Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about me and my website:
Q: What kind of camera and lens do you use?
A: I use a Canon EOS Digital SLR Camera with a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens and a Canon Speedlite Flash.
Q: Where are the best places to see wildflowers in this part of Arizona?
A: I lived in Tucson, Arizona, so the places I know about are near there. California Poppies, lupines, and other early spring wildflowers are usually best here in March, while our desert trees and pricklypear cacti start to bloom in April as the weather warms. Summer wildflowers are best during during August.
Good places to see spring wildflowers:
- Along the Catalina Highway (Mt. Lemmon Highway) up to Molino Basin Campground (there are pullouts and overlooks along the road). In good years, Molino Basin Campground has Doubting Mariposa Lilies and penstemons in April.
- In Sabino Canyon. This riparian canyon usually has water in it, especially during the winter and summer rainy seasons. I like to take the tram up to the last stop and then walk back along the tram road down the canyon to tram stop 1, and I then take the tram back to the visitors center.
- In Saguaro National Park (east or west). There are scenic drives and trails in both the east and west park units. Saguaro National Park West is usually better for early spring wildflowers.
- Along the road just before the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is near Saguaro National Park West.
- The Sweetwater Trail west of Tucson.
- The 50-Year Trail in Catalina State Park.
- For large-scale wildflower displays, Picacho Peak State Park north of Tucson is the place to go (call first though to see if anything is blooming).
A good place to see summer wildflowers:
- Fields of Arizona Poppies can be seen in August along East Whitehouse Canyon Road (the first part of the paved road to Madera Canyon) just before mile marker 6.