Arizona is home to some of the most gorgeous deserts in the United States. If you’re ready to explore the great outdoors, check out this guide to exploring the stunning natural beauty of Arizona’s deserts from Castle & Cooke.
Natural Diversity
While all of Arizona’s deserts are equally enthralling, each major area has its own unique set of geographical landmarks, wildlife populations, and indigenous flora. Arizona is divided into four separate quadrants. Before you embark on your rural adventure, do a bit of research on your desert of choice to best prepare for its singular features.
The Sonoran Desert
The Sonoran Desert is one of the largest deserts in Arizona, reaching from the southwest portion of the state to cover a good deal of the central region. It’s quite dry, but it also boasts an astounding array of desert greenery and foliage, including one of Arizona’s most recognizable symbols: the saguaro cactus. It is the only geographical location where you can find this celebrated plant in the wild – and thanks to the Sonoran Desert’s bi-seasonal rainfall, it has the most individual plant species out of any desert in the world.
The Sonoran Desert’s local flora includes several species of cactus, including prickly pear, organ pipe, and night blooming cereus. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be treated to the blooming season of these splendid plants. Prepare to get an eyeful of vibrant red, pink, white, and yellow blooms that can last throughout the summer. You can also expect to see trees like velvet mesquite and desert willow, as well as shrubs like whitethorn acacia and fairy duster.
Saguaro National Park is just outside Tucson, making it easy to enjoy a day in the wild before heading back for a night on the town or a relaxing evening at your hotel. The park is open 24 hours a day, so you can wander the trails without worrying about closing times. Admission fees cover a full seven days of unfettered park access.
The Mojave Desert
Located in northwestern Arizona, the Mojave Desert is the driest desert in the state. Named for the indigenous Mojave people, it is nestled between Kingman and Wickenburg and spans the Colorado River. The Mojave Desert is perhaps best known for its unique population of Joshua trees, a species that is famous for its distinctive silhouette. Joshua trees only grow in the Mojave Desert, making the area a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers alike. You can opt to drive through the Mojave Desert for a scenic tour, or take a hike on foot to get up close and personal.
If you decide to hop in the car, you can take a trip down the Joshua Tree Forest Parkway. This road allows for an unblemished view of the Mojave Desert’s Joshua tree population, as well as several species of cactus and towering mesas. You can also reach Grand Canyon West via this route, making the Joshua Tree Forest Parkway the perfect spot for a pit stop or an unforgettable road trip.
The Chihuahuan Desert
The Chihuahuan Desert spans much of southeastern Arizona and holds the honor of being the largest desert on the North American continent. It may resemble a grassy plain more so than a stereotypical desert, but that doesn’t make the Chihuahuan Desert any less beautiful. It’s home to Chiricahua National Monument, which contains rock formations known as hoodoos. These fascinating natural structures resemble ancient pillars and are truly a sight to behold. Rock climbing is not permitted, although there are several hiking trails that will let you get up close and personal with the hoodoos.
If you’re looking for an extended stay, there are also areas in Chiricahua National Monument that allow camping. This may be the best option for some, as the site is rather remote, although Tucson is easily accessible for a day trip. There are also other equally beautiful areas of the desert that are closer to towns like Willcox, Tombstone, Bisbee, and Sierra Vista.
Contact Castle & Cooke TodayCastle & Cooke has been constructing Sierra Vista’s most beautiful communities in the deserts of Arizona for more than 30 years. For more information about our new constructions, call (520) 378-5110 or send us a message here. You can also visit our website to browse our selection of move-in ready homes in Arizona.