Flora near Sedona & Tempe
 

Can anyone give me some advice on where to go see desert wildflowers during early to mid-March near Sedona and or Tempe. I have been reading that this year is supposted to be "The Bloom of the Century" because of all the rain, and it just so happens that I will be in the Sedona and Tempe areas from March 10-15. If anyone can give advice on where to go for the best wildflower viewing during that time it would be greatly appreciated.

In tempe, I would go to Papago Park. I would imagine there would be plenty along the freeway to Sedona. If there aren't many in Papago Park, perhaps a drive to the east to Superior or the Foutain Hills - Rio Verde - Scottsdale loop

Thanks for the help. We will have to try Papago Park... we also saw that mentioned in the New York Times today.

Sedona lies at about 4,000 ft. altitude, much higher than Tempe, which is at about 1,200 ft. or so. As a result, temperatures range 10 to 15 degrees cooler in Sedona and wildflowers will be in full bloom later.

As you drive north from the Phoenix/Tempe area on Interstate 17, you will notice blooms along the roadway, lining the ditches. Orange flowers will likely be globe mallow. Yellow will be brittlebush. It will be too early for the palo verde trees to be in yellow bloom. Pink will be owl clover. Pricklypear cactus will be either yellow or fuchsia color.

Sedona needs some warmer weather to bring out abundant wildflower blooms. One of the best places to see blooms would be to drive Lower Red Rock Loop Road, and in Red Rock State Park. This lies just west of town. Ask at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitors' Center, corner of Hwy. 89A and Forest Rd. for directions and other suggestions.

USNR, do you live in Sedona? I am asking because if you do, I have a question for you on neighborhoods, esp. the Red Rock Loop road area.

Sorry for the bad info - I went by Papago Park today and there are not many flowers.

THere was an article in the AZ Republic yesterday on wildflowers. It listed Lost DUtchman state park, Usery Mtn Regional Park, US 60 east of Apache JCt at mile markers 209 and 229.

More on the way to Sedona (but with a significant detour), it listed Cave Creek Regional Park and Lake Pleasant Regional Park.

emd: affirmative; have lived in Sedona more than 21 years. Will answer you direct if provided your email address.

Let me check w/fodors. We may be able to do a deal to share address, but not publically. Am looking at property there and would appreciate the input.