Deserts are at their most dazzling in the spring. Wildflowers carpet the terrain in showy color, and sometimes, the starkest and most unlikely looking cactus produces the most flamboyant blossoms. Trips to the desert in the spring are always educational and inspirational, as well as rugged outdoor fun.
Families can experience the remarkable diversity of the Sonoran Desert without crossing its 120,000 square miles laying throughout Arizona, California and the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California. Half a day at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum provides an excellent opportunity to visit some of the 300 species of animals and 1,300 species of plants that inhabit this remarkable ecosystem.
THE NEW YORK TIMES called this unique naturalistic museum "probably the most distinctive zoo in the United States" in its guide to the 10 best zoos of the world. During our visit, we watched a mountain lion lick its paw and a black bear nuzzle her cub in the Mountain Habitat, a wonderfully naturalistic setting in which the animals are protected by such natural features as water and walls rather than old-fashioned chain-link fences.
Like other desert dwellers that burrow underground to escape the heat of day, we recommend visiting the "Life Underground" exhibit, then resurfacing to marvel at the shimmering hummingbirds in their walk-through aviary.
Although the children may be grossed out by the vultures, they'll be sure to find them interesting once the docent explains the efficient design of its body and wings.
The kids' opinion of the saguaro cactus, which grows as tall as 50 feet, progressed from bizarre to awesome when they considered how the pleated accordion shape can expand to store water--up to 200 gallons--and why its nasty spines are needed to protect this natural storage tank from thirsty animals.
The whole concept of desert ecology and the interdependence of life becomes brilliantly clear in this open-air living desert, which deserves a better name than "museum." It is open daily from 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. October through February; March through September it is open from 7:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. On Saturdays, June through August, it stays open until 10 P.M. Admission is $9.00 for ages 13 and up; $2.00 for children ages six to 12; and free for children under five. Call 520-883-1380 for more information.
Tucson offers lodging ranging from inexpensive motels to dude ranches and family-friendly resorts with children's programs. Call the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau at 520-624-1817 to request a copy of the Tucson Official Visitors' Guide, which lists bed-and-breakfasts, hotels and motels, campgrounds, resorts, and ranches.
Tanque Verde, a historic cattle ranch nestled 2,800 feet in the foothills of the Rincon, Santa Catalina and Tanque Verde mountains, offers riding, rodeos, barbecues, nature walks and bird-banding programs, along with swimming pools, tennis courts and a great children's program for kids ages four to 11. The early-morning breakfast ride through a quintessential Western landscape of towering saguaro cactus is as good as it gets for cowpoke wanna-bes. Rates start at $350 per day for two for a casita, three meals daily and all activities. Add $15 per day for kids three and under. Call 800-234-DUDE.
The Westin La Paloma, tucked in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, preserved more than 7,000 cacti when it was developed, so guests here experience the desert in a luxury setting. Designed in a Southwestern Mission Revival style colored in La Paloma Rose for the desert sunset hues, the 487-room property caters to families with a full-service Westin Kids' Club, free meals daily for children 12 and under, a new kids-only pool and Arizona's longest resort water slide--a thrilling 177 feet. Call Westin Central Reservations at 800-937-8461 or Westin La Paloma direct at 520-742-6000 for rates.
Carol Canter, an Oakland-based freelance writer, has fallen in love with deserts, both stark and painted, from Egypt to Arizona.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
