Did you know that tucked away from the main hub of activity in the town of Fountain Hills is a quaint botanical garden featuring many of the beautiful desert plants of the region? There are gorgeous views of the surrounding area to boot.
I had driven by the spot many times en route to Avenue of the Fountains that leads to the world-famous fountain in Fountain Park. In the spring of 2023, I decided to pop in and have a look around. To say I was impressed is an understatement.
Fountain Hills Desert Sonoran Botanical Garden is like an outdoor art museum for desert plants
I had lived in the Phoenix area for just over ten years prior to my visit to Fountain Hills Botanical Garden. I consider myself a “plant guy” so I’ve taken an interest in getting to know the plants of the region over my decade in the Valley of the Sun.
Had I gone to this botanical garden sooner, I could have compressed the time it took me to learn about Arizona’s desert plants from years into less than an hour.
Shortly after I strolled past the entrance sign, I encountered my first interpretive sign. It describes the Sonoran Desert and what makes it unique.
Less than a minute later, I was gazing into the fresh pink blooms of a Strawberry Hedgehog cactus. I already knew what it was, but the easy-to-read placard placed in front of it was a soothing confirmation.
A little further down the path I encountered a plant I’m sure I had come across many times previously on my desert hikes. I would have had to phone a dozen or so friends to figure out what this one was. Thanks to the adjacent signage I learned right away it was Flat Top Buckwheat, which also goes by Wild Buckwheat.
Did you know? The iconic Saguaro cactus (the tall one with arms) only grows naturally in the Sonoran Desert.
I continued my walk, stopping repeatedly to take in the sights and to add more pics and video clips to my smartphone’s camera roll. When I was about half way through, something I never see in the desert appeared on the horizon. The famous Fountain Hills fountain rose high above the nearby trees and rooftops, as it does at the top of every hour.
Where is the Fountain Hills Desert Sonoran Botanical Garden?
You’ll find the garden along North Fountain Hills Boulevard, about a half-mile north of Shea Boulevard or two miles south of Palisades Boulevard. Click this Google map to get directions from your location or navigate to 11300 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.
Parking at Fountain Hills botanical garden
The designated parking lot only holds about five cars. Two of those spots are designated for handicap access. However, there is ample parking along the adjacent street for many more vehicles.
How long is the trail at Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden?
It took me about 25 minutes to cover the entire walkable area – about 0.8 mile – at my snail-like, photographer’s pace. No section was steep or rugged enough to deem it a hike. But all the general precautions about Arizona’s intense heat and sunlight apply.
Trail summary:
- Length: 0.8 mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Precautions: Bring drinking water and don’t count on shade
- Location: 11300 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
- Pass/permit required: none
How much is admission to Fountain Hills Botanical Garden?
There is no charge to park or visit the garden. If you want to show your appreciation for all the garden offers, consider making a donation to The Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills.
What you’ll experience
Play the video below for a preview of the Sonoran Desert Botanical Garden in Fountain Hills, Arizona.
The more you learn about Arizona’s beautiful, rugged desert landscape the more you’ll appreciate it. There are more fancy, and costly, botanical gardens in the Valley of the Sun that you can visit to expand your knowledge. But if you’re in the Fountain Hills vicinity, a short visit to the Desert Sonoran Botanical Garden can provide you a free crash course in the plants and landscape that makes Arizona so unique.
