Spring is the Time to Visit Tucson!
Spring is one of the best times to visit Tanque Verde Ranch. While the rest of the country is still thawing from the harsh winters—we are enjoying sunny, blue skies, and warm weather. Although the weather doesn’t change too drastically throughout the year, much of the wildflowers and desert floor start to bloom and burst with color in mid-March. Even the saguaro themselves start to bloom in April to May.
With the change in scenery ahead of us we want to welcome you to the ranch to see it for yourself. Our Desert in Bloom package is the perfectly priced opportunity to see the colors burst into action. This all-inclusive package includes a cactus flower walk, special spring menu items, desert flower water coloring, blooming desert mountain biking, and 20% off select spring spa services.
Strap on some comfortable walking shoes and join us for the Cactus Flower Walk, included in the Desert in Bloom package. Head up the Rincon Mountains and take in the bursting colors of the cacti. See a variety of cacti growing in different shapes and sizes.
The Cactus Flower Walks are integrated in our Desert Nature Strolls and Sunset Cactus Walks. These include interpretations about the vegetation and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert. The Sunset Cactus walk is Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m. and the Morning Cactus Walk is Tuesdays from 7-8:30 a.m. These times may change with the summer season. Our very own naturalists, Marcia (Nature Center Supervisor), and Rick will provide insight on flowers and answer questions throughout the walk. Depending on the season, the walks are typically 1.5 to 2 hours.
There are two dozen different varieties of indigenous cactus. Because of the significant rain that we received in the fall and winter (which is unusual), 700 different varieties of wildflowers will bud. Yes, 700! This spring we will have an incredible display of wildflowers so don’t forget your camera!
Also included in the package is the Desert Flower Water Coloring. This unique experience is led by local watercolor artist Cal Cook, who is highly respected in the Arizona art community. Meet Cal and tap into your creative side with this happy hour art class. The supplies are provided and include brushes and a watercolor kit. Not sure about your artistic ability? No need to worry, Cal will walk you through step by step on what to do. The watercolor tour is one and a half hours and you are able to take your art with you and display it at home where you wish.
Last but not least, the Desert in Bloom package has a discount of 20% off select spa services. There’s nothing that could prepare you more for spring, mind, and body, than a day at the spa. Treatments include the Arizona Sun Embrace, Healing of the Desert, and Cooling Cactus Sugar Scrub. Relax and feel the stress melt away as you enjoy the Arizona Sun Embrace. In this treatment, you will enjoy a stone crop body wrap and massage. The Healing of the Desert is a Stone Crop luxurious facial massage. The stone crop is a succulent plant whose water-storing leaves have been used for centuries as a first-aid ointment in the healing of abrasions and burns. Let the stone crop properties restore and hydrate your skin. This facial helps reduce hyperpigmentation. Gently remove impurities and restore the look of balance. Our talented therapists can cater to your service. Book your appointment today by calling 1-800-234-3833.
The Desert in Bloom package is offered from April 16 to May 30. Rates start at $395 per night. Enjoy spectacular scenic views of the desert and mountains, kick back and relax in the luxury of your room, and enjoy the endless amount of fun activities to do all while the desert is bursting with vibrant colors.
