| By Amanda Oien
| Illustrations by Lucy Small

From late February to April, Tucsonans embrace the few months of bliss—  the season when the mountains turn emerald from the winter rains and snowmelt, when once brittle branches transform into leafy stalks with sunset hues and radiant violets and magentas: Hello, Spring. 

Saguaro National Park, Catalina State Park and Picacho Peak are hotspots for wildflowers, but a drive isn’t always necessary to see why Tucsonans get to brag about our sunny spring days to our East Coast friends. Afterall, #WestCoastBestCoast, right? 

While many of us find ourselves practicing social distancing and staying inside, it’s also one of the most beautiful times of the year; which is why we’ve put together a Southern Arizona Spring Bloom guide for your six-feet-away nature walks. So the next time you Facetime a loved one, you can expertly identify those “pretty orange flowers at the end of the street.” 

We challenge you to a Southern Arizona Spring Blooms scavenger hunt. Be responsible with your social distancing outdoor activities: stay home if you feel sick, keep six feet of distance, don’t touch your face and wash your hands. And of course, bring water and wear sunscreen. 

If the wildflowers' hues have you feeling crafty, download our coloring sheet version below:

While on your wildflower scavenger hunt, tag us on social media at @tucsonguidemagazine