The symbol of the western deserts is the magnificent saguaro cactus-a tall plant with forked arms. There is no better place to photograph this wonderful subject than around Tucson, Arizona. If conditions are right, the best time to visit Tucson is during spring-the prime desert wildflower season. However, it is worth visiting at other times of the year. High in the hills there are summer wildflowers and fall color.
Late summer brings thunderstorms.
Nothing is more spectacular than driving out to the West Unit of Saguaro National Park during an afternoon thunderstorm to photograph the dark clouds and lightning bolts in the west with saguaro cactus in the foreground. May. Each plant, though, has its own time. March has the most variety with penstemon, brittlebush, fairy duster and desert marigold in bloom. The giant saguaro cacti start blooming in early May and run through early June. However, you must be lucky and early to catch the saguaro bloom.