Breaking News Stories

Sneak peek at Arizona’s 2023 wildflower season

PHOENIX — Spring is approaching, bringing one of Arizona’s best features. wildflower.

After a rainy January, it’s time to get ready for the hanami season. Vibrant wildflower blooms are expected to begin in the Southeast and continue northward across the state.

That means from late February to early March you’ll find some of the most colorful hikes and scenery our state has to offer!

“If the soil conditions are good and there are no late frosts this week or next, we should have great blooms at Pikacho Peak, Lost Dutchman, Lake Alamo and Catalina State Park in the next week or so,” said Michelle Thompson. Arizona State Parks and Trails.

We’ve seen places where you can expect some of the most vibrant flowers this spring.

>>Download 12 news apps Get the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

desert botanical garden

You don’t have to go far. It incorporates a winding wildflower trail. desert botanical gardenvisitors can see the state flowers here in the valley.

The Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail is a winding and winding hike, perfect for an afternoon visit. You can see how the brightly colored wildflowers and cacti blooms make this season special.


Credit: Desert Botanical Garden

Cactus flower in desert botanical garden.



Pikacho Peak State Park

Located off of Interstate 10 in Pinal County, Pikacho Peak This is where you can expect some of the first flowers of the season to open.

The Arizona State Parks and Trails Department currently expects blooms to begin in the next few weeks. It won’t be the best season, he said.

Mexican poppies are already starting to bloom in small spots, and Brittlebushes and Coulter’s lupines are expected to start blooming soon.

Lost Dutchman State Park

A few weeks after Pikacho Peak State Park, wildflowers bloom near the valleys of Lost Dutchman State Park.

A variety of flowers are expected at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, including chuparosa, poppies, fiddlenecks, globe mallows, brittlebushes and desert evening primroses.

The 2022 wildflower season has been less active, but hikers can expect better views this time around.

Wildflower weekly updates are available at: Lost Dutchman State Park Facebook Page.

Catalina State Park

If you are in Tucson, Catalina State Park A place where flowers bloom much later than other places. The park is fed by snowmelt, which keeps the area cool and waters the plants.

When the flowers bloom, expect shades of orange and purple to wash out the greenery, making for a beautiful and aromatic experience.

Visitors to Catalina State Park can hike, horseback ride, and bike on the eight trails the park offers. Remember to be considerate of others and stay on the trail so as not to damage the wildflowers.

You can track Wildflower updates at Catalina State Park Facebook Page.


Credit: Catalina State Park/Margie Caswell

Wildflowers in Catalina State Park, photo courtesy Margie Caswell.



Alamo Lake State Park

In the second half of the season, beautiful flowers bloom further north. Alamo Lake State Park One of the best examples you can find!

This gateway to the upper Sonoran Desert is filled with stunning scenery perfect for hiking. Between the bright yellow starburst of the Brittlebush and the blossoming Palo Verde trees, you’re looking for some real fun.

In this park you can reserve cabin again camp site Extend your visit and take advantage of all the hiking, fishing, biking, and more the Alamo Lake has to offer.

Check out this shot from 2017.

Red Rock State Park

As the season gets late and the states get higher, Red Rock State Park It’s a place to Sedona is already a premier destination for beautiful hikes. Imagine the peak of wildflower season in late May.

We have had a lot of snow in the highlands this year (Flagstaff literally broke the record So excess moisture can speed up the germination of spring annuals.

If it weren’t for a sudden heat wave, Red Rock Canyon would probably be painted in shades of purple, yellow, gold and pink.

The area is home to flowering plants such as Mojave aster, yellow primrose, indigo bush and desert trumpet.

You can track Wildflower updates at Red Rock State Park Facebook Page.


Red Rock Country is one of the best places in Arizona to recharge your batteries. This is an image of Sedona’s iconic Cathedral Rock. (Photo: Becky Wenger)



we are arizona❤

Explore amazing people, places and things across the state in this 12News YouTube playlist.

Share this post:

Leave a Reply