Who Says the Desert Isn't Pretty?

First time visitors to Tucson are always surprised when they arrive and see how beautiful the desert really is. I must admit when I was on my way to Tucson for the first time I was expecting to see a dry, desolate land with tumbleweeds blowing across the roadway. I'm happy to say that I couldn't have been more surprised. Though Tucson is located in the Sonoran Desert, it's beauty is breathtaking.

During the driest parts of the year you'll see plants like brittle bush or ocotillo ornamented with bright yellow or orange blooms. Even native cactus thrive and beautify the dry desert scape. And once the monsoon rains move in, there's an endless rainbow of color. From July thru August you'll see Texas Rangers and Salvias blooming from the abundance of summer rains. It's a great time to watch hummingbirds and butterflies as they move from one meal to the next. If Tucson is lucky enough to have substantial winter rains, you will see a bumper crop of gorgeous wildflowers in March, April and May. So if you plan on visiting Tucson for the first time, be prepared for the unexpected beauty and color that the desert has to offer!