Tohono Chul

08/29/2026

Meet a desert bloom with a few surprises! The Sonoran Spider Lily (Hymenocallis sonorensis) gets its name from its blooms made up of six narrow, curved petals surrounding a shallow cup formed by fused stamens, giving this unique flower its signature spider-like shape.

Related to amaryllis and growing from bulbs tucked underground, this Sonoran Desert native likes to keep its feet wet and can be found growing along streams and other moist spots.

See if you can spot the Sonoran Spider Lily on your next walk through the gardens.

08/28/2026

One last summer night at the Chul! 🌵

Join us tonight from 6–9PM for Chillin’ at the Chul. Live music by Garrett James & The Wanderers, drinks and bites from the Bistro, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

Here’s what’s happening:

-Silent Adventures AZ at 7PM
Adults $15 | Children $5

- Paint & Sip with TJ’s Paint Parties from 6:30–8:30PM
Adults $40 | Children $20

-Bitty & Beau’s Coffee will be on site!

🎟️ Members: Free
General Public: $5
Kids under 2: Free

Bring your friends and family, see you tonight.

08/24/2026

Meep meep! You might know it from cartoons, but the real Greater Roadrunner is even more fascinating.

These desert-dwelling birds can reach speeds of up to 20 mph, have uniquely X-shaped footprints to disguise their direction, and take down prey such as scorpions, lizards, and rattlesnakes.

Keep an eye out for them as you explore the gardens and trails!

08/21/2026

What happens in the Sonoran Desert at dusk?

As day gives way to night, light shifts, temperatures change, creatures emerge, and the landscape takes on an entirely different mood.

SONORAN HOURGLASS: Behold the Gloaming Crepuscular explores these subtle and dramatic movements of time through the desert via the rhythms of air, landscape, plants, creatures, earth, and cosmos.
This exhibit is on display now through November 8th in the Exhibit House Main Gallery.

Join us for the curator’s talks on August 25th & 27th at 10 AM (free with admission).

Send a message to learn more

08/17/2026

Meet Wilson! He's a professional burrower, desert plant enthusiast, and a firm believer in taking life at his own pace.

Like all desert tortoises, Wilson is built for life in the Sonoran Desert. He spends the hottest parts of the day in a sheltered burrow and can go long periods of time without drinking by storing water in his body.

Keep an eye out for him and the other desert tortoises the next time you visit.

08/17/2026

Up close and personal with Ignacio Garcia's Twilight Sonoran. 🌙🌵

This 1,200-square-foot mural transformed the Garden Pavilion into an immersive celebration of a world that is easy to miss during daylight.

Swipe through for a closer look at the mural's details. Can you spot the details hiding amongst the Sonoran Desert’s nocturnal creatures and desert plants?

08/15/2026

These hot summer days have us reminiscing about this rare snowy morning back in 2023. ❄️ 🌵

Did you get any snow that year? We’d love to see your desert snow pics in the comments!