and always beautiful trails of Boyce Thomson Arboretum. The arboretum offers guided spring wildflower tours each year; visit their website for full details.
Common Wildflowers
The most common and impressive wildflower that carpets the Sonoran desert in springtime is the Mexican Poppy. Its vibrant yellow-orange blooms are a beautiful change from the muted hues that dominate the desert through most of the year. Mexican Poppies are often found mixed in with a bright lilac-blue Mojave Lupine flowers, creating a brilliant and striking contrast. Check out the Arizona Wild Flowers website for pictures and descriptions of many of the flowers hikers are likely to see during the spring wildflower season.
What to Wear on the Hike
The National Weather Service reports that average temperatures in the Phoenix area in March are a very comfortable 75 degrees. It can often be warmer or cooler, but hikers will likely be comfortable in shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. Even when the temperatures are comfortable, the desert sun can be unexpectedly intense. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water are important elements of any hiker's equipment.
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