Where the wildflowers bloom

Spring in Arizona unveils a plethora of wildflowers. The best way to take in the carpet of these colorful beauties is through scenic drives and hikes. Roger Naylor has mapped out some of the best spots to see blooms from perennials such as brittlebush, desert marigold, globemallow and poppies. Here are a few ideas for your petal-peeping expeditions.

wildflowers line the shoulder of Hwy 60 below Picketpost Mountain © Roger Naylor

Traveling east on U.S. 60 to Globe where an array of poppies, lupines, phacelia and penstemon line the road. Brittlebush, desert marigold and globemallow take center stage as the highway climbs through Gonzales Pass. Flowers tend to bloom along roadsides earlier triggered by the extra heat of the asphalt.

Along the way you’ll have a few other options to explore, such as Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden was created to study drought-tolerant plants from around the world. But just because they study drought doesn’t mean they practice it. Their flowers get some extra love with a water hose when needed. Masks are required.

Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 55 miles east of central Phoenix on U.S. 60. $15, $5 for ages 5-12. 520-689-2723, https://www.btarboretum.org.

Superior, AZ: Try this easy outdoor day trip from Phoenix

You can read the entire AZ Central article by Roger Naylor here