Great Desert Experiences

Want to do something different this summer? The desert southwest offers unique and interesting places to go, things to do, and even hands-on workshops for those who want real desert experiences.

Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden

• Birds in the Garden

Mondays / June-August / 7 a.m.

Join expert birders for a morning bird

walk along the Garden trails. Everyone, including first-time birders, is welcome. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes, and bring binoculars if available.

• Flashlight Tours

Thursday and Saturdays / 7 p.m.

June, July and August

Nights in the desert are anything but dull. Experience a magical twilight adventure in the Garden. Nighthawks fly, night-blooming flowers open, toads sing, and owls watch as you roam the trails with your guide, never knowing what will be around each corner.

Huntington Gardens

• Free Daily Garden Tours

Great desert gardens. Free tours are available with general admission or membership. Tours take place Tuesday through Friday between noon and two p.m., and Saturday and Sunday between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Chihuahuan Desert Gardens and Natural History Museum

University of Texas at El Paso

• Ongoing desert gardens exhibits.

Scottsdale, Arizona

• Arizona's Cactus Blooms & Wildflower Adventure

January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2008

• Doorways to the Past: Hohokam Houses

January 1, 2005 - December 1, 2008

Nevada State Museum

• "Interwoven 2007: Visions of the Great Basin Basketmakers"

On display in the South Changing Gallery, features more thatn 100 unique and expressive contemporary and traditional baskets.

05/12 - 08/05

Every day

Nevada State Museum

600 N. Carson St.

8:30am - 4:00pm

Denver Botanical Gardens

• Ecosystem Field Trips
• Guided Garden tours
• Wild Foods Herb Walk

Rio Grande Botanical Gardens (Albuquerque)

• Daily tours
• Nighttime hikes,

Sunday through Saturday, June 24 - 30, 10:00am-2:00pm. Visit discovery stations around the garden to learn about the bees, butterflies, birds bats and other creatures that help pollinate fruit and vegetables,

• Moonlight Bosque Hike

Tuesday, June 26. Discover the active night life of the bosque on this guided tour.At the new bosque wetlands, we’ll look for bats, hoot for owls and search for other nocturnal animals. Bring your flashlight and your sense of adventure.

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