More than 50,000 plants from the world's deserts, with a particular focus on the Sonoran Desert right outside the gates. Five themed trails cover plants and people, desert ecology, pollination, and wildflowers — none of them strenuous, making this accessible to anyone. The Cactus and Succulent galleries showcase everything from tiny barrel cacti to towering saguaros, some over a century old.
Spring wildflower season (February–April) is the busiest and most spectacular time. The garden stays open late on Friday and Saturday evenings through summer, when it's cooler and the light is better for photography.