Est. 1968 · Sonoran Desert

Saguaro Sun

Desert Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve

Plan Your Visit

A Living Archive

Living Collection

Forty acres of curated habitat. Over 1,200 species from the Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan deserts — each with a story older than our cities.

Saguaro

Carnegiea gigantea

  • NativeSonoran Desert
  • BloomMay – June
Least Concern

Prickly Pear

Opuntia engelmannii

  • NativeSouthwest US
  • BloomApril – June
Least Concern

Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus wislizeni

  • NativeSonoran Desert
  • BloomJuly – September
Near Threatened

Century Agave

Agave americana

  • NativeMexico, SW US
  • BloomOnce in 10–30 yrs
Least Concern

Joshua Tree

Yucca brevifolia

  • NativeMojave Desert
  • BloomFebruary – April
Vulnerable

Ocotillo

Fouquieria splendens

  • NativeChihuahuan Desert
  • BloomMarch – June
Least Concern

Hours & Admission

Plan Your Visit

The desert keeps its own calendar. Our hours shift with the sun so you can wander in the gentlest light.

Spring

Mar – May

6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Wildflower superbloom. Ocotillo ablaze.

Summer

Jun – Aug

5:30 – 11:00 AM
& 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Split hours to avoid midday heat.

Fall

Sep – Nov

6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Barrel cactus bloom. Migratory birds.

Winter

Dec – Feb

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Clear skies. Ideal for stargazing tours.

Admission

  • Adults$18
  • Seniors$14
  • Children (3–12)$8
  • MembersFree

Closed on major holidays. Last entry 30 minutes before closing.

Docent-Led Experiences

Book a Guided Tour

Our naturalists know every spine and story. Small groups, slow pace, long shadows.

Tour Type