Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden - Fountain Hills, Arizona

Moana Hopkins

It's small, in a 6-acre crevice between two neighborhoods. There are cacti that were attacked by pack rats. One cactus had a red hue on its spines and very wavy pattern I've not seen before. The garden is just over 1/2 mile round-trip, easy on the downslope and uphill. Do wear a good pair of closed toe shoes, it's a rocky path, and rattlesnakes have been reported in the area. There are only 4 parking spots, and this is free entry. Please, be responsible, don't eat here on the trail, but if necessary, take any of your trash out with you. It's easy walking for kids 5+, moderately difficult for those under that age.

Jennifer Vaughan Flick

The other reviews are quite accurate. It undulate up down and around and feels like a bigger area that it actually is. Walked it after a night of rain - GORGEOUS. The water from the bottom of the old stone dam comes through pipe and runs along the rocks at the bottom of the canyon like a little creek bed. The signage about the plants is really great, not only naming the plant, but explaining a bit about their history & usage by the local natives. Other signs give education about geology on the trail. Yes, it's therefore a botanical garden, with maintained trails that meander in loops and give a great little snapshot of our beautiful Sonoran Desert. No, it's NOT an exercise trail unless you're really not normally an exerciser... Watch your footing, it's not merely a "path," it's a trail, albeit an easy one.

Michael

Apparently "botanical garden" is just a fancy way of saying that a piece of nature has been set aside for conservation with nice placards placed to describe the various plants that grow in the area, as well as to describe historical and other points of interest. Not that there's anything wrong with that! There is a nice trail system that allows you to walk through the area at your leisure and learn a bunch of stuff if you are so inclined.
There is also a sensor at the entrance that counts how many people are visiting - it is clearly labelled that this is NOT a camera, as apparently some people are concerned. It is important to see how much interest places like this generate to justify whatever decisions need to be made.

Shawn Pahl

LEAVE MO TRACE!

Fantastic little slice of heaven in Fountain Hills. You can see the fountain going off from the trails. Parking spot only has four regular parking spots and one handicap

Joan Stearman

Worth the trip. Really small parking lot, 5 spaces, not sure if you are allowed to park on the side of the road. Education signs on the plant life and history, nice. Benches for a rest. You are really close to people’s homes. Saw lizards, rabbits and birds. You need good shoes or hiking boots, lots of loose rocks.

Mike Furughi

It's a lovely little area with easy trail for children to enjoy. Great place to spend an hour with the kids or have a nice walk.

Kathleen Jenkinson

Desert cactus garden, with plant information. Lots of nice trails.

Robert Klingbiel

Great little hiking spot if you want to experience the desert without taking a long trek. Historical dam at the far point.