Desert Botanical Garden
These 140 acres of the Botanical Garden provide excellent habitat for a variety of desert species. The birds may be observed at very close distances throughout the five informative trails in the garden. Rare and unusual birds seem to show up at the Botanical Garden as well. The main highlight of the Botanical Garden is the five trail system that exhibits different desert habitats, birdlife may vary on each trail.
The Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail features a desert oasis, which is made into a riparian habitat. A flowing wetland is created as a stream runs into a pond surrounded by reeds and cattails. A stand of cottonwoods border this pond, which may hold interesting birds. Further on this trail, mesquite bosque is found, as well as grassland and chaparral habitats. The combination of different planted habitats on this trail attract many birds throughout the year.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: The Desert Botanical Gardens, Papago Park, and the Phoenix Zoo are all located in very close range of each other. They can all be reached from Galvin Parkway (which shortly south becomes Priest Drive). Galvin Parkway is bordered by McDowell Road on the north, E Van Buren Street/Mill Avenue on the south, as well as roads nearby such as 48th and 52nd streets on the west and Scottsdale and Hayden Roads on the east. McDowell Road is the best way to access these three spots.
Latitude: 33.461806
Longitude: -111.943639
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: May - September: 7am - 8pm; October - April: 8am - 8pm
Admission or Fees: $18
Best time to visit:A good birding area throughout the year, with year round residents, migrants, and wintering species.
Habitats: Urban or Suburban park
Know Before You Go
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Abert’s Towhee, Costa’s Hummingbird, Gilded Flicker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Charismatic: Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner
Contact Information
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone: 480-941-1225
Website: https://dbg.org/
Email: contact@dbg.org
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L210015
Additional Resources: Birding Without Barriers - Desert Botanical Garden
