Sample Group Itineraries

An entire day could be spent exploring the Desert Museum, but the minimum recommended visit length is 2 hours. Please consider the sample itineraries below as you plan your visit, keeping in mind that groups will move at different paces and have different interests. If you have any questions or would like additional suggestions, please contact the Group Sales Specialist at groups@desertmuseum.org or (520) 883-3018.

If you have an entire day…
(a true Sonoran Desert experience!)

• First stop, check the Plan Your Day board on the main entrance patio for a complete schedule of keeper interactions, docent interpretations, and animal encounters. Continue to the Orientation Ramada for a quick overview of the Sonoran Desert region and what makes it so unique.
• On to the Mountain Woodland where you may see mountain lion, black bear, and Mexican grey wolves, followed by the Desert Grasslands for prairie dogs and Vulture Culture.
• While the day is still mild, visit the javelinas and coyotes on the Desert Loop Trail, then grab a spot in the viewing area for Raptor Free Flight at 10 a.m. (mid-October through early April).
• After the presentation, check out some of the other exhibit areas, such as Cat Canyon (bobcats, grey fox); Agave and Cactus Gardens; and Riparian Corridor )bighorn sheep, beaver, otter).
• Make a splash at Stingray Touch (additional fees apply) before wandering through the Birds of the Sonoran Desert exhibit.
• Break for lunch at the Ironwood Terraces Restaurant or Ocotillo Café (seasonal) before heading to the Warden Oasis Theater for the daily live animal program at 12:15 p.m. — Live and (sort of) on the Loose or Fur, Feathers, & Fangs.
• Stop into the Ironwood Gallery for the latest visual art exhibit, then visit the Hummingbird Aviary for entertaining aerial antics.
• In the heat of the afternoon, enjoy some of the Museum’s indoor exhibits: the Warden Aquarium; Reptile, Amphibian, & Invertebrate Hall, and Earth Sciences Center.
• Finish the day with an ice cream treat from Phoebe’s Coffee Bar and a souvenir from the Mountain House Gift Shop.

If you have four hours…
(a half-day visit that leaves them wanting more!)

• First stop, check the Plan Your Day board on the main entrance patio for a complete schedule of keeper interactions, docent interpretations, and animal encounters. Continue to the Orientation Ramada for a quick overview of the Sonoran Desert region and what makes it so unique.
• On to the Mountain Woodland where you may see mountain lion, black bear, and Mexican grey wolves, followed by the Desert Grasslands for prairie dogs and Vulture Culture.
• Grab a spot in the viewing area for Raptor Free Flight at 10 a.m. (mid-October through early April).
• After the presentation, check out the Agave and Cactus Gardens and Riparian Corridor (bighorn sheep, beaver, otter).
• Make a splash at Stingray Touch (additional fees apply), stop into the Ironwood Gallery for the latest visual art exhibit, and visit the Hummingbird Aviary for entertaining aerial antics.
• Finish the day with an ice cream treat from Phoebe’s Coffee Bar and a souvenir from the Mountain House Gift Shop.

If you have two hours…
(just the highlights!)

• First stop, check the Plan Your Day board on the main entrance patio to learn about the keeper interactions and docent interpretations that are scheduled throughout the day.
• Next, visit the Orientation Ramada for some background on the Sonoran Desert region.
• Continue to the Mountain Woodland to visit the mountain lion and black bear, then the Desert Grassland to see the antics of the prairie dogs.
• The Hummingbird Aviary is your next stop, but on the way be sure to check out the Agave and Cactus Gardens to see an impressive variety of succulents and cacti.
• Finally, pick up a souvenir in the Mountain House Gift Shop and see the Warden Aquarium before you leave.