Where can I find saguaro cacti in the Phoenix suburbs? (Glendale: stadium, park)

[azdr0710]

Originally Posted by Jericho-79

People won't think of me as acting suspicious?

just act like a tourist and everything will be fine!!....I saw one just the other day!

[TomB90]

You can find them everywhere, especially north in Carefree area

[acrylic]

Originally Posted by Jericho-79

Am I allowed to just drive into these natural parks, walk around, and snap pictures?

That's what tourists usually do

[roundball]

This is the biggest one (maybe) at Thunderbird Recreation Area. If you are close its worth checking out for the views. Most trails take 45-90min.

[DewDropInn]

Originally Posted by Jericho-79

Am I allowed to just drive into these natural parks, walk around, and snap pictures?

Do I need to pay a fee? Could I park anywhere?

People won't think of me as acting suspicious?

I'm up in Cave Creek and we have tons of them. Like in our front yards. Cave Creek is a touristy town. Lots of small shops and restaurants. Come on up! (But watch your speed. It's one big speed-trap. And you'll see a lot of motorcyclists. Not to worry. Unless doctors and accountants on bikes worry you.)

They just grow wild in these parts. I often see a car pulled over to the side of the road with families taking pictures in front of them. If you're in an area that's not a park, just find a safe place to pull over and park.

I've been trying to remember if there are any actually at the stadium where you'll be.

[Beena]

While you are at it....go up to Flagstaff and see if you can find a pine tree.

[greendesert]

another area that I think has some very nice specimens is in those hills around Lake Pleasant. If you go straight north from Peoria you run into Lake Pleasant (about 15-20 miles north), and the hills around it are just loaded with big Saguaros, not just some here and there, but almost like a forest. Also Carefree area is another good area. Yes you can see them at the White Tanks Regional park as well (drive west on Olive from Grand Ave) and just keep going. The road goes straight into the park. Check out the Waterfall trail. It's a nice little trail that ends in a narrow canyon that is so rewarding (with cool shade) when you're hiking on a hot day, and if you're really lucky and it rained recently, there might even be water there LOL
I know you can see Saguaros just about everywhere, but I still prefer the idea of getting out of the city to enjoy the desert. Have a great time in Phoenix.

[Design7]

If you want to get a sense of the amazing range of cactus types that grow in the Sonoran Desert, visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. To a New Yorker like myself it was a real eye opener that really educated me in the amazing diversity of Sonoran Desert plants. You must visit! It is a real treat, especially if this is your first exposure to the attractions of the Sonoran Desert. The Desert Botanical Garden is located among the red rock buttes of Papago Park which is a visual treat in itself. That also is a must see if this is your first visit to Phoenix. To my eye, it was like stepping into an alien landscape.

The top picture is from the Desert Botanical Garden, the bottom from Papago Park. Enoy your visit!

[MarianR]

If you're flying in, you'll probably see some as you leave the airport - be careful, don't have an accident! Phoenix parks are free - North Mountain, Piestewa Peak and South Mountain would be good places to see saguaros.

[Jericho-79]

I'll be flying into Sky Harbor on March 27.

What's the climate like in Phoenix in late March?

People say that it gets cool in the desert at night, and that I should bring a light jacket.

I'm assuming it's not going to rain.