Ecosystem 01 of 05
The only place on Earth where saguaros grow wild.
The Sonoran is the wettest desert in North America, and that extra water buys it an astonishing density of life. Two rainy seasons, gentle winter storms and violent summer monsoons, let it support more than 2,000 plant species, including the saguaro, which grows wild nowhere else on Earth. Phoenix sits in the middle of it, so the desert begins at the edge of the parking lot.
Field note
The saguaro grows so slowly it may take 50 to 75 years to sprout its first arm. A mature saguaro can live 150 to 200 years, making the ones you pass likely older than the state itself.
Plant life
Can hold over a ton of water after a good monsoon, its pleated ribs swelling like an accordion.
Arizona’s state tree photosynthesizes through its green bark, so it can drop every leaf in a drought and keep living.
Looks like a bundle of dead sticks until rain arrives, then leafs out within 48 hours and tips itself with scarlet flowers.
Fuzzy and inviting from a distance, barbed and awful up close. Its segments detach on contact to root elsewhere.
Wildlife
One of the few venomous lizards in the world. It spends over 90 percent of its life underground.
Arizona’s state bird nests inside cholla, letting the spines do the work of a fortress wall.
Stores water in its bladder for up to a year. Never startle one, releasing that water can be fatal.
Runs about 20 mph and would rather sprint than fly. It kills rattlesnakes and eats them head first.
Where to go
Usery Mountain Regional ParkThe most saguaro per mile of any easy-access park in the valley, plus an archery range and a dark-sky observatory.Maricopa County Parks45 min east of PhoenixPer-vehicle day-use fee
McDowell Sonoran PreserveMore than 30,500 acres and 230 miles of trail. The Gateway trailhead is the best-signed introduction to the desert anywhere near the city.City of Scottsdale40 min northeastFree
Saguaro National Park (East)The densest saguaro forest that exists. The paved Cactus Forest Loop Drive means you can see it without hiking at all.National Park Service2 hr southeast, near TucsonPark entrance fee, 7 days
South Mountain Park & PreserveOne of the largest municipal parks in the country, entirely inside city limits. Drive to Dobbins Lookout for the valley at sunset.City of Phoenix20 min southFreeTrails to hike
Wind Cave TrailModerateClimbs steadily to a shaded alcove in the Pass Mountain cliffs. Seeps keep a hanging garden alive at the top.3.2 mi round trip1,043 ft gainUsery Mountain Regional Park
Gateway LoopModerateThe valley’s benchmark desert loop. Excellent interpretive signage and a saddle view over the whole McDowell range.4.4 mi loop718 ft gainMcDowell Sonoran Preserve
Cactus Forest LoopEasyNearly flat and packed with mature saguaros. The best trail here for families, photographers, and hot mornings.2.5 mi loop200 ft gainSaguaro National Park (East)
Tanque Verde Ridge TrailStrenuousClimbs out of the saguaro belt into grassland and juniper, you can watch the ecosystem change under your boots. Most day hikers turn around about four miles in; the full trail runs 11 miles one way to Cowhead Saddle and gains nearly 4,000 feet.8 mi round trip, partial1,700 ft gainSaguaro National Park (East)
Gateway to Bell PassStrenuousThe long version of the Gateway. Start at dawn, the upper half has no shade whatsoever.7.1 mi round trip1,528 ft gainMcDowell Sonoran PreserveSeason by season
March – May
The desert’s best two months, and its best flowers.
June – August
Genuinely dangerous. Hike before dawn or not at all.
September – November
Heat breaks, greenery lingers from the monsoon.
December – February
Peak season. Cool, clear, and busy.
Expanded facts