What makes the Sonoran Desert Special?

The Sonoran Desert is truly a special place. There is nowhere like it on earth. The Sonoran Desert is the only place in the world where Saguaro cactus grow naturally.

Some interesting facts about the Sonoran Desert:

Phoenix, Arizona is the largest city located within the Sonoran Desert.
It is often called the low desert.
The Sonoran Desert encompasses the U.S. states of Arizona and California as well as the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California.
It is the wettest desert in the world. In some places it can receive up to 25 inches of rain per year.

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The Saguaro cacti is a protected species. You actually need a permit to move one.

Saguaros take nearly 70 years to produce flowers. If you see a Saguaro with arms know that it is over 100 years old.

Once they start producing you can see these beautiful flowers every spring between April and May. If pollinated the white flowers will turn into red fruit in the summer. The fruit has thousand of tiny black seeds that feed many of the desert animals and birds.

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What makes the Sonoran Desert Special?

Often perceived as hot and dusty, many believe the desert is void of life. In contrast, the desert is beautiful and home to over 2,000 native plants.

Desert Plants & Flowers

Some popular cactus include the cholla, beavertail, hedgehog, prickly pear, ocotillo, and organ pipe to name a few. Agaves, creosote bush , mesquite, palo verde trees are abundant here as well. The Creosote bush is the signature smell of rain in Arizona.

Several varieties of palm trees and tropical plants can thrive in the desert. Spring brings fantastic blooms. The desert landscape pops with gorgeous pink, white, yellow and red flowers.

Wildflowers

Desert wildflowers put on a showstopping spring display.

Desert Animals, Reptiles & Birds

Millions of people, and many species of animals, reptiles and birds call the desert home.

Common Animals and Creatures

javelina
coyotes
bobcats
gila monsters
scorpions
tarantula
quail
roadrunners
various lizards
cactus wren
bighorn sheep
pronghorn antelope

Arizona is home to over 350 bird species. We have 15 species of hummingbirds. Southeastern Arizona has some of the best hummingbird viewing areas in the country.