Today we’re sharing everything you need to know about wildflowers in the East Valley and kid-friendly trails to find them.
The presence of wildflowers is highly dependent on how much rain we had during the winter months, so this year may not be as robust, but you’ll most likely see at least some of the more common wildflowers.
I’ve rounded-up of some kid-friendly trails that often have wildflowers in the spring that are close to us in the East Valley, making it an easy morning adventure that’ll have you home for lunch.
Just remember, wildflowers are for admiring, not picking.
XO,
Merkle Trail (Usery Mountain Regional Park) for Wildflowers
The Merkle Trail is one of our favorites and the first one we did with our toddler before she was even two. It’s an easy, mostly flat 1-mile loop around Merkle Hills within Usery Mountain Regional Park. The path is not only great for kids but it’s also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but must be leashed.
This is a great spot to check out wildflowers, especially if you have younger kids who aren’t ready for a bigger hike yet. We’ve spotted poppies, brittlebush and blue lupine here in previous years. You also have the option to hike the Vista Trail which connects into the Merkle.
The Vista is less than a mile long with a 140 foot elevation gain. The trail has some rocky parts but our toddler has been able to hike it with a little help. The summit offers great views of the Superstition Mountains and the Phoenix valley.
Entrance fee: $7 per car
Difficulty: Easy
Brown’s Ranch Trail (McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve) for Wildflowers
This is a 3-mile trail within the McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale.
It’s a great one to do with kids because the trail is very wide and has some sandy stretches for kids who need more stable ground. It’s also a gentle hike with only a 100 feet elevation gain.
If three miles is too long for your kids, you can always stop at any point and turn back.
The end of the trail does featurethe namesake Brown’s Ranch but the entire hike allows the possibility to spot popular wildflowers such as golden poppies and brittlebush. This trail is also suitable for dogs and mountain bikers.
Entrance fee: Free
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Treasure Loop Trail (Lost Dutchman) for Wildflowers
We love the Superstition Mountains, so a hike within Lost Dutchman State Park is definitely one I recommend. The Treasure Loop Trail is more of a moderate hike, but it offers fantastic views all around and spotting wildflowers is usually a good bet.
The trail is just over 2 miles long with about 500 feet of elevation gain. The hike starts out fairly flat and gets a little steeper about half a mile in. Along the way, there are benches for some much-needed snack and water breaks.
If it’s a good wildflower season, usually the slopes of the Superstitions will be filled with colorful flowers, in addition to the flowers you’ll find right along the trail.
This is a popular trail so if you’re planning to try it on a weekend, I’d recommend getting there early to snag a parking spot at the trailhead.
Entrance fee: $10 per car
Difficulty: Moderate
Mormon Trail (South Mountain) for Wildflowers
South Mountain offers a big variety of trails for hikers, but the Mormon Trail offers several options for families depending on ability levels.
The trail connects to other trails such as the National Trail and Hidden Valley Loop for those wanting to extend their hike. But if you’re just looking for a moderately challenging hike, take the Mormon Trail up to Fat Man’s Pass. Kids will get a kick out of the rock formation that forces you to squeeze through. You can stop here and head back because it’ about 2 miles to this point.
I’d recommend this hike for kids who are around 5 or older since it’s likely the younger ones will get tired. But during the spring, your efforts will be rewarded with some beautiful views of color flowers and the stunning desert landscape.
Entrance fee: Free
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Looking for more tips for hiking with kids? Check out these other posts by East Valley Moms:
