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Scottsdale, Arizona: Learn Your Cacti

Can't tell a saguaro from an octotillo? Now you can -- with the help of little signs along the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive.

Desert Foothills Scenic Drive

Address:
N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Directions:
Desert Foothills Scenic Drive is the northernmost part of N. Scottsdale Rd and extends from Happy Valley Rd northward to Carefree Hwy, a distance of six miles. The exhibit area -- with lots of little signs -- is on the east side of Scottsdale Rd about a quarter-mile south of Jomax Rd.
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Plant ID Aid.

Learn Your Cacti

I'd recommend stopping at the visitor area. It's on the east side of the road. Take right into it after you pass Happy Valley Rd coming from the south.

[Carter Sutton, 07/09/2020]

Desert Foothills Scenic Drive sign.

Learn Your Cacti

The Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, north of town provides a very easy way for visitors to see and learn to identify Sonoran plants such as the saguaro (the one with the arms), octotillo and ironwood. Small redwood signs identify the plants. The drive, which was originally developed in 1963 and maintained for more than 20 years by residents, was recently restored. The restored signs are along both sides of a 6-mile stretch of Scottsdale Road (now a 4-lane highway).

[Les Conklin, 12/15/1997]

July 2020: Photo added.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Frank Lloyd Wright's SpireFrank Lloyd Wright's Spire, Scottsdale, AZ - 6 mi.
America's Largest SundialAmerica's Largest Sundial, Carefree, AZ - 7 mi.
Musical Instrument MuseumMusical Instrument Museum, Phoenix, AZ - 5 mi.
In the region:
Hole-in-the-Rock, Phoenix, AZ - 18 mi.

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