Wildflowers are putting on a colorful show this week along the Gates Pass Road west of Tucson — with numerous species in brilliant bloom.
Driving the road, and perhaps stopping at parking pullouts along the way, affords an opportunity to see some of Southern Arizona’s most popular wildflowers without hitting a hiking trail.
Expanses of gold poppies are blooming at several places along the road and on nearby slopes of the Tucson Mountains.
Other species spotted recently in the area include brittlebush, globemallow, fairy duster and desert chicory.
Some hillsides are cloaked with dozens of brittlebush plants, each of them sporting numerous bright yellow blooms.
Keep safety in mind if you plan to stop for a closer look than is possible from a moving vehicle. Park only in paved pullout areas and stay well off the road while observing or photographing flowers.
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To get to the area, drive west out of Tucson on Speedway, which becomes Gates Pass Road and continues over the pass.
