Carefree Desert Gardens
The Carefree Desert Gardens is a desert oasis located on four acres in downtown Carefree, Arizona. The garden features rare and fascinating desert plants. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour and enjoy the beauty of these unique plants. The gardens are free and open 365 days a year. It is one of only two botanical gardens in the Valley.
Located adjacent to Easy Street, the Carefree Desert Gardens feature a huge sundial, the third largest in the Western hemisphere. The gardens’ founders wanted to make the sundial an enticement for visitors to drive to Carefree. There were no paved roads or freeways in the area, and so they had to create an attraction that would get people to come to the town.
Carefree Desert Gardens also has a Children’s Playground and a bubbling pool. It is a great place for kids and their parents to spend the day. The children can play in the water, and there is a slide in the play area that is named after the Gila Monster. The gardens also welcome pets on leashes. Visitors can also enjoy the gardens’ free plastic bags and waste disposal bins.
The Sonoran Desert is renowned for its natural healing properties, and the Carefree Desert Gardens’ Spa is no different. In addition to a variety of body and facial treatments, the Desert Gardens’ exclusive services are sure to soothe tired muscles and ease stress. You can also enjoy the unique, signature Carefree Massage, which is designed to awaken the senses and promote relaxation.
Located in Carefree, Arizona, Carefree Desert Gardens features a zoo with a wide variety of desert plants. There are prickly cacti, barrel cactus, mesquite trees, and even birds. The area is also near many golf courses, including Boulders and Dove Valley Ranch.
Visitors can walk the grounds, or reserve a tour. The desert botanical garden features benches and water stations along several trails. You can also take a class or two to learn about desert plants. In the Spring, the Maxwell Wildflower Loop trail offers a breathtaking view of wildflowers. The Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert loop trail is also interesting, as visitors learn about the life of ancient Arizonans. The garden also includes many herbs and edible plants.
If you’re planning a trip to Arizona, you can’t miss out on the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. This botanical garden is one of the oldest in the state. There are thousands of varieties of plants in this garden. The gardens are meticulously maintained and open every day. Throughout the year, there are special events and classes. Browse around this site.