Naposledy aktualizováno v prosinci 3, 2023

Poušť Phoenix je součástí větší pouště Sonoran, což je velká pouštní oblast, která se táhne od jižní Arizony do částí Kalifornie a Mexika.

It encompasses the city of Phoenix as well as Tucson and much of the surrounding area.

The Sonoran Desert is one of the four major deserts in North America, known for its diverse plant and animal life, including cactus species such as the saguaro, ocotillo, and cholla, as well as a variety of reptiles and mammals such as the rattlesnake, Gila monster, and kangaroo rat.

Phoenix is one of the best cities in the US to experience life in the desert, as it is also home to a number of outdoor recreational opportunities, including desert hiking, hot air balloon tours, mountain biking, a lezení po skalách.

Despite its desert climate, the area surrounding Phoenix is also home to a number of resorts and golf courses that offer a range of recreational activities and amenities for visitors.

It is also a somewhat popular destination for birdwatching, as the desert is home to a variety of bird species such as the roadrunner, cactus wren, and Gambel’s quail.

Horkovzdušný balón nad Sonorskou pouští ve Phoenixu, Arizona
Hot Air Ballon over the Desert in Phoenix

Phoenix’s Desert Climate

Phoenix has a desert climate, which means that it receives very little precipitation throughout the year and it is mainly hot and dry, s dlouhým, hot summers and mild winters, and over 300 days of sunshine per year.

Average temperatures in Phoenix range from the mid-30s Fahrenheit (kolem 2 stupňů Celsia) in the winter to the mid-110s Fahrenheit (kolem 43 stupňů Celsia) v létě.

Summer in Phoenix is characterized by hot, dry weather and high temperatures that often exceed 100 stupňů Fahrenheita (38 stupňů Celsia).

The Phoenix area has experienced several significant drought periods in recent history, including a severe drought that lasted from 1999 na 2004 and another that lasted from 2012 na 2015.

Winter in Phoenix is milder, with daytime temperatures averaging in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (kolem 18 stupňů Celsia) and nighttime temperatures dropping to the mid-40s Fahrenheit (kolem 7 stupňů Celsia).

Although Phoenix does experience some cooler weather during the winter, it is generally much milder than in other parts of the country.

If you are planning to visit the Phoenix desert or spend extensive amounts of time outdoors in Arizona, remember to apply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

Sonoran Desert north of Phoenix, Arizona
Sonoran Desert north of Phoenix, Arizona

The Desert Botanic Garden

The Phoenix Desert Botanic Garden was established in 1939 and is operated by the non-profit Desert Botanical Garden organization. It is a popular destination for visitors to the Phoenix area, and offers a variety of educational programs and events, as well as guided tours and self-guided walks.

It is home to a wide variety of pouštní rostliny, including cactus species such as the iconic saguaro cactus, cholla, and prickly pear, as well as a range of other desert plants such as agave, yucca, and palo verde.

The garden features a number of different trails and exhibits, including the Cactus and Succulent Gallery, the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop, and the Helen K. Scharber Herb Garden.

It also has a number of amenities, including a gift shop and a café, as well as rental spaces for events such as weddings and parties.

Zajímavě, many of the desert plants you can find in Arizona are actually edible and have medicinal properties.

The Phoenix Desert Botanic Garden is open to the public year-round and offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages. It is a great place to learn about the desert environment and see a wide variety of desert plants up close.

Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight in Phoenix, Arizona

Sonoran Desert Hot Air Balloon Rides

Hot air balloon rides are a popular activity in Phoenix, offering a unique and scenic way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran desert.

Hot air balloon rides typically take place at dawn or just before sunset, when the weather is cooler and the winds are calm.

There are a number of hot air balloon companies in the Phoenix area that offer rides to visitors.

These companies typically provide everything you need for your ride, including the hot air balloon, fuel, and a trained pilot.

Many hot air balloon companies also offer pre- and post-flight amenities such as refreshments and souvenirs.

Hot air balloon rides in Phoenix typically last for about an hour, and take you on a scenic tour of the surrounding area.

You will have the opportunity to see a variety of landscapes and landmarks, including the city of Phoenix, the desert landscape, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

There is even a Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Festival which is held every year.

It is worth noting that hot air balloon rides are weather dependent, and may be cancelled or rescheduled if conditions are not suitable.

It is a good idea to check with the hot air balloon company for the latest information and to make a reservation in advance to ensure that you can get a spot on a ride.


Přečtěte si také: Sand Dunes in Arizona


The Phoenix Desert Wildlife

The Phoenix desert is not only home to a variety of plants, but also to a diverse array of wildlife. Some of the most common animals that you can encounter in the desert are reptiles, such as lizards, hadi, and turtles.

Some of the most notable reptiles in the Phoenix desert are the rattlesnake, which is venomous and can produce a loud rattling sound with its tail, monstrum Gila, which is one of the few venomous lizards in the world and has a distinctive black and orange pattern on its skin, and the desert tortoise, which is a threatened species that can live up to 80 years in the wild.

Other animals that you can find in the desert are mammals, jako kojoti, bobcats, javelinas, a klokaní krysy.

Coyotes are adaptable predators that can hunt in packs or alone, and can be heard howling at night.

Bobcats are elusive and nocturnal cats that have tufted ears and spotted fur.

Javelinas (or peccaries) are pig-like animalc that have sharp tusks and travel in herds.

Kangaroo rats are small rodents that have long hind legs and can jump up to 9 chodidla (2.7 metrů) in the air.

The Phoenix desert also hosts a variety of birds, such as hawks, owls, kolibříci, and quails.

Hawks are raptors that have keen eyesight and can soar high in the sky. Owls are nocturnal birds that have large eyes and ears and can rotate their heads 270 stupně. Hummingbirds are tiny and colorful birds that can hover in the air and feed on nectar from flowers.

Quails are ground-dwelling birds that have plumed crests and can form large flocks.


The Phoenix Desert Culture and History

The Phoenix desert has a rich and diverse culture and history, influenced by the Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo-American populations that have inhabited the area over time.

The Native American tribes that have lived in the Phoenix desert for centuries include the Hohokam, the Pima, the Maricopa, and the Tohono O’odham.

The Hohokam were the first to settle in the Phoenix area around 300 BC and were known for their advanced irrigation systems and pottery.

The Pima and the Maricopa are closely related tribes that have lived along the Gila and Salt Rivers since the 1500s and were allies against the Apache and the Yuma.

The Tohono O’odham are the descendants of the Hohokam and have lived in the Sonoran Desert for thousands of years and have a strong connection to the saguaro cactus.

The Hispanic influence in the Phoenix desert dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived in the region and established missions, pevnosti, and settlements.

Some of the most prominent figures in the Hispanic history of the Phoenix desert are Father Eusebio Kino, who founded several missions and mapped the area, Juan Bautista de Anza, who led an expedition to establish a route from Mexico to California, and Tubac Presidio, which was the first European settlement in Arizona.

The Anglo-American influence in the Phoenix desert began in the 19th century, when American settlers and miners came to the area in search of land and gold.

Some of the most notable events in the Anglo-American history of the Phoenix desert are the Camp McDowell, which was a military post established in 1865 to protect the settlers from the Apache, the Salt River Valley Canal, which was a major irrigation project that enabled agriculture and development in the area, and the Phoenix Indian School, which was a boarding school that aimed to assimilate Native American children into the American culture.


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