The following photos will illustrate ten reasons to visit Arizona in the spring—each represents at least one our our five senses, using the local flora as symbolic representations. Spring is a fantastic time to visit the Arizona Sonoran Desert, with many unique cacti in full bloom, and, a variety of distinct scents and sounds.
Without further ado, here are ten spring reasons that will entice you to visit Arizona right now!
SUNSETS
The sunsets in Arizona are second to none. This shot of a Joshua Tree in the early stage of the sun setting cycle illustrates a warm amber glow, while other evenings you’ll see rich reds’ streak across the sky. This shot was taking at the Flying E Dude Ranch. (Sight)
VISTA VIEWS
There are large open spaces to enjoy, where the air is as clean as the sky is brilliant. This shot is just outside Wickenburg, which is about 60 miles N.W. of Phoenix. (Sight)
WILDFLOWERS
Poppies, Marigolds and Evening Primrose litter yards and sides of streets with a palette of vibrant colors. (Sight, Smell)
INSECTS, BIRDS & WILDLIFE
Wildflowers and blooming cacti herald the arrival of migrating songbirds, butterflies and hummingbirds. There is so much life in the Sonoran Desert during spring months…from butterflies to 100s of species of birds chirping song. If you’re lucky, you may even see a Gila Monster or other rare reptiles. (Sight, Sounds)
DESERT HONEY
There is nothing sweeter than some desert honey…from mesquite to cactus blooms, to flavor-infused jalapeño or prickly pear, there are merchants selling the nectar that only Arizona can produce. This shot is of a bee pollinating a Palo Verde Tree. (Taste)
UNIQUE CACTI BLOOMS
There are so many variety of cacti in the Arizona Sonoran Desert, most have unique and splendid springtime blooms. This photo is a hedgehog cacti. (Sight, Smell)
SEASONAL WATER
There are several areas where you’ll see seasonal water in the desert, and when you do, it’s a sight to behold. This is the upper Hassayampa River in Yavapai County (Sight, Sound, Touch)
SUNRISES
Second only to Arizona sunsets, are the sunrises. If you’re an early-bird, you’ll bear witness to a stupendous sight as a rising glow illuminates the horizon, indicating the beginning of another beautiful day in the desert. (Sight)
NIGHT SKY
Because the sky is often so clear at night, the stars are quite bright against the dark sky. This is a star-trail shot I took, which is a technique combining hundreds of photos into a single image. (Sight, Feel)
VIBRANT CONTRASTS
The amber light in the morning and evening hours. The bright warm sun in the afternoon, and the diverse textures of the desert create vibrant contrasts that can only be found in the desert southwest of the Arizona Sonoran Desert. (Sight)
If you live in, or have ever visited Arizona, please leave a comment below and share with my readers and me your favorite Arizona spring sights. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with friends and family by linking or posting on social media.
If you conjure images of the west, generally what emerges in the mind’s eye is horses, open space, clean air and cowboys. With fewer and fewer areas to enjoy a true western experience, there is one place that has flourished for well over a century…Wickenburg, Arizona.
Stroll downtown and enjoy the various sculptures with audio narration and historic buildings. Stop by the Chamber of Commerce, which is located in the old Santa Fe train depot, and pick up info on the various Wickenburg activities.
No visit to Wickenburg would be complete without a 
Arizona is a wondrous state for its diverse, natural and awe-inspiring beauty. Everyone is familiar with the state’s most popular tourist sights, from the Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rock country to the Saguaro National Park. However, there’s one sight that may not be familiar to you: A state park located about an hour south of Tucson…Kartchner Caverns.
It took many more years of planning and meticulous construction efforts before the park would eventually open to the public in 1999.
You just don’t experience this connective occurrence at a typical resort or other vacation venues.
There are always freshly baked goods and refreshments available throughout the day. Prior to the dinner service you won’t want to miss happy hour (note: BYOB – appetizers supplied) in the saloon—this is a great time to mingle and get acquainted with fellow guests to talk about the day’s activities and to further bond with family and new friends. There is a wonderful deck attached to the saloon, which is the perfect spot to enjoy one of those amazing Arizona sunsets.
Many guests will not miss a ride, while others might enjoy a nearby hike, a game of tennis, a soak in the spa, or a sweat in the sauna. Everything is provided for you at the ranch, but you can also mosey outside the grounds for a round of golf or an off-road excursion. Each day of the week provides a different schedule of events in which you are welcome to participate. You can visit the 
You can even get your butt or your boots branded (as seen in the video). I also enjoyed watching guests trying to steer three reluctant calves into a boxed pen during a team-penning contest at the corral. Evening entertainment includes square dancing in the barn, western music, or simply some fun and competitive games in the ranch house. Of course depending on how long you stay, there’s enough free time to relax, swim, read, or just soak up the Arizona sunshine in a quiet, restful atmosphere.
The Flying~E~Ranch is certainly a peaceful, relaxing place and the entire staff will go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable and welcome. It amazed me at how the staff made a concerted effort to know everyone’s name and to make sure they introduced new guests to ones who’ve been there for a few days.
Silly Mountain Park is located right off of U.S. 60 in between Apache Junction and Gold Canyon, Arizona (GPS: 33.379882 – 111.48973). Over the past couple of years there have been many trail renovations to the park and it’s becoming more and more refined…providing enjoyment for hikers and mountain bikers.
