Why you need to come to Arizona right now!

The following photos will illustrate ten reasons to visit Arizona in the spring—each represents at least one our our five senses, using the local flora as symbolic representations.  Spring is a fantastic time to visit the Arizona Sonoran Desert, with many unique cacti in full bloom, and, a variety of distinct scents and sounds.

Without further ado, here are ten spring reasons that will entice you to visit Arizona right now!

SUNSETS
The sunsets in Arizona are second to none.  This shot of a Joshua Tree in the early stage of the sun setting cycle illustrates a warm amber glow, while other evenings you’ll see rich reds’ streak across the sky. This shot was taking at the Flying E Dude Ranch.  (Sight)

VISTA VIEWS
There are large open spaces to enjoy, where the air is as clean as the sky is brilliant. This shot is just outside Wickenburg, which is about 60 miles N.W. of Phoenix. (Sight)

WILDFLOWERS
Poppies, Marigolds and Evening Primrose litter yards and sides of streets with a palette of vibrant colors.  (Sight, Smell)

INSECTS, BIRDS & WILDLIFE
Wildflowers and blooming cacti herald the arrival of migrating songbirds, butterflies and hummingbirds. There is so much life in the Sonoran Desert during spring months…from butterflies to 100s of species of birds chirping song.  If you’re lucky, you may even see a Gila Monster or other rare reptiles.  (Sight, Sounds)

DESERT HONEY
There is nothing sweeter than some desert honey…from mesquite to cactus blooms, to flavor-infused jalapeño or prickly pear, there are merchants selling the nectar that only Arizona can produce. This shot is of a bee pollinating a Palo Verde Tree. (Taste)

UNIQUE CACTI BLOOMS
There are so many variety of cacti in the Arizona Sonoran Desert, most have unique and splendid springtime blooms.  This photo is a hedgehog cacti. (Sight, Smell)

SEASONAL WATER
There are several areas where you’ll see seasonal water in the desert, and when you do, it’s a sight to behold.  This is the upper Hassayampa River in Yavapai County (Sight, Sound, Touch)

SUNRISES
Second only to Arizona sunsets, are the sunrises.  If you’re an early-bird,  you’ll bear witness to a stupendous sight as a rising glow illuminates the horizon, indicating the beginning of another beautiful day in the desert. (Sight)

NIGHT SKY
Because the sky is often so clear at night, the stars are quite bright against the dark sky.  This is a star-trail shot I took, which is a technique combining hundreds of photos into a single image. (Sight, Feel)

VIBRANT CONTRASTS
The amber light in the morning and evening hours. The bright warm sun in the afternoon, and the diverse textures  of the desert create vibrant contrasts that can only be found in the desert southwest of the Arizona Sonoran Desert.  (Sight)

If you live in, or have ever visited Arizona, please leave a comment below and share with my readers and me your favorite Arizona spring sights. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with friends and family by linking or posting on social media.