All About the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ
I was hosted by the Desert Botanical Garden as an attendee of a Flock Presents conference. All opinions are always my own.
The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ is a hidden gem. They are open long hours and have many events. The gardens even have a restaurant and gift shop. Scroll below for all the details about the Desert Botanical Garden. 
Desert Botanical Garden Hours
First let’s get down to the important part, when the Desert Botanical Garden is open, so you can plan your visit. The hours at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona:
CURRENT HOURS FOR GENERAL ADMISSION
Daily | 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Garden opens an hour early Wednesdays and Sundays for members. (6 a.m.)
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
July 4
Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28)
Christmas Day (Dec. 25) 
Desert Botanical Garden Coupon
I didn’t see many reputable coupons floating around the internet, but becoming a member does come with a lot of discounts.
Desert Botanical Garden Events
They host private events, ticket only events, as well as special events. Check their calendar on their website here for more info. 
What is Recommended to Bring?
HAT & SUNGLASSES- Shade your eyes so you can better take in the beautiful landscape.
WATER- They also offer hydration stations to refill your water bottles if it becomes empty.
COMFORTABLE SHOES- The trails are easy to walk, but loose gravel/dirt is what most of the trails are made of. 
What to See at the Desert Botanical Garden
When planning your visit, keep in mind the desert heat. You probably wouldn’t want to go in the middle of the day in the summer, but with that said, here are the amazing trails they offer:
SONORAN DESERT NATURE LOOP TRAIL- Hike to the top of this trail for a great view of the mountains that surround Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix.
CENTER FOR DESERT LIVING TRAIL- Immerse yourself in the colors and fragrances of this trail, which demonstrates ideas and strategies for efficient, sustainable and harmonious ways to work with nature in our desert environment.
DESERT DISCOVERY LOOP TRAIL- Stroll through the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Desert Terrace Garden into the heart of Desert Botanical Garden.
HARRIET K. MAXWELL DESERT WILDFLOWER LOOP TRAIL- Revel in the explosion of desert wildflowers and blooming cactus along Garden trails during the height of the blooming season. You might even spot three species of hummingbirds that live in the Garden.
PLANTS & PEOPLE OF THE SONORAN DESERT LOOP TRAIL- Explore this loop trail to see how Sonoran Desert plants have been used by native people for food, medicine and building materials. This trail is one of the largest exhibits of its kind dedicated to helping people understand the complex cultural relationships between people and plants in our region. The trail is brought to life through cultural examples of the Tohono O’odham, Western Apache and Hispanic households. 
Desert Botanical Garden Admission
You can buy tickets online for Desert Botanical Garden or at the location when you get there. You can also join to become a member online as well. The Garden hosts Community Day the second Tuesday of every month, where admission is complimentary.
Cost to Visit Desert Botanical Garden
General Admission (Daytime) – $24.95
Youth 3 – 17 (Daytime) – $12.95
Children under 3 – FREE
Members – FREE
Active Military Personnel – FREE (with valid government ID for General Admission only)
*General Admission does not include special events or exhibitions. 
To be honest, I was a little skeptical of a “Desert Garden”, but it completely exceeded my expectations and was gorgeous. I went in the late afternoon/evening and watching the sunset was beautiful. I highly recommend that time of day.
Now I want a cactus garden of my own.
Looking for more travel content? Here are some of my other posts.
Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Magnolia in Waco, TX
6 Reasons to Stay At Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Disney World
Planning a trip to the Phoenix area? Pin this for later to be able to come back to it. 
