Fun Orange County Parks

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
×
Home » Family Travel

The Bloomin' Desert

Color is not something I thought I'd see in the desert. I had myself geared up for the heat and the dust, but I never imagined the desert plants and cactus flowers in Arizona blooming during our April trips to Tucson and Phoenix. I think this yellow acacia tree was the culprit for some of the allergies I heard about from other visitors during the spring in Arizona. I think it looks like a Dr. Seuss desert plant.

pictures of cactus

The palo verde tree, as the name implies, had pale green bark and yellow flowers. It was brilliant and unmistakeable as we drove by it on the freeway or parked under it in parking lots.

desert plant

I don't know if the Ocotillo are my new favorite plant because of their fiery red blooms, their tall thorny stalks in contrast to the beautiful flower, or because it's just fun to say "Ocotillo."

Little birds would flit onto the thorns and hang out for a while to watch the view from way up over the ground.

I'm not going to lie and say we didn't see scenes like this:

It's just that more often than not they were accompanied by color like this:

Please visit my guest blog with links to reviews about our trip to the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa are up on Trekaroo.com. I'm a 2011 Superoo (OCPlayParks) for the family travel website.

This is also my contribution to Suz Lipman's Photo Friday on SlowFamilyOnline.com (just for fun!).

More Family Travel

  • 7 Family-Friendly Mostly-Outdoor San Diego Day Trips Under $150
  • Apple Pie and Fall Colors in Oak Glen
    Apple Pie and Fall Colors in Oak Glen
  • Whitewater Preserve for Family Time
  • Sycamore Canyon Park in Diamond Bar: Part Playground and Part Nature Hike

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. Humbly sharing playful OC outdoor places to fit your tight budget through this unofficial and free community resource filled with time-tested recommendations from parents/caregivers like you.

More about me

Popular

  • Splash Parks and Water Play in Orange County
  • San Clemente Aquatics Center and Vista Hermosa Sports Park
  • 25 Best Family Movies to Watch on Rainy Indoor Weekends
  • 6 Best Toddler Beaches with No Waves

Seasonal

  • Seabridge Park and Beach in Huntington Harbour
  • Cheat Sheet to Park and Beach Passes for OC Families
  • Marina Park in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula
  • Newport Dunes Beach Cottages and Resort Overview

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About + Start Here

Newsletter

  • Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter!

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright © 2008-2025 Play Parks Creative LLC | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclosure