Plan a park visit. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's operating hours depend upon the time of the year. From March through September (the hottest months in southern Arizona), the park is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; from October through February, the hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. During June and August, the desert museum is open until 10 p.m. on Saturdays, providing a unique view of desert wildlife and scenery at dusk and nighttime. Check the museum's online calendar for special events, including the twice-a-week "Walk with a Keeper" tour that gives behind-the-scenes access to the care of animals at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Drive to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Its address is 2021 North Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743. Take I-10 West to Speedway Boulevard and turn left. Continue straight on Speedway 12 miles through a winding, mountainous area called "Gates Pass." Turn right on Kinney Road and drive 2 miles to the desert museum, which is located on the right-hand side of the road. While the desert museum is easy to get to, allow extra travel time. The winding road through Gates Pass and possible construction delays on Speedway may cause delays. Have a camera handy to capture the dramatic desert vistas you will see during the drive.
Buy admission tickets. Tickets can be purchased online in advance (see Resources), or upon arrival at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Admission prices vary, depending on the time of year. If you are visiting the museum on a budget, go in June or August, when the desert heat is at its peak and adults pay only $9.50 for admission. Arrive early to avoid high sun exposure and to see the outdoor exhibit animals. During September through May, adult tickets are $13. Visit the desert museum's website for information about membership and kid's-ticket pricing.
See desert animals. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum hosts a wide variety of species, including mountain lions, prairie dogs, Gila monsters, American black bears and Apache trout. Meander along one of the many paths and discover coyotes and javalinas in their natural habitats. See endangered desert animals and learn about ADSM's conservation efforts. Enjoy a rattlesnake show to learn about desert snakes, see various species firsthand and learn about snake-bite first aid.
Experience the Sonoran desert. ADSM's educational initiatives will teach a visitor many things, including the true definition of a desert; the four seasons and typical desert weather conditions; how to differentiate cacti; and how to explore the desert. Examine the online calendar to discover what is currently in bloom in the desert, but know that you can enjoy the sights of the prickly pear, cholla, palo verde and giant saguaro all year long.
