On the last day of our Arizona, we took the ride down to Phoenix. The mid-February weather worked out best there that day. This time, I could not leave Arizona without seeing a Saguaro cactus.
The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
While in Flagstaff, I had no clue how easy it would be to find the Saguaros I always dreamed of seeing in person. So, we bought the dual day/night pass for the Desert Botanical Garden (hours of operation), so we could view the various cacti in daylight and see the Electric Desert at night. I, personally, love succulents and plants in general.
Saguaros Everywhere in Phoenix Area
As it turns out, as you reach the area north of Phoenix, you see Saguaros virtually everywhere. These massive cacti each stand about 20 feet high. On the bright side, the Desert Botanical Garden, DBG, offered much more than Saguaro cacti. The DBG displays a wide variety of succulents and other wildlife. Like the La Brea Tar Pits, this garden brings life and contrast to the surrounding city.
Inside the Garden
Wildflower 
Spiny Succulents 
Cacti Blooms 
Just Lovely 
Blooming Spines 
Succulent
I highly recommend checking out the DBG or just hiking in nature in this area. Cacti are beautifully exotic and the closer you look, the more you see how intricate these succulents are. Also, the garden creates a home for birds, hummingbird, bees, prairie dogs, and much more.
Dozens of varieties of cacti get carefully housed between wildflowers and even a small vegetable garden. In short, the DBG allowed me to experience much of what the desert offered in a gorgeous city setting.
The Hole in the Rock
Phoenix Views 
Donut Hole from the Rock 
Dirty Windshield at Hole in the Rock 
Hole in the Rock 
Another Rock Full of Holes
We decided to include a short hike nearby before heading out for a steak dinner in Scottsdale. We saw Hole in the Rock as we drove, so we decided to take the opportunity to see Phoenix from a higher viewpoint. The hike up and into the rock ended up being way more accessible than expected, but oh so worthwhile. With this being an extraordinary rock formation, I did not know what to expect, but most people could handle the way up around the back.
I am serious, this hike is easy, if you go to Phoenix make sure you stop here and check out the view.
Phoenix Lit Up by the Electric Desert Light Show
Honestly, I loved seeing the light and sound show after dark. But, I’ll admit I would have regretted not going to the day first. Viewing the gorgeous succulents and wildflowers in daylight gives a far greater understanding of their beauty and magnificence.
Photos would not do this attraction justice. As the sun goes down, the lights and sounds come on. All of a sudden, the upbeat music and colorful lighting turn the desert into a wondrous place. Several areas offer various choreographed light shows that complete shift your perception. At one point, you almost feel like you are underwater. In another area, you experience a story through light and sound on the hillside. Very, very cool.
Heading Home
After a week of exploring Montezuma Castle and Well, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Phoenix – we headed back to Vegas and then flew home to Massachusetts. An excellent trip in the book, off to my next adventure.