Last spring, I included many, many photos of our wildflowers, and I suspect with the rain we’ve been fortunate to have this past winter, that we’ll have as good, if not better, displays.

While we wait, though, there’s a gallery on my hiking page, that profiles many of the great trails we have and the views you’ll experience when hiking, biking or strolling.

Check them out at the Arizona Hiking Gallery.

Colorful displays are already blooming along the preserve’s two dozen maintained trails with yellow carpets of brittle bush contrasting with the fiery red blossoms of Ocotillo.

Still to come are Lupine, Crimson Hedgehog, Staghorn Cholla, Mexican Gold Poppy and other varieties of wildflowers that call Scottsdale’s Sonoran Preserve home. Check out some of their photos and wildlife here.

And for a preview of what’s to come, check out last spring’s displays on my blog, Springtime in the Desert.

It is easier than ever to explore the preserve and take in wildflower beauty. Nine trailheads are open, connecting to a trail system totaling 60 miles. Three trails opened last May – Tom’s Thumb, East End and Lookout.

The Preserve Gateway, designed to be the main access into the preserve, also opened in May. It’s a great launching point to explore wildflowers and includes an all-access paved loop trail with displays describing the plants, animals and natural history of the Sonoran Desert. The Gateway is located at 18333 N. Thompson Peak Road, between Legacy Boulevard and Bell Road.

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, a non-profit group that works in partnership with the city on the completion and sustainability of the preserve, is operating a “Wildflower Watch” this spring. It will feature reports from dozens of volunteer Conservancy stewards who are out and about in the preserve reporting on the best wildflower locations. To get their daily insights, visit the Conservancy’s website.