Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ 2023-2024

The Desert Botanical Garden, spanning 140 acres in Papago Park, Phoenix, showcases thousands of cactus, tree, and flower species from around the world.

Destination Highlights

Amid the striking red rocks of the Papago Buttes, the Desert Botanical Garden is home to 50,000 vibrant desert plants. This captivating destination features diverse plant life, scenic trails, world-class exhibitions, festive events, engaging classes, and much more.

Trails

The trails at the Desert Botanical Garden offer a chance to explore the remarkable plants that thrive in some of the hottest, driest regions on Earth. The Sonoran Desert Nature Trail reveals how desert plants and animals adapt to life with minimal water, while the Desert Discovery Trail showcases a rich variety of cacti, succulents, and historic plant collections. The Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail dazzles with vibrant blooms and attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

The Butterfly Pavilion

Since 2002, the Butterfly Pavilion has highlighted the unique connection between insects and the plants of the Sonoran Desert. Visitors can discover the butterfly life cycle while interacting with more than 2,000 butterflies that are native to the Southwest. The Butterfly Pavilion is open from September 21 to November 10, with operating hours from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

Events

Families and children of all ages can enjoy hands-on, nature-based walks and activities at the Desert Botanical Garden. Kids can participate in summer camps, while adults have a variety of educational opportunities. The Garden offers specialized classes in landscape and gardening, photography, science and conservation, art, cooking, and wellness. Visitors can also explore the Garden after dark at the Flashlight Nights or attend exhibitions, workshops, and many other events.

Schedule

The Desert Botanical Garden is open from May to September, 7 am to 8 pm. From October to April, it operates Monday to Wednesday from 8 am to 8 pm and Thursday to Sunday from 8 am to 9 pm. On select dates, including November 29-30, December 1, 6-7, 13-15, 18-23, and 26-30, the last general admission is at 3 pm. The Garden will be closed on November 28 and December 25.

Tickets

General admission ranges from $24.95 to $32.95, while Youth tickets for ages 3 to 17 are between $14.95 and $19.95. From June 1 to September 2, admission is $16.95 for all guests. Children under 2 and members can enter for free. Community Day, held on the second Tuesday of every month, is also free. Active military personnel receive free admission with a valid government ID, applicable to general admission only. Note that general admission does not cover special ticketed events or exhibitions.